PRN Specimen Processing Tech
Kansas City, Kansas
Job ID: R-38707
Overview
Our nurses are leaders and decision makers, working closely with physicians to provide the best care and most advanced treatments. On our team, you’ll work in an environment of respect and professionalism, and you’ll have the support to advance your nursing career in the direction you choose. Find out more about the wide variety of opportunities for nurses at The University of Kansas Health System.
Responsibilities
Job Summary
The Specimen Processing Technician is a position within the clinical laboratory and microbiology that is responsible for managing specimens once they arrive in the department and handling multiple pre-analytical variables. Depending on the area of the lab, this may include, but are not limited to: positive patient identification, correct tube types, specimen conditions and integrity and how they affect laboratory results. The Specimen Processing Technician accepts samples in the laboratory and performs tasks including releasing orders out of the Hospital Information System (HIS), receiving specimens in the Laboratory Information System (LIS), and processing specimens to include aliquoting and preparation for the automation line. The specimen Processing Technician troubleshoots specimen and order issues and communicates with care providers across the Health System. The Specimen Processing Technician working in Microbiology is responsible for performing pre-analytic functions such as: specimen receipt, sterile processing, specimen manipulation including sonication and tissue grinding, determination of appropriate culture media for different specimen types and plating. The Specimen Processing Technician follows regulatory, accreditation, safety and hospital standards, policies and procedures, and participates in quality assurance and quality improvement activities.
Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions
- Creates Registration encounters, releases orders out of HIS when indicated; receives samples in LIS; prints barcode labels and affixes labels to specimens.
- Completes order entry functions or paperwork as required. Ensures proper container type, centrifugation, specimen sterility, and transport conditions for specimens.
- Ensures positive patient identification, correct specimen collection and handling/transport; performs specimen processing duties and prioritizes based on urgency
- Ensures the specimen and orders received are appropriate for requested testing. Prioritizes specimens based on clinical urgency. - Performs specimen processing duties including but not limited to: aliquoting urine and body fluid samples, supply storage, Kanban supply, inventory monitoring and storing patient samples appropriately.
- In Microbiology, uses sterile techniques to handle, manipulate, and inoculate specimens on to culture media, including but not limited to determination of selecting the correct culture media based on specimen, order and protocols, sterile aliquoting, sonification and tissue grinding.
- Assists in pathology specimen preservation, by adding formalin to specimens, and/or paging residents or providers as needed.
- Fields inquiries and communicates information in written and verbal formats. Answers the phone and provides customer service to internal and external customers following established standards.
- Consults Specimen Processing Coordinator, supervisor or lab leadership when appropriate.
- Assists other staff with processing questions or automation line issues.
- Assists with training new hires, students, or medical students, if applicable.
- Disposes of bio-hazardous materials, chemical waste, sharps and other potentially hazardous materials according to policy and strictly adheres to safety and infection control procedures. Uses and wears PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as necessary to perform job duties safely and minimize risk.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
- These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.
Required Education and Experience
- High School Graduate
- Less than 1 year 6 months of experience in a clinical laboratory - working with biological specimens
Preferred Education and Experience
- Completion of a Phlebotomy program
- 1 or more years experience in specimen collection and processing
Preferred Licensure and Certification
- If required by position to be filled, must obtain Department of Transportation and International Air Transportation Association certification within 180 Days
We are an equal employment opportunity employer without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status or genetic information.
Quote
The main reason I love coming to work is because of the amazing team. We promote a nursing culture that encourages kindness and teamwork, and I absolutely love that about our hospital.– Riley Ferree, RN
Benefits
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Healthcare
Our robust medical, dental and vision package allows you to choose options that are best for your family. We offer life, disability, and accident insurance plus voluntary offerings such as critical illness insurance and identity theft protection.
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Giving back
In addition to the quality healthcare we provide, we have opportunities to serve externally in our community in activities throughout the year.
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Team-based culture
At the health system, we are a team. If you are highly skilled and motivated but don’t want to work in an “everyone for themselves” culture like many academic institutions have, this is your place.
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Support and Resources
We have a comprehensive wellness program with resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional health. Our new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) includes free counseling sessions and legal advice options.
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Tuition Reimbursement
We offer tuition reimbursement for formal education credits.
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401(a)
We offer a retirement savings plan with an employer contribute.
Success Profile
What makes a successful Nurse at The University of Kansas Health System? Review the traits we’re looking for and see if you have the right combination.
- Compassionate
- Acccountable to Team
- Takes Initiative
- Possesses Integrity
- Patient-Focused
- Desire to Grow & Develop
Our Culture
- Work with a team that supports you, in a place where you will feel you belong and will make a difference. We empower staff to put the patient first in all things – even beyond clinical care. We value people.
- Driven to serve: Every employee makes an impact, regardless of your role – no matter if you’re in scheduling, facilities or clinical staff. We know that each step of the process ultimately impacts the patient.
- Our leadership is approachable, open-minded, and adaptable to challenges in healthcare.
- We demonstrate values proudly and consistently. Values such as diversity and inclusion are important to our staff; there is a desire to see this reflected by the health system internally and externally.
- Even though we are a large organization, our employees feel the health system’s resources, culture and commitment to quality allow them to provide exceptional care for patients.
- Our health system welcomes patients and cases that other hospitals cannot. This represents our commitment to care and our passion to challenge ourselves and be the best.
- We are a true healthcare leader in the region, rooted in experience and excellence.
- We offer unique opportunities for professional development, as well as convenient pathways for onsite continuing education among healthcare professionals and staff – from GED to CEUs.
- We make a difference in our communities by improving the health and lives of our patients.
- We also support our communities through Health System Employees Reaching Out events.
- Specimen Processing Technician - M - F 11am - 7:30pm Kansas City, Kansas
- Medical Lab Scientist - Core Lab Evenings PRN Kansas City, Kansas
- Core Lab Manager Kansas City, Kansas
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