Lead Laboratory Assistant, Full Time, Day Shift

Located where miles of breathtaking ocean views meet dense coastal forests, Adventist Health Mendocino County has a rich history serving community members on the coast since 1971. We are comprised of a 25-bed critical access hospital and offer a range of services in Fort Bragg. The Mendocino Coast offers a small-town atmosphere and is known for its natural beauty, from the smallest to the tallest redwoods in the world, to glass bottom beaches and the only oceanfront botanical gardens in the United States. With whale watching, fishing, hiking trails and many more outdoor adventures readily available, this coastal region is a place to immerse yourself in its landscape and history.

Job Summary:

Organizes and coordinates the overall operation of the clinical laboratory phlebotomy and processing area, including staffing and work assignments of the phlebotomists, laboratory assistants, and interns. Directs, implements and updates policies, procedures and protocols to streamline workflow, improve efficiency, and strengthen blood borne pathogen protection/safety measures. Ensures the timely delivery of accurate phlebotomy procedures. Serves as the liaison between phlebotomy, laboratory, physicians, patients, family and other hospital staff. Adheres to all local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies and procedures to ensure privacy and safety while delivering optimal patient care. This position is represented by UFCW. 

Job Requirements:

Education and Work Experience:

• High School Education/GED or equivalent: Required in CA; Preferred in OR and HI
• Associate’s/Technical Degree or equivalent combination of education/related experience: Preferred
• Three years' Phlebotomy experience in acute care environment: Preferred

Licenses/Certifications:

• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) license: Required in CA; Preferred in OR and HI

Essential Functions:

• Obtains blood specimens by venipuncture or skin puncture, according to policy and procedure. Receives and prepares for testing, various types of body fluids, following established procedure to ensure the integrity and positive identification of the specimen submitted. Completes specimen accessioning activities including receiving, sorting, labeling and processing specimen; enters information into the Laboratory Information System. Processes a specimen which may include mixing specimens and spinning the specimen in a centrifuge while maintaining the integrity and quality of the specimens.
• Assesses the condition of specimens, obtains the appropriate assistance regarding the proper storage conditions. Stores, directs and disposes patient specimens according to established procedure. Prints reports/logs, evaluates and follows up discrepancies to ensure that all specimens have been accounted for and processed. Ensures that routine and priority tasks are completed within established departmental time frames.
• Assesses and monitors the Laboratory workload and assigns duties, adjusts assignments, and provides input and assistance during difficult tests. Ensures the completion of routine and priority (emergency and triage) tasks within established departmental time frames, including stepping in to perform tests as needed. Mentors and fosters a constructive learning environment that helps students and new staff build confidence in their skills, knowledge and abilities.
• Participates in laboratory quality improvement processes, including updating and revision of safety and procedure manuals and interdisciplinary projects. Maintains a clean, neat, and safe working environment, including cleaning and disinfecting equipment after each procedure. Maintains strictest confidence of all patient protected health information (PHI) and protects all PHI from accidental, intentional, or inappropriate disclosure. Performs quality specimen handling in compliance with department standards, policies, and procedures, as well as local, state and federal regulatory agencies to deliver the highest level of patient privacy.
• Receives incoming calls for the laboratory and assists the caller as appropriate or transfers these calls to the appropriate laboratory section or person. Performs general non-technical tasks, such as sorting and preparing reports being sent to physicians’ offices, sorts and distributes department mail, sets up meetings and maintains appointment calendars for department. Inventories and orders laboratory accessories and supplies ensuring to maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Organizational Requirements:

Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations as a condition of employment and annually thereafter, where applicable. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.

Adventist Health participates in E-Verify. Visit https://adventisthealth.org/careers/everify/ for more information about E-Verify. By choosing to apply, you acknowledge that you have accessed and read the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices and understand the contents therein.