Lab Assistant

Medical Laboratory Assistant – Anatomical Pathology

By providing exceptional service, the Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) supports the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) strategic plan and VITALLY YOU philosophy which includes the:

Values – Team Up. Be Kind. Do Great Things. Inspire Trust. Be Bold.

As an integral member of the Laboratory team the Medical Laboratory Assistant, the MLA may perform specific tasks under the direction of the Charges/Team Leaders/ Medical Laboratory Technologists in the areas of Specimen Receiving, Chemistry, Hematology, Transfusion Services, Microbiology, Histology and Cytology. The Medical Laboratory Assistant responsibilities include:

• receiving, sorting and processing specimens following established procedures and guidelines; preparing, handling and dispensing reagents, stains, and solutions, as required; coding requisitions for data entry.
• preparing specimens referred out to other testing sites, performing report handling and other associated clerical duties.
• assisting in inventory and supply control.
• organizing workload among technical team to ensure the efficient operation of the laboratory demonstrating financial accountability for time, resources and supplies
• performing laboratory procedures as outlined in the procedure manuals for the discipline - specific functions.
• ensuring the maintenance of quality assurance and equipment within assigned area of the laboratory.
• maintaining an inventory management system for the efficient utilization and distribution of laboratory equipment and supplies.
• maintaining a system for detecting, documenting and reporting discrepancies/errors and taking appropriate action(s) as required.
• reading and signing off on new and/or revised procedures, protocols and performance standards in collaboration.
• providing feedback to the appropriate leadership for improvements or corrections for policies and procedures
• liaising with other Laboratory and RVH staff, external laboratories, hospitals and physicians’ offices
• maintaining Accreditation Canada - Diagnostics compliance
• participating in initial and refresher training for new and current staff
• participating in staff and patient experience and feedback initiatives, professional development, teaching/ educational activities, safety and quality improvement programs to ensure excellence in the provision of services.
• observing and understanding RVH and departmental policies and procedures, adhering to RVH and departmental mission and vision statements while maintaining patient confidentiality; performing other related duties consistent with the job classification, as assigned, requested, or required.

The above responsibilities are not to be considered all-inclusive; may be assigned other related duties in the interest of efficient operations of RVH or effective patient care.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated knowledge of Accreditation Canada - Diagnostics program preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of current technologies within the field.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and professionally with staff, physicians, volunteers, patient families, and visitors.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks at a time in a cost-effective manner.
• Demonstrated ability to perform duties independently and as a team member, with high degree of motivation and independent judgment.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellent attendance and schedule flexibility.
• Demonstrated excellent conflict resolution and change management skills.
• Demonstrated strong critical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Demonstrated proficiency with keyboarding, Laboratory Information Systems (Meditech preferred), MS Office, internet use and other computer software.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuing education and performing mandatory reviews.

EDUCATION

Completion of Grade XII or recognized equivalent required.

Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Certification from Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario (MLPAO) required.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum one (1) year recent (within 3 years) Anatomical Pathology laboratory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology essential
• General knowledge of all areas of the laboratory preferred
• Thorough knowledge of the theory and practices of laboratories procedures, automated instruments/equipment and special techniques preferred
• Working knowledge of ACCREDITATION CANADA - DIAGNOSTICS requirements
• Previous data entry/computer experience essential
• Meditech and LIS knowledge and experience an asset

Membership and participation in other relevant professional organizations an asset.