Job Overview

Employment Type:

Part time

Shift:

Day Shift

Description:

POSITION PURPOSE:
The Medical Laboratory Aide is responsible for receiving, accessioning, and processing patient specimens in preparation for testing according to established laboratory procedures. Technical aides are also responsible for handling phone calls, processing patient data, placing test orders/results and maintaining laboratory records.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Adheres to the principles of caring and expected behaviors outlined in MercyOne Medical Center's Model of Caring and Trinity Health's Code of Conduct, fostering a climate where all customers are treated in a manner consistent with MercyOne Medical Center's Mission and Values.
2. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations, Trinity Health’s Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behavior.
3. Performs other duties consistent with purpose of job as directed.
4. Monitors the collection, transportation, storage, identification and processing of specimens to ensure specimen integrity prior to testing. Takes appropriate action if acceptable criteria are not met.
5. Accurately enters patient demographics, insurance information, diagnosis codes, and laboratory test orders into laboratory or hospital information systems. Accessions specimens into appropriate laboratory system including specific specimen source and collection information.
6. Performs specimen preparation including proper identification, aliquoting, and handling/storage instructions and procedures.
7. Performs specimen processing according to laboratory procedures to include manual processes and instrumentation operation.
8. Performs preventative maintenance and basic troubleshooting of instrumentation and equipment. Communicates problems to appropriate staff members.
9. Observes all safety and infection control practices where indicated.
10. Demonstrates the ability to organize, prioritize, and execute daily workload. Maintains a neat and orderly workplace.
11. Adheres to all Laboratory and Hospital Policies & Procedures.
12. Effectively communicates with laboratory staff and clients in a professional manner. Responds promptly and courteously to client requests, concerns, and questions.
13. Assists in the instruction and orientation of new laboratory staff.
14. Maintains confidentiality with all information consistent with HIPAA and laboratory policy.
15. Maintains adequate supplies levels in the work area and orders items as needed.
16. Attends workshops and continuing education seminars that are applicable to job duties.
17. Participates in committees as approved by supervisor.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
1. Accountability - Holds self and others accountable for behaviors and results. Takes responsibility for own work and supports others in accomplishing their work. Is open, honest, and ethical and complies with all policies, procedures, laws and regulatory requirements. Takes ownership for providing solutions to problems and demonstrates sound judgment in decisions and actions.
2. Continuous Learning - Pursues learning and self-development on an ongoing basis. Demonstrates the appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities in their given field. Proactively takes responsibility for learning about trends, changes, continuing education and certifications as required by the job. Seeks feedback on strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Effective Communication - Practices open, honest, and respectful communication to achieve mutual understanding. Asks questions and practices active, supportive listening to understand diverse perspectives. Conveys information in a way that invites feedback and is respectful of others.
4. Patient/Customer Focus - Creates effective solutions for the needs of patients, fellow employees, and guests.
5. Positive Relationships - Builds and strengthens relationships to successfully achieve organizational results. Works well with others within and across departments to achieve positive results. Interacts effectively with people of different backgrounds, cultures and perspectives. Maintains the self-confidence and self-esteem of others.
6. Quality/Process Improvement/Patient Safety - Seeks to make “what is” better and embraces needed change. Practices openness to new processes and technologies. Works in a collaborative way to implement new ideas, methods and processes that improve quality and patient safety. Proactively seeks to improve team performance.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. In an 8-hour day, the employee must sit for 3 hours, stand for 3 hours, and walk for 2 hours.
2. Employee’s job requires frequent bending/stooping (6-10% of work time).
3. Job requires the use of hands for actions such as simple grasping.
4. Job requires occasional carrying or lifting (21-50% of work time) of objects weighing up to 35 lbs.
5. Has potential for exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous waste and chemicals.
6. Must be able to see at a near visual acuity level.
7. Must be able to speak.
8. Must be able to hear speech.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
High School Diploma or GED required. Medical terminology and experience preferred. Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training is required within 6 months of hire and every 3 years thereafter.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Trinity Health is a family of 115,000 colleagues and nearly 26,000 physicians and clinicians across 25 states. Because we serve diverse populations, our colleagues are trained to recognize the cultural beliefs, values, traditions, language preferences, and health practices of the communities that we serve and to apply that knowledge to produce positive health outcomes. We also recognize that each of us has a different way of thinking and perceiving our world and that these differences often lead to innovative solutions.

Our dedication to diversity includes a unified workforce (through training and education, recruitment, retention, and development), commitment and accountability, communication, community partnerships, and supplier diversity.