The Medical Laboratory Assistant II has responsibility for the processing, organizing, labeling, and transporting of specimens for laboratory testing. As an experienced and fully competent laboratory assistant, performs advanced functions such as phlebotomy and/or section-specific specialty tasks and serves as a role model and preceptor for other staff. Duties include the input and extraction of data from the Laboratory Information System as well as clerical tasks such as answering phones and filing documents.PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
Serves as a preceptor to less experienced and/or new staff and students by utilizing skills and knowledge to help train and educate others.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Prepares specimens for courier pick up and delivery to referral lab as necessary. Communicates with other laboratory personnel when specimens need to be transported to other areas.
Performs various Laboratory Information System functions. Files requisitions, reports and other pathology materials appropriately. Answers the telephone and refers requests for the delivery of results to physician offices appropriately.
Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues and notifies management of issue and resolution. Serves as escalation support for less experienced staff.
Organizes workload, sets priorities, and troubleshoots workflow issues. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Receives, triages, orders, labels and transports specimens for laboratory testing. Processes specimens, aliquots, and/or slides/blocks according to procedure for samples tested in the laboratory as well as samples forwarded to referral laboratories. Handles STAT samples expeditiously. Assists pathologist and/or other laboratory personnel with specimen grossing as needed.
Recognizes problems (such as mislabels, incorrect tube type, etc.), identifies causes, and takes corrective action to solve basic problems.
Operates automated instrumentation as applicable at entity following all safety measures. Performs and documents any processing equipment maintenance.
Performs one or more of the following advanced functions: - Pre-Analytic: In an outpatient and inpatient setting, performs phlebotomy and other specialized specimen collection procedures for patients; maintains competency of techniques and principles required to perform quality phlebotomy services - Specialty Areas (i.e., Anatomical Pathology, Microbiology, Molecular, etc.): Performs advanced functions such as assisting with frozen sections, special stain procedures, cytology processing, fine needle aspirations (FNAs), and other section specific specialty tasks as per section scope.
Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Guides and mentors section employees and students to help build confidence in skills, knowledge and abilities.
Participates in departmental projects activities, and seeks continuing education opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.EDUCATION
High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
WORK EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 3 years of related experience required
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED
N/A
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - PREFERRED
Relevant certification (e.g., phlebotomy, medical laboratory assistant)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going evaluations consisting of one or more of the following: skills, competency assessments and/or performance reviews
Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
Strong organizational skills to handle a heavy workload and maintain accuracy
Demonstrates a working knowledge of specimen requirements for testing, processing, and proper waste disposing
Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include Hospital / Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
Independently adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing work flow
Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action
Strong training, leadership, and mentoring skills
Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTSWORK ATTIRE
Uniform
Scrubs
Business professional
Other (department approved)
ON-CALLNote that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
On Call
TRAVELTravel specifications may vary by department
May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area
May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area
Company Profile:Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital brings the expertise and latest technology of Houston Methodist to Baytown and surrounding counties. The skilled and compassionate physicians, nurses and staff provide unsurpassed medical care in a close-to-home, state-of-the-art facility. Houston Methodist Baytown is committed to meeting the needs of its growing community through the ongoing facilities master plan expansion project, which includes a new, expanded emergency department, a five-story patient tower, outpatient center, renovated Cancer Center, neonatal intensive care unit and the addition of technologically advanced operating rooms.Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer inclusive of women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.Equal Employment OpportunityHouston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.