| Description:
The following departments are currently recruiting...
Cytology - in Macquarie Park is looking for a Full Time Laboartory Aide to particiapte in a rotational roster between 2pm - 2am. Previous cytology experience a distinct advantage. Onsite secure parking provided.
Histology - our Histology Department, Macquarie Park is currently looking for a Laboratory Aide to work part time Monday to Friday 10:00pm - 6:00am. On site secure parking provided.
The suitable applicant will be proficient in microtomy and embedding. A good working knowledge of histology would be an advantage.
Specimen Reception Area (SRA) has several Full Time Evening Positions available
5pm - 1am, 4pm - 12midnight. Would suit recent Science Graduates with good work references. Full Training and onsite secure parking provided. Start Date February - March 2010.
What is a Laboratory Aide?
Medical laboratory assistants prepare samples of body tissue and fluids taken from patients for analysis. Their work helps pathologists and biomedical scientists to diagnose and treat patients.
The role is practical and varied, and can include:
· receiving and checking samples
· making up chemical solutions
· sterilising equipment
· labelling and sorting tissue samples
· separating blood serum and plasma
· loading and operating machines (eg pneumatic tube systems, analysers)
· preparing and running quality control material
· maintaining stocks of consumable items
· disposing of chemical or biological waste
· inputting patients' data into computer systems
· answering telephone enquiries
· keeping and filing records.
Laboratory Aides may specialise or work in a range of different departments.
Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology Laboratory DepartmentsOur departments are:
Branch LaboratoriesLaboratory Aides in Branch Laboratories are generally multi skilled and will be required to do a wide range of duties associated with many of the speciality departments listed below.
Biochemistry
The Biochemistry Department analyses blood and other biological materials to diagnose diseases such as diabetes, liver and kidney dysfunction, hepatitis, AIDS and monitor the progress of treatment.
Biochemistry Laboratory Aides, in addition to the duties described above. Duties may also include
Cytology
The Cytology Department prepares and studies samples of cellular material collected from patients in order to identify abnormal cells using a microscope
Cytology Laboratory Aides, in addition to the duties described in section 1,
- centrifuge samples and prepare slides
- stain and coverslip slides to enable microscopic diagnosis by scientists and pathologists
Haematology
The Haematology Department tests and counts different blood cells, identifies abnormalities and estimating haemoglobin levels to help in the diagnosis of anaemia, haemophilia and leukaemia
Heamatology Laboratory Aides, in addition to the duties described in section 1,
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Process biological specimens in the receiving area of Haematology.
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Aliquot specimens into other tubes.
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Operate and maintain laboratory apparatusPrepare blood films and perform various other analytical procedures
Histopathology
The Histology Department prepares and investigates very thin tissue samples for examination and using microscopes to establish the cause of illness
Histopathology Laboratory Aides, in addition to the duties described in section 1,
- Prepare cases to be cut up in the Histology laboratory, accessions cases, checks tissue-examination forms and specimens for completeness and accuracy, and labels specimen cassettes and slides with appropriate patient details, according to varied specimen requirements.
- Assist processing of specimens for testing
- Assist scientists to ensure that that all departmental copies of reports and necessary tissue blocks are maintained in chronological/numerical order and according to appropriate storage requirements.
- File and maintain microscope slides and paraffin blocks of surgical pathology cases.
- Perform preventive maintenance on instrumentation.
- Transfer mail, specimens and documents between the laboratory tissue lab and pathologists and histology transcript’s
Immunoserology
The Immunoserology department investigates a patient's immune system to diagnose conditions and diseases such as allergies and autoimmune diseases. To test for various antibody markers to determine a patients susceptibility to identified infections and to determine evidence of a recent infection.
Immunoserology Laboratory Aides, in addition to the duties described in section 1,
- Calibrate equipment
- Maintain Inventory and stock
- Unpack and store reagent and consumable stock
- Load patient samples onto analysers
- Load reagents onto analysers§
- Ensure the department, including machinery and benches are kept clean.
Media
The Media Department makes stocks of 'culture media' which are used to grow micro-organisms when testing samples. It also prepares media, in which cultures are grown, of high standard to ensure the tests that are conducted are successful and that the patient gets prompt and accurate results.
Media Laboratory Aides in addition to the duties described in section 1,
- Prepare and produce media
- Pack and despatch to other laboratories
- Operate and clean machinery
- Record batch process
Microbiology
The Microbiology department isolates and identifies micro-organisms and tests their susceptibility to antibiotics for the diagnosis of conditions such as meningitis, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, tuberculosis and septicaemia
Microbiology Laboratory Aides, in addition to the duties described in section 1,
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Perform microbiology specimen processing: Interpret orders, assure identification of specimens, computer log- in, culture inoculation.
