Pathology Aide

SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of and reports to the Pathology Manager and within Hospital and department policies and detailed instructions and procedures, performs routine preparatory work for Technicians and Technologists and routine service duties in maintaining the laboratory areas in a clean and orderly fashion. Incumbents may perform any combination of the following duties, depending on the area assigned.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Receives and accessions specimens for processing, paying attention to the demographic information on the requisition slip and specimen label.

Also checks specimens prior to testing using established procedures for specimen integrity and suitability for testing.

Processes a variety of laboratory samples such as blood, urine, stool, body fluids, etc.

Interpret orders and requisitions to determine aliquots needed for distribution to the laboratory.

Processing can include splitting, pouring, relabeling, disposal or delivery to designated laboratory sections. Responds to pneumatic tube, load automation line as well as receive and sort courier deliveries.

Triage STAT specimens.

Logs specimens into computer system, takes temperatures, records receipt of supplies, rotates stock, loads and unloads samples from instruments and performs limited function (waived) testing.

Enters necessary information on log sheets and/or into the laboratory computer system. Performs a variety of clerical duties including duties associated with coding and billing. Prepares and maintains detailed records of laboratory procedure requests and results; coding outpatient billing forms and generates appropriate billing data.

Answers telephone and responds to general and specific information requests.

Responds to and assists in tracking and resolving lab related problems and concerns.

Ensures all actions are in compliance with confidentiality policies and in accordance with the Standard Operating procedures.

Employs precautionary measures in handing and disposal of blood specimens and materials following all general safety regulations and procedures.

Carries out and documents quality control and maintenance procedures.

Notifies supervisor of any equipment malfunctions or unacceptable quality control results as established for each quality control procedure. Keeps all areas clean while working and performs regularly scheduled cleaning duties as defined in the lab area.

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The level of knowledge gained from the completion of High School with some course work in the fields of biology and chemistry.

Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

General knowledge of variety of laboratory tests and procedures for obtaining and handling laboratory specimens for processing within various sections of laboratory, in order to respond to requests for information; to receive, prepare and distribute specimens to appropriate laboratories; to identify specimens requiring special handling; to be knowledgeable in the use of universal precautions.

Organizational and clerical skills to maintain a variety of logs and records.

Ability to operate a personal computer. Interpersonal and communication skills to exchange factual information with physicians, nurses, external laboratories, etc. regarding laboratory services, test results, and test procedures.

EXPERIENCE:

At least one year progressively more responsible related experience to become familiar with various laboratories’ procedures for handling specimens and entering test orders into the computer system.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Works in the laboratory, where there is some exposure to unpleasant odors, infectious materials, toxins and other hazardous material.

Hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety precautions and procedures.

Sits, stands and walks intermittently throughout the day.

Physical ability needed to lift and carry laboratory equipment and materials.

INDEPENDENT ACTION:

Performs independently within the department’s policies and practices.

Refers specific complex problems to the supervisor when clarification of the departmental policies and procedures are required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.

Pay Range: 

$20.62-$21.50

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location:

Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type:

M-F 3:00-11:30pm, e/o weekend, rotating holidays

Work Shift:

Evening

Driving Required:

No

Union:

International Brotherhood Teamsters