Lab Support Specialist (Dallas, TX, US) - Parkland Hospitals

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that’s served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It’s our passion.

PRIMARY PURPOSE Provides processing of specimens and data entry to ensure integrity of specimens and to expedite completion of tests ordered.

MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS

Education

- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Experience

- Three (3) years of data entry and customer service in a laboratory environment preferred.

Equivalent Education and/or Experience

- May have an equivalent combination of education and experience to substitute for the experience requirements.

Skills or Special Abilities

- Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of a personal computer and be able to learn and efficiently use required software.

- Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, visitors and hospital staff.

- Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.

- Must have clear speech, normal hearing, and good visual acuity.

- Must be able to coordinate numerous telephone calls effectively.

- Must be able to handle detailed work and maintain a pleasant demeanor while under pressure.

- Must be able to use sound judgment when making decisions and solving problems. Must be able to exhibit good organizational skills and prioritizing abilities.

- Must be able to maintain accurate records/logs.

Responsibilities

1. Responsible for receiving specimens/blood and tissue products (components, factors, derivatives, and tissues), assessing specimen/product integrity, verifying labeling and documentation, and processing data entry of orders quickly and correctly to ensure that patients are appropriately billed. Checks incoming samples and requisitions. Clarifies unclear test orders on downtime requisitions with patient care providers, in order to ensure proper patient testing.

2. Orders/verifies requested tests in Laboratory Information Systems computer and verifies sample receipt time and date. Labels samples with bar code label to ensure that the two identifiers, patient name and medical record number, on the sample matches that on the bar code label.

3. Prepares/processes specimens for testing/grossing as required by lab procedures. Follows proper specimen storage requirements. Delivers specimen to appropriate work area and other labs as needed. Processes specimens for reference laboratory testing and orders add-ons as needed. Stocks supplies/blood and tissue products as needed.

4. Utilizes appropriate follow up skills to customer-service behaviors to interface with other Parkland internal and external customers on the telephone and in person to give out appropriate information. Provides information to authorized callers regarding access to patient test results.

5. Assists with loading patient specimen on designated instrumentation and performs POC (Point of Care) testing as required.

6. Clocks in requisitions, separates by patient and triages by priority according to department protocol. Handles specimens delivered by couriers, pneumatic tube system, or Parkland staff. Ensures that accessioned specimens are picked up and/or delivered to the appropriate work area in a timely manner.

7. Identifies ways to improve work processes and procedures or methods and makes recommendations to supervisor for appropriate changes to improve effectiveness, productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction that support the overall goals of Pathology, the hospital and PHHS.

8. Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the laboratory area. Follows internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding and reports any unethical or fraudulent behavior.

9. Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements and trends in the Laboratory area by attending in-services and department meetings. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.

10. Maintains a clean working environment to ensure maximum safety for all employees.

Job Accountabilities

1. Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.

2. Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices. 3. Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.

Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status.As part of our commitment to our patients and employees’ wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.