Specimen Processor in dansville, New York at Nicholas H Noyes Memorial Hospital

MAIN FUNCTION:

Processes multiple specimens and accompanying requisitions for drop-off specimens as they come into the Laboratory. Understands and facilitates the flow of both specimens and information into and through the Laboratory so that all testing is properly ordered, delivered to department areas and tested. Has functioning knowledge of the flow of reports from the Laboratory to medical offices. Most processing involves intensive use of the HIS/LIS system for placing orders, retrieving results as requested and adding notation to same.

REPORTS TO: Laboratory Manager/Director

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Accurately performs the technical duties of the position.
2. Receives all out-patient Lab samples coming from outside the department including but not limited to samples from physician offices, Clinic Practices, Medical office collections, Collections from Public Health Nurses, and Groveland Corrections Facilities. This will also include any collections from within Noyes but not collected by our phlebotomy team i.e. draws from the infusion room, ED, OR, OB, etc.
3. Communicates proactively with all specimen collection areas including medical offices, draw stations and nursing personnel.
4. Uses date and time stamp to note time of receipt on all requisitions.
5. Confirms that all samples are properly labeled and match orders for Lab work.
6. Check sample integrity keeping in mind specimen rejection criteria.
7. Documents and places call for new collection if necessary.
8. Confirms that each sample is accounted for, comparing LIS generated batch lists or manual specimen lists with the actual sample tubes, swabs, cups, etc. Signs for each indicating actual receipt of specimen as noted on the requisition.
9. Organizes and prioritizes requisitions and delivers them to the Admissions department for registration into the HIS/LIS system.
10. Makes calls to clarify any issues with samples or requisitions and notes and initials any edits. This includes calling Reference Laboratories to confirm specimen requirements.
11. Takes registered requisitions and places Lab orders in LIS.
12. Distributes samples to Laboratory departments communicating specific handling needs depending on testing requirements and STAT or URGENT priority specimens.
13. If samples must be distributed and processed prior to HIS/LIS order communication must be made to the technician running the department.
14. If sample order has been placed in LIS, specimen barcode labels are to be properly attached to the samples prior to distribution. Aliquot labels are to be kept together per department.
15. Organizes requisitions for filing and review once orders are placed.
16. Organizes batch lists and initials when all samples are accounted.
17. Fills out KPROB forms when needed and makes follow-up calls for resolution.
18. Calls results as requested or when out-of-range values dictate per Laboratory policy in secure location insuring patient confidentiality.
19. Routinely sweeps collection area to gather specimens for processing.
20. Reviews requisitions placed by other Lab personnel as time permits.
21. Covers and performs phlebotomy duties when needed.
22. Assists management in anticipating the needs of the department, initiating new ideas, and setting department goals.
23. Provide input and/or make process improvement recommendations based on data analysis and input from ancillary departments and customers.
24. Assist with the training of the new Lab personnel as needed.
25. Performs other duties as requested by the Laboratory Manager/Director or Pathologist.
26. Exemplifies a positive attitude and customer service excellence in interactions with all contacts.
27. Greets all those who are dropping off specimens in a professional and friendly manner.
28. Maintains a customer's focused attitude by listening closely to all customers, identifying their needs and responding in their best interest.
29. Actively problem solves independently as well as a team player.
30. Maintains a positive working relationship with co-workers by interacting with sensitivity to others needs and functioning as a team player.
31. Independently evaluates situations or issues using sound judgement and critical thinking skills to reach decisions.
32. Uses time productively and takes initiative to identify opportunities to utilize idle time.
33. Informs Technicians in a timely manner when STAT, Urgent or Timed specimens arrive in the department.
34. Communicates with physicians, physician office staff, nursing and other hospital departments when requesting, processing and reporting Laboratory results.
35. Maintains and enhances personal career development, education and competencies.
36. Reinforces the mission, goals and objectives of the organization.
37. Takes pride in representing the hospital by taking extra steps to satisfy our customers with and upbeat, caring attitude.
38. Comply with all hospital infection control policies such as wearing gloves when handling and distributing samples, washing hands frequently, properly cleaning work surfaces when soiled.
39. Respond to Hospital Codes as assigned.

CONTACTS: Outpatients dropping off samples, Laboratory staff, Nurses, Physicians and staff in other hospital departments as well as Reference Laboratory representatives, public health officials and Groveland and Livingston Correctional facilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Sitting, standing and walking for the majority of the day.

WORKING CONDITIONS/HAZARDS: Daily exposure to contaminated materials and communicable diseases. Occasionally confronted with emotional and/or abusive patients and/or family members. Risk of cuts or needlesticks. Exposure to chemicals.

EDUCATION: 2 years of pertinent laboratory experience preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS: Computer skills necessary, clerical and medical terminology background desirable.