Clinical Laboratory Aide

This position will perform a broad range of duties. It will include duties in the microbiology and/or Histology departments including culture setup and gram stain preparations, processing of Histology and Cytology samples, ordering and registration of specimens, and miscellaneous duties as assigned.

(50%)* Microbiology: Orders cultures in LIS, sets up cultures on the correct media to start incubation; prepares and stains specimens for gram stains. Assists with departmental duties.

(50%)* Histology/Cytology: Orders testing in Co-Path, Preparation and processing of samples, Performs various staining and cover slipping, Assists Pathologists with grossing of samples.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Miscellaneous duties: answering telephones, communication and documentation of test results, department/instrument maintenance duties, supply management, maintains department conditions, manages sample storage, and miscellaneous duties as needed for patient care and department quality.

Registers specimens following all the admitting department protocols.

Orders tests in LIS /CoPath systems, processes samples accurately and efficiently to ensure specimen integrity and identity , distributes specimens to various departments for testing; trouble shoots labeling errors, etc. encountered with samples.

Receives specimens in LIS/Cerner for inpatient samples.

Processes specimens for esoteric testing.

Retrieves specimens from storage for add on or repeat testing.

Provides for the age specific needs of the population served according to department standards and policies/procedures as evidenced by observation, documentation, and peer feedback for patients who range in age from birth to 100+ years.

All other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS:

High School Diploma Required

Organization skills, manual dexterity, customer service skills, communication skills, teamwork skills, and computer skills are required.

MidMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows.

An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MidMichigan Health.

Six (6) months experience in a clinical or microbiology laboratory and/or one (1) year experience in handling biological specimens preferred.

Medical terminology, knowledge of laboratory policies, procedures and protocols are preferred.

Knowledge of MISYS LIS, HIS and admitting policies and procedures are preferred.

Job shadow in Microbiology and/or Histology may be required commensurate to experience in either department.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.

Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.

Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.

Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).

Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time.

May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.

Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material.

Must follow MidMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.

Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.

Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling.

May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.

Physical Demand Level: Light.

Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 11-20 lbs., frequently (34-66% of the workday) 10 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls.