Specimen Processor

Job Summary

This position is responsible for ensuring proper; collection, processing, ordering, and delivery of specimens to external laboratories. This position ensures the accuracy in each step including the return of the reports to the EHR and ordering providers. Daily responsibilities also include providing guidance to collection staff internally as well as externally, while maintaining a positive customer service experience. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Navigates multiple computer systems and reference laboratory catalogues to ensure proper collection and processing of patient specimens is completed accurately.
• Processes specimens while recording work in an organized manner, ensuring patient specimens arrive at their destinations within expected time frames.
• Coordinates advanced collections and processing of specialty lab testing including body fluids, tissue testing, and other biological materials.
• Enters information accurately for requirements of internal/external specimens as well as clarifies order as necessary to ensure accurate completion of patient testing.
• Handles a high volume of phone calls seeking further information regarding collections and resolution of concerns regarding patient testing.
• Capable of working independently without direct supervision.
• Ordering and registering outreach specimens, following necessary documentation requirements to process insurance and client claims.
• Manages the work unit supplies and kits necessary for processing patient specimens.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Must maintain hazardous shipping materials training competency with approved certification coursework.
• Must maintain clinical trials GCP training.
  
  

Departmental And Additional Job Responsibilities

• Required to perform annual training on shipping and processing of hazardous materials and biological specimens.
• Must be capable of working different rotating shifts as well as weekends and holidays.
• Capable of handling customer service inquiries effectively with both written and verbal communication skills.
• Must maintain proficiency with specimen collection and phlebotomy techniques.
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• Associate Degree in biology, chemistry, physical science or allied health preferred
  
  

Experience

• 3+ years of working experience in a clinical or research laboratory environment required.
• Experience working in a reference laboratory or acute care setting is preferred.
  
  

Essential Physical Abilities/Motor Skills

• Able to travel independently throughout all Memorial Healthcare facilities.
• Small motor skills required for operating modern computer, office, and telephone equipment as utilized by Memorial Healthcare (MHC).
• Capable of utilizing multiple electronic ordering systems and testing catalogues from multiple vendor systems.
  
  

Essential Technical Abilities

• Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.
• Experience with medical terminology
  
  

Essential Mental Abilities

• Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
• Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.
• Ability to focus on details and complex lists of requirements.
• Ability to handle stressful high pace work environment while maintaining focus.
  
  

Essential Sensory Requirements

• Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
• Able to hear for work-related purposes.
  
  

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
• Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
• Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
• Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.