Medical Lab Assistant, Full-time

Overview

Central Maine Healthcare is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving 400,000 people living in central, western and Midcoast Maine. CMH's hospital facilities include Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital. CMH also supports Central Maine Medical Group, a primary and specialty care practice organization. Other system services include the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, a regional trauma program, LifeFlight of Maine's southern Maine base, the Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center and other high-quality clinical services.

If you are passionate about making a difference and are looking for your next great career opportunity, we look forward to reviewing your application!

Responsibilities

Position Summary:

The Medical Laboratory Assistant performs specimen collection, under the direction of the Supervisor or Medical Technologist, routine CLIA Moderately Complex clinical laboratory testing using automated and manual procedures to obtain data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease, following established standards and procedures.

Essential Duties:

• Performs clinical laboratory procedures according to established standards and procedures, using proper technique and equipment in the performance of duties to assure biological and physical safety, and accuracy.
• Work must be performed accurately in the judgment of the supervisor and with no more than two documented major errors per evaluation year.
• Follows written procedures to independently perform routine diagnostic testing which may include, but is not limited to, the following:

o Hematology, Urinalysis, Coagulation, Chemistry, Therapeutic Drug monitoring, Microbiology, Serology.o Plans, organizes and prioritizes work duties to complete tasks within normal work hours and utilize time efficiently.o Consistently notifies supervisor or charge technologist of all unusual or significantly abnormal results.o Communicates specimen requirements, normal ranges, and basic technical information to other personnel.o Assists in the departmental inventory program as assigned.o Consistently phones results to physicians or nursing staff, and/or communicates alarm values appropriately.o Identifies questionable orders for review by supervisor.

• Routinely performs quality control and maintenance procedures as a part of normal workflow.
• Performs and documents QC tests on all instruments at the appropriate times. Identifies significant problems with quality control and equipment as they arise with no more than two major, documented errors per evaluation year.
• Accurately identifies problems encountered in routine workflow, and reports these problems to the appropriate supervisor or charge technologist, as determined by supervisory observation and review.
• Performs basic troubleshooting, and corrective maintenance procedures independently as determined by supervisory observation.
• Consults with supervisory/charge personnel related to corrective procedures and responds to their direction, as determined by supervisory observation with input from charge personnel.
• Properly collects and prepares specimens with efficiency and accuracy for subsequent testing to ensure the accurate and timely reporting of results used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The following assignments are monitored by the supervisor with input from the phlebotomy supervisor, and must have no more than 2 documented major errors per evaluation year.
• Properly identifies all patients, according to Laboratory protocol, prior to collection of any specimens.
• Properly labels, according to laboratory protocol, all specimens collected.
• Performs all phlebotomy procedures (venipuncture, capillary collection, and assisting nursing service in collection from lines), according to laboratory protocol.
• May be required to perform sample collection by capillary puncture in the neonatal age group and to document specific competencies in this procedure.
• Performs phlebotomy rounds as scheduled and responds to STAT orders as required.
• Performs successful venipuncture and capillary collections within an acceptable time period. Can organize and prioritize workload and perform tasks without loss of accuracy and composure.
• Collects throat swabs for subsequent testing by microbiology.
• Performs template and duke bleeding times, according to laboratory procedure.
• Instructs patients in the collection of urine, stool, sputum, and semen specimens according to departmental requirements to ensure accurate reporting of tests.
• Identifies adverse reactions encountered during specimen collection and handles appropriately.
• Utilizes functions of the information system including all functions associated with ordering and resulting laboratory tests.
• Maintains patient confidentiality as it applies to patient information with no willful or careless violations of the confidentiality policies of the institution during the evaluation year.
• Interprets physician orders and enters their test requests into the computer assuring information is consistently accurate as determined by supervisory observation.
• Accurately records and verifies the results and findings of procedures via the computer system with no more than two major documented errors per evaluation year.
• Maintains and increases professional knowledge. This aspect of performance will be assessed by supervisory review.
• Assumes responsibility for own competency and continuing education by participating in continuing education, as evidenced by CED documentation record.
• Assists in the development of new procedures and testing methods as assigned, under the direction and supervision of other technical personnel.
• Participates in the orientation and training of new employees by job shadowing.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Registration as a Phlebotomy Technician by ASCP or equivalent preferred.
• A.S. degree in Medical Laboratory Science or related science from an accredited school. Nontraditional routes to establish skill level may be accepted after review of experience and education.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Able to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to engage patients and team members utilizing the CMH Experience Standards

• I am creating a warming, caring, and non-judgmental environment.
• I am actively listening and seeking information.
• I am honest, truthful, and consistent.
• I am respectful, treating all individuals with dignity and empathy.
• I am serving as a role model, taking both initiative and ownership when appropriate.
• I am working collaboratively and demonstrating teamwork.
• I am resilient and adapt to change in positive ways.

• Demonstrated ability to direct and triage in a highly fluid dynamic operational environment.
• Ability to collaborate with all layers of the management/ administration team.

Employment Status

Shift

Equal Employment Opportunity

CMH actively promotes diversity in its workforce at all levels of the organization. We strive to create and maintain a setting where we celebrate cultural and other differences and consider them strengths of the organization. CMH is an equal opportunity workforce and no one shall discriminate against any individual with regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status with respect to any offer, or term or condition, of employment. We make reasonable accommodations to the known physical and mental limitations of qualified individuals with disabilities.