Lab Support Tech I - ECU Health

ECU Health

About ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital

ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital is a 114-bed community hospital located in Ahoskie. Serving four nearby counties, the 15-bed emergency department sees approximately 18,000 patients per year. ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital provides a wide range of health services, including medical, surgical and radiation oncology. In addition, the Wound Healing and Pain Management clinics serve as referral centers for neighboring ECU Health hospitals and providers.

Position Summary

Processes patient requests for outpatients and outside account patients. Performs venipuncture (on individuals of all ages), skin puncture (on individuals of all ages), and arterial punctures (on individuals greater than 16 years of age) on outpatients, hospital inpatients and outside account patients. Prepares specimens from hospital inpatients, outpatients, and outside account patients for clinical and reference laboratory testing. Maintains required documentation to comply with accrediting agencies. Efficient performance of these duties requires a person with manual dexterity, accuracy of work, mental alertness, and physical endurance. The job requires a neat appearing, pleasant, tactful individual with a sincere interest in others. Must be able to cooperate with others in the team and follow ECU Health and Pathology personnel policies. Must be able to follow directions and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

1. Prepare patient specimens for laboratory testing. Specimen identification is verified by correlating patient medical record number, name,date of birth, date/ time of collection and source against submitted request(s). If any required information is not present or is incorrect the specimen processing is stopped. Appropriate documentation is completed and forwarded to charge person for appropriate follow up. Once sample is deemed acceptable, the specimen requests are accessioned in the Lab Information System using the appropriate function. The date / time of sample collection and receipt date / time into the laboratory are entered as well as workload codes. Computer barcode labels are generated and are correctly placed onto the samples using proper orientation. The samples are then transported to the appropriate technical department via pneumatic tube or foot courier for testing to proceed.
2. Processes patient requests and performs venipuncture, skin puncture, and/or arterial puncture. Patient identification is made by receiving verbal confirmation from the patient and correlating with the requisition. Identification issues must be resolved prior to specimen collection. Appropriate documentation (picture ID and insurance information) is obtained for outside account patients. Patient identification is confirmed prior to sample collection and the appropriate specimens are collected. Orders are accessed from appropriate source (EHR, manual request) for hospital outpatients and entered into the LIS to generate barcode labels. Can obtain the correct tube type , minimum sample requirements, and protocols for special tests (Glucose tolerance tests, HLA testing, obtaining blood for legal purposes). Verifies expiration dates on all supplies prior to use. Good verbal communication skills are necessary to convey to the patient the purpose of the visit and the proceedure to be preformed. Demonstrates proper handwashing prior to sample collection. Demonstrates the ability to locate appropriate site with no more than 3 attempts per patient. Skillfully performs venipuncture, skin puncture, and/ or arterial puncture using aseptic technique. Cares for the puncture site with particular attention to patients under 2 years of age, patients on anticoagulant therapy, or patients with arterial punctures. Monitors puncture sites and reports any complications. Maintains composure in every situation when dealing with guests, or other medical staff members. Gives instructions to patient on proper collection of urine samples. Workload is independently managed so that patients are handled in a timely manner. Verifies collection status of specimens in LIS. Practices safe procedures in regards to use and disposal of biological hazards and sharps.Skilled at handling needle, tubes, and other equipment so that accidental punctures to patient, self, or co-workers is minimized.
3. Clean and maintain equipment and environment. Work space and patient areas are maintained in a clean and orderly manner. Cleaning / disinfecting of work surfaces are done daily or whenever blood or body fluid contamination occurs. Refrigerators and freezers are cleaned according to specified schedule. Demonstrated the proper techniques for containing biologic spills and proper disposal.
4. Maintains properly documented records of activities. Refrigerator and freezer temperatures are documented according to CAP specifications. Data for Quality Improvement monitors are collected daily ( Outpatient log book, Specimen identification discrepancy). Manual physician orders are sent for scanning. Internal courier log sheets are completed.
5. Monitors HIS and LIS. Able to resolve or effectively communicate issue so that proper corrective action can occur in a timely manner. During scheduled and unscheduled downtime are able to notify charge individual in an efficient manner. Demonstrates the ability to determine proper downtime procedure to implement , insure so that workload flows smoothly and recovery time is minimal.
6. Demonstrates phlebotomy knowledge and skills necessary to provide service appropriate to the age of the patient in the following developmental stages : Infant, Child, Adolescent, Adult, and Elderly.
7. Perform other duties as assigned. Assists with the training of students and new employees. Perform EKG in outpatient setting. Assist with stock needs. Flexible with scheduling needs to assure resources are utilized in an efficient manner.

Minimum Requirements

High School or equivalent (or higher)

Phlebotomy certification by ASCP or other nationally recognized certifying agency is preferred

6 months experience in a hospital or reference laboratory setting, physician office outpatient clinic or other medical setting is preferred

Other Information

Location: ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital

Shift: Days

Hours: 32 Hours per week

Weekends: No

On-Call: No

Great Benefits!

General Statement

It is the goal of ECU Health and its entities to employ the most qualified individual who best matches the requirements for the vacant position.

Offers of employment are subject to successful completion of all pre-employment screenings, which may include an occupational health screening, criminal record check, education, reference, and licensure verification.

We value diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Decisions of employment are made based on business needs, job requirements and applicant’s qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other status protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint.

Contact Information

For additional information, please contact:

Brandon Peppers, Talent Acquisition Consultant

ECH Health Talent Acquisition

Email: Brandon.Peppers@ecuhealth.org