Job Description

Prep Technician
Full-time, Evenings (3:30p-12a, every third weekend)

As a Prep Tech at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, you’ll join a team that has been committed to caring for the local community for 150 years and be a part of a culture that's dedicated to improving lives. Our full-time employees enjoy a robust benefits package which may include health insurance, 401(k), flexible scheduling, licensure/certification reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, and student loan assistance for eligible roles.

Job Summary 

Process specimens from Satellite drawing areas, nursing homes, home health agencies, and doctors' offices. Read and interpret doctors' orders. Obtain clarification of any questionable orders. Accurately enter patient demographic and billing information and order correct tests. Enter proper priority. Assure proper identification of samples. Accurately label specimens using bar-code labels produced by the Laboratory Computer System and deliver to the appropriate areas of the Laboratory. For commonly referred specimens, have a working knowledge of the collection requirements and preparation steps. Can communicate this knowledge to physicians, nursing and other personnel as needed. 

Essential Functions

Processes specimens; verifies that all information is complete. Accurately uses patient double identifier on tubes /swabs and labels and affix labels properly. Scans sample containers for expiration dates. Monitors all samples types for appropriate sample requirements. Rejects samples if needed. Has a working knowledge of the collection requirements and preparation steps for specimens Checks specimens on transfer lists. Accounts for all specimens. Distributes samples to the proper departments in a timely manner. Meets turn around times and productivity standards established for the department. Answers telephone calls and directs calls properly. Faxes patient reports as needed. Reports Stats, Critical results in a timely and efficient manner. Performs mini registration. Enters patient demographics accurately. Uses social security number (if available) to locate patients. Uses LIS to receive Phlebotomy collected and nurse collected specimens. Use correct initials, edit collection time, and enter comments Receives Cytology/Pathology specimens when they are combined with clinical tests. Orders tests as needed. Completes paperwork as needed. Labels samples and delivers to departments. Places orders accurately. Knows common abbreviations for tests. Uses correct priority for STATS and CALLS. Call for missing or unclear information. Complete a QI form if unable to obtain information. Prepares and packages samples that are sent to reference laboratories. Requisitions and maintains inventory of supplies needed for specimen processing and referred testing. Assesses the data for neonatal, pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients in special units or in general units which commonly care for age specific patients. Performs other duties as assigned. Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

Less than 2 years previous job experience or training required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Finger and manual dexterity to handle small equipment. Finger sensitivity required to locate veins. Verbal ability to communicate with patients. Clerical accuracy in labeling specimens and completing requisitions for reference laboratories.

We know it’s not just about finding a job. It’s about finding a place where you are respected, valued and where your work is purposeful and fulfilling. A place where your talent is recognized, professional development is encouraged and career advancement is possible. 

Wilkes-Barre General Hospital is Northeastern Pennsylvania’s largest community hospital with 369 beds and a medical staff of more than 400 physicians representing nearly 60 medical and surgical specialties. Wilkes-Barre General Hospital has long been recognized for excellence in heart and vascular care, and offers advanced treatment for wide-ranging specialties, including orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery and minimally invasive robotic-assisted procedures.