Clerk/Technician at Waterbury Hospital – Waterbury, Connecticut

SCOPE OF POSITION:

Perform a variety of routine and special collection techniques to obtain identified patient specimens and delivery of these specimens to the Laboratory area. Responsible for the proper care and treatment of the patient population. Reports to Outreach Technologist and Support Service Manager, Laboratory.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collects and prepares samples for analysis identifying at draw station and/or patients' homes using appropriate technique and equipment for the patient population served. Stores and/or transports samples as prescribed by standards in laboratory procedure manuals. Universal precautions as well as hospital infection control policies must be employed at all times.

• Accurately labels all specimens immediately after procedure is completed using computer generated labels or handwritten requisitions. This is to include all Blood Bank specimens. Process all specimens according to laboratory protocol.

• Collects and handles all specimens by adhering to published test lists and Laboratory procedures to insure the validity of all Laboratory specimens. Check requisitions for Medicare Compliance where necessary.

• Enter patient registration information into HIS from paper registration form or by direct interview of patient. Recognizes incomplete information on Laboratory requisitions and takes proper steps to resolve the problem.
• As required performs venipunctures at an offsite facility or skilled nursing facility and transports the work back to the laboratory for testing.

· Processes orders for Laboratory testing using established order entry procedures in HIS.

• Maintain test trays and working areas/Lab cars in a clean and sanitary condition and dispose of all bio-hazardous materials in appropriate container. Perform Inventory Control of supplies, workload tally and general organization of the draw station.

• Keep current on advances in Laboratory Services. Participates in and share continuing education to maintain professional development and competency for the patient population served including neonate, infant, child, adolescent, adult, and older adult patient.

• Promotes effective working relationships and work effectively as part of the "team" to facilitate the shifts ability to meet goals and objectives.

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have basic computer skills and ability to access internet and other programs applicable to Waterbury Hospital procedures.
• Perform automated functions that fall within job responsibility.
• Good Communication skills
• Ability to interact with internal as well as external customers with tact and confidentiality.
• Ability to work in a standing position for long periods of time; bending reaching required, light lifting, less than 5 pounds.
• Exposure to all patient elements, i.e., blood borne pathogens.
• Driver's License with good driving record
• One year of phlebotomy experience preferred.
• Current BLS certification
• High School degree