About This Role
This Laboratory Assistant role at HCA Florida Lake City Hospital involves performing non-technical functions under supervision, including specimen collection, processing, and submission to referral laboratories, as well as patient registration. The position supports department goals for service, quality, regulatory compliance, financial performance, and patient satisfaction.
Responsibilities
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of specimen collection and testing requirements, as well as specimen rejection criteria
- Demonstrate proficiency in venipunctures and/or finger sticks on pediatric, neonatal, adult, and geriatric patients
- Demonstrate proficiency in heel sticks on infants (as patient population requires)
- Utilize supplies appropriately
- Follow established procedures for patient identification and specimen collection-based test orders
- Complete appropriate specimen collection documentation
- Educate patient and/or family regarding specimen collection procedures prior to obtaining specimen
- Use computer information system relative to job functions
- Perform clerical duties (i.e., faxing, phones, pneumatic tube system, reports)
- Demonstrate ability to deal with priorities first and plan for completion of duties
- Review Outstanding Specimen Report (OSR) and pending specimen collections/accessioning issues; take action as appropriate
- Receive laboratory specimens into the laboratory information system
- Perform registration and order entry procedures, as requested, with accuracy and in a timely manner
- Label specimens and aliquots according to established protocols and according to testing ordered
- Centrifuge and aliquot specimens appropriately, based on specimen type and tests ordered
- Prepare specimens to be ready for courier pick-up and include special instructions as requested by physician orders
- Discard laboratory specimens according to established schedule
- Perform periodic preventive maintenance and quality assurance procedures as assigned
- Collect chain-of-custody drug collections according to established policy (as laboratory may require)
- Keep appropriate records/documentation relating to specimen problems and other problems encountered, take corrective action as necessary to ensure validity and accuracy of testing
- Clean the area upon emergency spills of specimens
- Assess specimen requirements for referral testing and troubleshoot any specimen requirement and/or referral testing specimen or order entry issues
- Process, sort, and prepare specimens for submission to referral laboratories for testing in accordance with specimen requirements for tests ordered
- Regularly monitor and review the status of referred testing to assure that results are received and made available to physicians within established turnaround times
- Review Outstanding Specimen Report (OSR) and pending referral testing issues; take action as appropriate
- Communicate and troubleshoot any problem specimens in a timely manner
Requirements
- Ability to interact with co-workers in a team environment, promoting a harmonious and cooperative working environment
- Demonstrate excellent customer service practices in all interactions
- Effectively communicate with all personnel to exchange accurate and timely technical information
- May assist in communication to customers, floors, and physicians regarding problem and/or pending specimens
- 2+ years’ experience performing registration, clerical duties, and sending out of specimen processing
- Follow safety policies and procedures
- Protect sensitive and confidential information by actively participating in the Privacy & Security Awareness program
- Adhere to company policies and standards regarding security
- Complete assigned courses and training on an annual basis
- Available to work during disasters
Nice to have:
- Vocational/Technical Degree
- 1-3 years in a clinical laboratory setting
- Phlebotomy, Medical Assistant, Paramedic or EMT certification
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
- Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
- Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
- Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
- Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
- Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts
About the Company
HCA Healthcare Laboratory Services is a full-service provider of clinical laboratory and anatomic pathology services, offering timely diagnostic information for patient care to hospitals, physicians, and clients. Its infrastructure includes a fully automated esoteric core laboratory in Fort Lauderdale, a histology and microbiology operation in Largo, Florida, and a network of hospital-based rapid-response laboratories across four HCA Healthcare divisions in Florida. The core laboratories support over 250 acute and rehab hospitals, physician practices, surgery centers, and commercial accounts. HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times.
