Job Description

Job SummaryJOB SUMMARY
At Houston Methodist the Specimen Collector position is responsible for performing specialized specimen collection procedures for employees and patients in both in-patient and out-patient settings. Responsibilities for this position include the collection, organizing, labeling and transporting of specimens as well as utilizing necessary data and reporting systems. While performing the duties of a Specimen Collector, this position also iindependently handles patient care and technical issues as they arise within the scope of their job.

Requirements:

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Job responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.

PEOPLE - 25%
1. Contributes to a positive work environment and to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the interprofessional health care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. (EF)
2. Communicating with patients and employees in a professional and empathic manner, assuring them of the confidentiality of the information and explaining the procedures for specimen collection. Communicates daily with supervisor and closely follows directions as provided. (EF)
3. Provides contributions towards improvement of scores for employee engagement. i.e. peer-to-peer accountability. (EF)

SERVICE - 30%
1. Follows established procedure for collecting and handling biological specimens, handles samples expediently. Performs special collections/procedures as directed and according to competency and policies/procedures. (EF)
2. Organizes workload and sets priorities. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks. (EF)
3. Practices in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity and inclusion principles. Anticipates the needs of the patient population. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 30%
1. Performs interactive patient ID. Identifies patient and labels specimen correctly 100% of the time using two patient identifiers. Accurately processes, organizes, orders, labels and transports specimens for laboratory testing. (EF)
2. Recognizes and initiates action to resolve specimen labeling discrepancies. Recognizes problems, investigates the cause, takes remedial action or escalates to leader and notifies management for follow-up. (EF)
3. Maintains a safe environment, following all policies and procedures for safety and infection control, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness. Restocks supplies in the work area as assigned. (EF)

FINANCE - 5%
1. Organizes time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and sets priorities. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 10%
1. Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve quality or service. (EF)
2. Participates in department projects activities and seeks opportunities to expand learning with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an on-going basis. (EF)

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
* High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
* Must have a clinical education or training in one of the following areas including but not limited to: Patient Care Assistant (PCA), Medical Assistant (MA), Nursing Assistant, Nursing student, Graduate Nurse, Phlebotomist, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
* Six months in a healthcare setting preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
* Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
* Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
* Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
* Understands basic medical terminology
* Understands donning and doffing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the importance of infection control principles and best practices
* Ability to exhibit a professional, positive attitude and work ethic
* Ability to manage and adapt to change
* Excellent interpersonal skills required and ability to show empathy and interact professionally with culturally diverse individuals during a time of crisis and distress
* Critical thinking and sound judgment required
* Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
* Familiarity with computer programs (such as word processing and use of spreadsheets) as well as the ability to capture data accurately

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Work AttireYes/No
Uniform No
ScrubsYes
Business professionalNo
Other (dept approved) Yes

On-Call* No (for Non-Exempt or Exempt jobs)

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Event, etc) regardless of selection above.

Travel**
May require travel within Yes
Houston Metropolitan area

May require travel outside No
of Houston Metropolitan area

**Travel specifications may vary by department.

Please note any other special considerations to this job: __________________________

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED
* None