Covenant Health

Medical Laboratory Assistant, General Laboratory

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Night Shift

Morristown Hamblen Overview:

Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System has 167 licensed beds and 23 emergency suites. The hospital offers outstanding ancillary services including Laboratory, Radiology and Therapy services. At our Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, women can have their annual mammograms, biopsies, and can meet with a nurse navigator if needed. The Women’s Center offers six newly remodeled labor and delivery suites and has a secure nursery for the care of our newborns. It serves an eight-county region in the Lakeway Area and is equipped with modern technologies and expert staff to provide the best possible patient care. Learn more about our amazing facility at https://www.morristownhamblen.com/.

Position Summary:

The Medical Laboratory Assistant performs the pre-analytical and preparatory portion of the testing process for routine and specialized clinical Lab tests for use in diagnosis and treatment of patients by physicians. The individual will perform only those processes that s/he has been trained and found competent in performing. Must also be able to perform the duties as a Sr. Laboratory Assistant.

Recruiter: Alexa Robbins || arobbin2@covhlth.com || 865-374-8110

• Performs preparatory functions necessary to complete routine and high complexity tests that the individual has been trained in. Functions include
  • centrifuging, pouring off specimens, preparing specimens for testing, and archiving specimens
  • preparing peripheral smears
  • staining peripheral smears by automated method
  • loading primary bar-coded specimens on an analyzer
  • primary inoculation of microbiology specimens, including slide preparation and staining by automated method
  • preparation of 24 hour urine containers with preservatives
• Follows the Laboratory’s procedures for specimen handling and processing, and preparatory steps.
• Documents all corrective actions taken when the test process deviates from the Laboratory’s established performance specifications. Does not submit patient specimens for testing until all corrective action has been taken.
• Identifies problems that may adversely affect a test result and either correct or notify a licensed Laboratory employee to assist.
• Utilizes the LIS in patient accessioning; monitors incomplete and collection lists.
• Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots applicable Laboratory equipment, e.g. centrifuges, stainers, etc, as trained to use.
• Checks Communication boards at least weekly.
• Plans work to insure maximum productivity with minimum amount of ‘carry over’ work, while keeping overtime to a minimum. Responsible for communicating to the next shift and other appropriate staff needed information about patient samples or equipment performance.
• Acts as resource person for phlebotomy if trained appropriately, including outpatients.
• Maintains and disinfects work area.
• Assists with coverage of the pneumatic tube system, processing and distributing specimens.
• Handle biohazard wastes according to policy.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all patient, co-worker and business information at all times.
• Use proper judgment in releasing information; analyze situations and take appropriate actions.
• Assists in the orientation and training of new and existing employees.
• Responsible for care, maintenance, trouble-shooting and notification of the Manager when equipment is in need of repair or replacement (i.e. stainers, centrifuges, printers, fax/copy machines, etc.).
• Performs pipette and glassware cleanings, timer verifications, centrifuge rpms, and thermometer verifications, and pipette verifications
• Responsible for checking and follow-up of incomplete reference Lab reports.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education:

None specified; will accept any combination of formal education and/or prior work experience sufficient to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill and ability needed to perform the essential tasks of the job, typically such as would be equivalent to a high school diploma or GED. Preference may be given to individuals possessing a HS diploma or GED.

Minimum Experience:

Must successfully complete a Covenant Health Training Program specific for the Medical Lab Assistant position.

Licensure Requirement:

Certification by NCA, ASCP or comparable institution is desirable.