Specimen Processing Technician / Winship Tower

Overview

Heart. Soul. Expertise. That's what defines an Emory employee*. No matter where you are in your career, when you chose this distinguished profession, you chose to change lives. We are proud to be the only health system in Georgia with four Magnet-recognized hospitals: Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital, Emory University Hospital, Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital.

Our employees* are integral members of inter-professional teams in hospitals and clinics that are committed to outstanding patient care. We're eager to share what we learn with hospitals around the country, and the world. We've got the backing, knowledge, experience and permission to lead the way in developing new and better approaches to preventing and treating disease, and our patients get treatments years before anyone else.

Become a part of the groundbreaking cancer research and outstanding cancer patient care that are the hallmarks of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Georgia's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Description

Specimen Processing Technician II

Shift hours: 3a - 11a

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Processes specimens for testing in a timely manner and orders tests as needed. Maintains computerized records, resolves and troubleshoots outstanding specimens. Assists with referral testing when requested.

• Uphold the values of the organization including providing and demonstrating exemplary customer service skills throughout the pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical processes.

• Maintains the stock of commonly used supplies, performing routine inspections of supply levels to ensure adequate availability.

• Performs preventative maintenance on equipment as required.

• Receives specimens and performs proper specimen registration and accessing in the computer. Verifies complete courier delivery.

• Reviews test requisitions and specimen labels for accurate information and orders tests appropriately; follows up on all specimens with incomplete information or questionable test orders.

• Initiates pathology resident intervention on unacceptable specimens, as needed. Processes all emergency orders (STATS) within the required time frame.

• Accurately labels and processes specimens for laboratory testing; ensures preservation of the integrity of each sample prior to distributing.

• Processes and prepares referral specimens for shipping to reference laboratories.

• Reconciles outstanding test orders that have not been resolved through standard operating procedures. Initiates intervention on unacceptable specimens, as needed.

• Participates in quality improvement. Verifies each sample received is labeled correctly and received appropriately.

• Operates departmental computer programs to receive and order laboratory tests as required. Performs troubleshooting as necessary.

• Reviews computerized patient information and test requests; checks daily logs and summaries for accuracy and cancels tests as authorized.

• Communicates any issues quickly and respectfully to involved clinician.

• Observes universal precautions, barrier protection methods and infection control and isolation procedures when working with body fluids and other contagions to ensure a safe work environment.

• Takes prompt action to resolve any problem with the registration, collection or processing of all specimens including referral specimen using available procedure manuals or reference materials.

• Escalates issues, problems, and opportunities to supervisory level for resolution. Communicates any issues quickly and respectfully to involved clinician.

• Maintains computerized records resolves and troubleshoots outstanding specimens working Pending Report. Assists with onboarding of new staff as requested.

• Works with supervisor to formulate plan for professional development.

Attends educational in-services and training classes for various computer systems necessary for patient registration and referral testing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prefer High school diploma or equivalent.

• 2 yrs sample processing experience preferred.

• Basic computer skills; medical terminology; cert preferred.

Salary: $15.75- $24.96/hour

The grade and salary of the position are based on specific criteria met within the qualifications of each level, relevant experience, skills, performance and internal equity. This position is eligible for shift differentials.

Additional Details

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.