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Perform Urinalysis testing: Computer login, macroscopic dipstick tests, microscopic analysis of urine and other fluids, result entry of data.
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Perform specimen setup of Microscopy: Inoculation of broth and setup of disk diffusion tests and MIC sensitivity studies.
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Performs Medial and Supply Maintenance: Inventory and ordering supplies, media, stains, etc.
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Perform Cleaning Tasks: Cleaning incubators, refrigerators, freezers, and special component parts.
Molecular Biology
The Molecular Biology department investigates infections and disease by identifying specific pieces of DNA.
Molecular Biology Laboratory Aides, in addition to the duties described in section 1,
- Log and sort patient samples into the department.
- Sort specimens to various testing sections
- Maintain Inventory and unpack and store supplies
- Ensure cleanliness standards are adhered to
Specimen Reception - is currently recruiting
The Specimen Reception Department sorts patient samples by priority and specimen type, registers episodes on to the computer system, checks for suitable specimen types, troubleshoots, dispatches specimens to other laboratories, receives results, aliquots, archives and distributes samples to technical depts.
Specimen Reception Laboratory Aide’s duties, in addition to the duties described in section, are:
- Receive specimens from DHM Collection facilities, doctor’s surgery, hospitals or other laboratories as required.
- Record receipt of specimens
- Sort specimens according to set protocol
- Ensure specimens are accurately and efficiently identified, labelled, entered into the laboratory information system.
- Accept or troubleshoot incoming specimens strictly according to set protocol.
- Notify the doctor or collector of any incomplete or unsuitable episodes and of any need for recollection of a specimen.
- Ensure that the specimens are prepared, stored and distributed according to protocol.
- Dispatch specimens to other referral laboratories for testing and receipt of results from those laboratories.
What skills and personal qualities do I need to be a Laboratory Aide?Laboratory Aides must be:
- accurate and responsible, as patients' lives can depend on their work
- good at working under pressure
- able to work well as part of a team
- interested in science and like laboratory work.
A relevant tertiary science qualification, or partial completion of a relevant science qualification, is highly desirable.
What does the job of Laboratory Aide offer me?Laboratory Aides enjoys a rewarding job offering a
- comprehensive on the job training
- supportive team environment
- professional and personal support by being a member of NSW’s premier Pathology practice
- high degree of personal responsibility
- flexible work arrangements
How do I know that I’d like to be a Laboratory Aide?If you answer ‘yes’ to these questions you will have the potential to be a successful Laboratory Aide.
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Attention to Detail
Laboratory Aides work with pathology specimens or make ‘culture media’.
Pathology specimens are an integral part of the diagnosis process and are literally part of our patient. Each specimen must receive the same level of care that is given to the host patient.
This work requires a high attention to detail and a degree of empathy for the patient, whom you will, in all probability, never see.
This work is highly responsible and requires a high level of accuracy. Have I got the skills, empathy and attention to detail required to do this work?
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Yes |
No |
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Liking of Science
Laboratory Aides need to work to strict protocols and procedures. This is important in order to
- protect patient health, maintain their security and treat them with respect
- ensure that specimens are not tainted or spoiled
- protect the Aide’s personal safety.
This work is often required to be done quickly in order that the patient’s doctor can make timely diagnosis and many specimens must be done at once. It is also science at one of its pure applications.
Do I like a job which provides guidance and direction yet allows me the responsibility to perform at my best? Do I like science and do I want to work in a scientific environment?
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Yes |
No |
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Working with People
Interpersonal skills, sometimes in a high workload environment, are important. Working as a team is as important as taking responsibility for your actions.
Getting accurate and timely results to doctors is a team effort and working well as an individual within the team is essential.
Do I like working with people and have I got the demonstrated skills to work cooperatively in a high work volume environment?
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Yes
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No |
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Professional Behaviour
Maintaining good working relations with our doctors and our medical, scientific and support staff is important to provide good quality care and to ensure a successful practice.
Can I deal with our referring doctors and our medical, scientific and support staff in a courteous and professional manner?
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Yes |
No |
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Physical Aspects
While the duties of a Laboratory Aide do not generally require heavy lifting, there may be a requirement to load specimens into machines, empty machines, handle racks and trays and generally lift loads up to 14kgs. Additionally, working in the laboratory requires bending, reaching and twisting. It is not unusual for Laboratory Aides to be on their feet for extended periods.
It is essential, therefore, that Laboratory Aides have the physical fitness to do these physical and often repetitive tasks.
