Laboratory Technical Assistant

Department Overview

OHSU is proud to be designated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Just 9 percent of U.S. healthcare organizations hold this designation. We pride ourselves in not only serving our community with the highest of accolades but also pushing a multifaceted mission that strives for excellence within the OHSU Culture.

OHSU is hiring! We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage at low or no cost to employees

• Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents

• Several retirement plans to choose from! - Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan and University Pension Plan, voluntary savings plans (403b, 401a and 457b)

• Up to 200 hours (equal to 25 full days) a year of paid time off

• 96 hours of sick leave a year (prorated by FTE status)

• Commuter subsidies

• Tuition reimbursement

• Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits

• Annual Raises

• Employee discounts to local and major businesses

• Childcare service discounts

• Growth/Development Opportunities

We want you, apply and work with us today! https://www.ohsu.edu/

This position provides technical support to complete laboratory testing for OHSU hospital and CHH-2 clinic patients. The person in this position is authorized to perform moderately complex testing in the following areas; chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, issuing blood products, assisting in bone marrow collection and slide staining. The person provides support to transfuse patients safely, maintain and monitor the blood product inventory, document all transactions relating to blood product movement and use. Specimen processing, test performance, and result reporting is performed independently after appropriate training. Supervisory review of results is required in the case of unusual/complex results, procedural problems, or when dictated by policy or procedure.

The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with an attitude, which will best serve the clients of the department. These clients will be internal and external to Clinical Pathology (CP) and Anatomical Pathology (AP).

Function/Duties of Position

Performs data entry and sample processing for samples received for testing in CP and AP Lab

• Checks accuracy of specimens, requisitions and labels.

• Performs computer entry in EPIC, test request and billing functions.

• Accurately labels samples, requisitions, and appropriate specimen containers

• Ensures that all samples are logged in to the lab and triaged in a timely manner

• Centrifuges samples and transfers to appropriately labeled containers

• Directs samples to technologists and testing areas or stores samples for future testing.

• Notifies technologists or appropriate lab when priority work is received

Laboratory testing duties

• Performs urine dipsticks and centrifuges urines for microscopy.

• Performs kit testing for example; strep A, urine hCG.

• Performs testing with accuracy, speed, and efficiency, using the Beckman Coulter AU700, Beckman Coulter Access2, and Sysmex XN instrument.

• Follows written procedures and policies.

• Other laboratory duties as needed

Bone marrow bench duties

• Schedules appointments for bone marrow assists.

• Performs bone marrow assistance at the bedside for physicians performing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, according to written procedures.

• Observes the aspiration, determines if the specimen is adequate, prepares slides, prepares or preserves specimen for additional testing as needed.

• Prepares and ensures all "Kit Tests" and processed and sent out to performing Labs.

Blood product duties

• Assist with maintaining and managing an adequate inventory of perishable blood products and ensure that excessive wastage does not occur. Monitor products stored in refrigerators and incubators

• Choose appropriate blood products for patients based on urgency of need, available inventory, lab results, and therapeutic requirements. Consult with Medical Technologist as necessary

• Issue and return blood products according to SOP and documenting in computer system. Respond appropriately to alerts.

• Document transactions involving blood products correctly and legibly.

• Document proper temperature and appearance of blood products during storage and while in transit.

• Participate in Quality Assurance activities as assigned.

• Calibrate equipment as assigned.

• Organize, check for accuracy, and report blood product usage statistics as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• A Certificate or Associate Degree from an accredited Medical Laboratory Technician training program;

• OR Completion of a certified Laboratory Assistant training program which includes 45 credit hours in chemical or biological science plus one-year experience in a clinical laboratory, Medical Lab Assistant

• OR Forty-five credit hours of college level chemical or biological courses and two years of experience as a Laboratory Assistant in a clinical laboratory.

• General knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, material, techniques, regulations, and safety.

• Skills in handling laboratory specimens, record keeping, and laboratory equipment

• Skill in using several different computer systems, including word processing, dedicated LIS/HIS, EMR, etc.

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately, and operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment.

• Ability to work independently, within established guidelines to adjust to rapidly changing priorities and apply problem solving skills.

• Ability to work in a multitasking environment and display technical skills at various stations throughout the laboratory.

• Compliance with Code of Conduct, Respect in the workplace and Applicable policies, procedures and agreements related to position, department or OHSU as a whole

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (CLMA(AMT), ASCP or equivalent);

Additional Details

Pay Range: $23.88 - $32.30 per hour

• Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature control problems in building.

• Positions in laboratory departments require the ability to carry and lift up to 30 lbs.; ability to stand or sit for 4-8 hours depending on the tasks assigned; ability to bend, reach, and carry as required for assigned tasks; ability to utilize simple and complicated laboratory equipment and computers; ability to utilize multi-line phones, pagers, dictation equipment, and office equipment.

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.