Lab Assistant

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

Vision – Making Each Life Better. Together.

Mission – Exceptional Care is Our Passion. Safety is Our Promise

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

RESPONSIBILITIES:

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:

assisting the Medical Laboratory Technologist in setting up testing/tasks in assigned area using accepted safety procedures, e.g., urine analyzer maintenance and quality controls, urinalysis, rapid testing set-up, and Group A Strep antigen, and planting positive blood cultures.

receiving, sorting and processing specimens following established procedures and guidelines; preparing, handling and dispensing reagents, media and solutions, as required.

preparing specimens referred out to other testing sites, performing report handling and other associated clerical duties.

assisting in inventory and supply control.

assisting with pipette calibration.

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 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/ABILITES:

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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

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) laboratory experience in a pre-analytic role 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

Phlebotomy collection experience with patients in a variety of health care conditions essential

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION:

Membership and participation in other relevant professional organizations an asset.

Temporary End Date (Anticipated)

Equity & Inclusion RVH is committed to recruitment and selection practices anchored in principles of equity and inclusion that contribute to an anti-oppressive, respectful, and culturally safe workplace. We invite applications from individuals who belong to groups that have been historically marginalized on the grounds identified by the Ontario Human Right Code, including but not limited to race, disability, age, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, family or marital status, and status as a First Nation, Métis, or Inuk person. To learn about how RVH is taking steps to create and sustain an equitable, inclusive, accessible and culturally-safe environment, please visit: https://www.rvh.on.ca/about-rvh/equity-inclusion/ Accommodations RVH is dedicated to ensuring every applicant has a fair and equitable opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities throughout our recruitment and selection process. We are continuously working to create an accessible, barrier-free process, and recognize each applicant’s needs are different. We encourage applicants with a disability or circumstance that could be supported with an accommodation to contact People Recruitment at [email protected]. RVH does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants. If you are interested in this position, please apply online before 11:00 p.m. EST on the Requisition Close Date. If there is no close date listed above, the requisition will remain open until filled.