Specimen Processor

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!

Please Note: Attach the following prior to submitting your application:

• An updated resume with all relevant work experience, education, training, certifications, and/or licenses.
• A copy of training diplomas or certificates.
• A copy of certifications or licenses.

SHIFT HOURS: Various shifts available

JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for processing laboratory samples for testing or research. This includes checking specimen's information for accuracy, entering specimen information in to the Laboratory Information system (LIS), as necessary, and ensuring the right department receives the specimen and information.
 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Job Duties

• Job knowledge. Labels and processes patient specimens accurately and distributes to appropriate areas of laboratory. Processes laboratory samples according to procedure. Centrifuges and prepares aliquots when needed. Maintains specimen requirements at all times according to protocol. Dispatches specimens to the main laboratory or other designated testing facility as per established procedure with fewer than 2 mislabeled specimen
• Quality Orientation: Prints appropriate labels for specimen labeling. Ensures all tests on requisitions are accounted for in the ordering system. If necessary, contacts physician's office to obtain order clarification/verification prior to collecting specimens. Tracks every specimen to ensure specimen integrity, accounting particularly for those samples which must be transported to other locations with fewer than 3 occasions of errors involving maintaining specimen batches (opening, reconciling and closing).
  Prioritizes and organizes activities to achieve optimal and efficient patient care during daily operations. Maintains positive patient identification for all specimens collected, using defined protocols. Maintains patient confidentiality throughout all activities and communications.
• Ensures specimens are processed according to specimen requirements and that all specimen requirements are met. Ensures specimen requirements are maintained during transportation and storage as per protocol with fewer than two instances of processing, aliquotting and archiving errors. Centrifuges and prepares aliquots when needed. Dispatches specimens to the main laboratory or other designated testing facility as per established procedure with fewer than two mislabeled specimens. Document all correct and accurate information in regard to the specimens collected to ensure best is being met daily and may receive specimen using Epic Beaker. May have to enter orders or look up orders in EPIC Beaker. May be required to contact the Core Laboratory for retrieval of specimens (e.g. for add-on test).
  Proficient in maintaining and utilizing the automation track in loading and unloading samples, and troubleshooting errors.
• Monitors pneumatic tube system (if applicable) and ensures when tubes arrive, that specimens and/or reports are removed. Participates in process improvement activities. Logs specimen in archives for efficient retrieval. Maintains awareness of turn around expectations and organizes work duties to ensure expectations are met.
• Ensures all tests are accounted for in the ordering system. If necessary, contacts physician's office or nurse to obtain order clarification/verification prior to collecting specimens. Tracks every specimen to ensure specimen integrity, accounting particularly for those samples which must be transported to other locations with fewer than three occasions of errors involving maintaining specimen batches (opening, reconciling and closing).
• Supplies: Keeps area stocked with essential supplies. Keeps work area decontaminated with proper cleaning solutions and disposes of waste and trash in appropriate containers. Keeps work area well organized and free from clutter. Handles add-on requests according to established procedures.
• Adheres to Patient Safety Goals as defined by UTSW, TJC, CAP, and other regulatory/accreditation agencies.
• Utilizes the Risk Management and Process Improvement tools (Event Reports) in an accurate and timely way to identify issues concerning Quality Improvement and assists coworkers in this process as needed. Follows chain of command when reporting unsafe practices observed.
• Actively participates in the review of the monthly schedule and work assignments in conjunction with the Supervisor/Coordinator. Know daily tasks and be accountable for the daily workflow, including the status of the phlebotomy tracker, work flow assignments, and priority test requests. Also, acts as a liaison/problem solver for phlebotomy issues.
• Attendance Reports for work on the assigned days at the assigned times. Follows procedures regarding requesting and using leave in manner that consistently supports effective job performance.
• Provides training to other Specimen Processors as needed. Monitors pending lists, including but not limited to the unreceived specimen list. Performs other duties as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Required

• Education
  High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred

• Experience
  Previous Specimen Processing experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Able to lift up to 10 pounds
• Requires constant walking
• Work requires exercise of considerable judgment in application, evaluation, and implementation of new or revised procedures, techniques, and practices to work problems.
• Work requires internal contact with nurses, physicians, and allied health practitioner from other departments regarding specimen collection.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

• Physical Demands
  Lifting
  Walking

• Working Conditions
  Hazards
  Laboratory Setting
  May be exposed to body fluids and infectious diseases

PACT STATEMENT

The following is the acronym, "PACT", and is fundamental to all clinical positions at UT Southwestern Medical Center:

• P-Problem Solving: To achieve excellence in patient care and service, all employees are expected to take ownership in solving problems effectively, efficiently and to the satisfaction of the patient.
• A-Ability, Attitude and Appearance: In keeping with a professional healthcare environment, all employees are expected to have the ability to perform their jobs and to appear and conduct themselves in a professional and positive manner.
• C-Communications and Compassion: It is our goal that all our communications are clear, courteous, timely, and delivered with compassion, respect and appropriate confidentiality.
• T-Teamwork