As a responsible employer, Douglas Hanly Moir Pathology and Barratt and Smith Pathology have a duty of care to our staff not to exacerbate existing injuries or to cause new ones. It is essential that all Laboratory Aides have the necessary physical attributes and standard of health to do the job.
Applicants will be asked to sign a statement about their physical and medical status prior to employment. They may also be required to undertake an occupational physical and/or medical examination before an offer of employment can be made.
Am I physically capable of carrying out the physical aspects of a Laboratory Aide’s work?
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Yes
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No
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What else do I need?It is highly recommended that you are vaccinated against Hepatitis B before you are appointed.
Where will I be working?
We operate in Sydney and regional areas of New South Wales. We serve to Port Macquarie in the north, to Wagga Wagga in the south, to Mildura in the South West and to areas west to Dubbo.
You will be employed at our advanced main laboratory in Macquarie Park, Sydney, or at a country or metropolitan laboratory.
Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology and Barratt and Smith operating laboratories are located at:
| Main Laboratory - Macquarie Park
Metropolitan Laboratories |
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Regional Laboratories
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| Crows Nest (Mater) |
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Bathurst - Barratt & Smith |
| Hurstville |
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Dubbo |
| Kogarah (St George) |
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Gateshead (Newcastle) |
| Liverpool |
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Gosford |
| Penrith - Barratt & Smith |
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Mildura - Barratt & Smith |
| Westmead |
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Orange - Barratt & Smith |
| Windsor (Hawkesbury) |
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Port Macquarie |
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Tamworth |
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Taree |
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Toronto |
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Wagga Wagga |
When will I be working?The hours required will be on the specific job advertisement that you have responded to.
What training will I receive?New medical laboratory assistants are trained by experienced senior colleagues. Their training covers:
- a comprehensive orientation course
- health and safety
- routine laboratory procedures and emergency procedures
- maintaining and using laboratory equipment
- working with hazardous materials
- preparing and working with specimens
- disposing of waste materials safely.
Medical laboratory assistants sometimes work towards certificates of competence for the safe performance of various duties.
Our Values
We take our values seriously. They underlie all our relationships at work and define the behaviour of all employees. All employees are expected to live these values at work.
Our motto: "We take it personally"
Our Values
Commit to Service Excellence
Willingly to serve with whom we deal with unsurpassed excellence.
Treat each other with Respect & Honesty
To grow a workplace where trust, team spirit and equity are an integral part of everything we do
Demonstrate responsibility & Accountability
To set an example, to take ownership of each situation to the best of our ability and to seek help when needed.
Be Enthusiastic about Continuous Improvement
Never be complacent, to recognise limitations an d opportunities for ourselves and processes and to learn through these.
Maintain Confidentiality
With regard to patient records and all information pertaining to patient as well as other professional and commercial issues.
Assessment of applications
Applications will be assessed on the applicants’ match to the job criteria and the information requested in the ‘How do I apply?’ section of this information pack.
Applicants may expect an initial telephone interview with progression to a formal interview.
How do I apply?
Complete the application section of this page.
1. Paste your letter into the “letter box”. Your letter will tell us
o which position you have applied for
o how you meet the qualifications and experience requirements of the job, and
o why you think you would like to be a Laboratory Aide with Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology and Barratt and Smith Pathology.
2. Attach your resume in the “Attachments” box. The system will only allow you to upload one document.
It should contain the following information:
- your full name
- your address
- your contact telephone number
- your highest formal education level
- relevant qualifications in the medical/science/health fields (these are desirable but not essential)
- employment history – Your employment record for the past 3 years including
- employers’ name
- your job title
- brief description of your duties
- the reason why you left.
- the names of two work related referees and their contact details
- if you have been employee of a Sonic Healthcare practice, where and when you were employed.
If you are having difficulties applying through the web site, you may email you application to jobs@dhm.com.au
What Happens Next?
1. Your application will be assessed to see if you have successfully met all the selection criteria
2. If your application indicates that you have met the selection criteria, you will be contacted by phone by a Laboratory Manager to answer a few preliminary questions
3. If the Manager assesses that you have initially been successful in meeting our standards, you will be invited to attend an interview.
4. You will be asked to complete the Fitness for Work Declaration before being interviewed by the Manager who will be your supervisor.
5. Following the interview your referees will be contacted.
6. Subject to your health assessment, interview and reference checks, you will be offered a position of Laboratory Aide.
Fitness for Work Declaration
This declaration will be given to applicants to complete before thier interview.
This form is for your information only and should NOT be filled in at this stage.
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Fitness for Work Declaration
An illness, injury or disability is NOT a barrier to the consideration of an application for employment. This information is necessary to enable Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology/Barratt and Smith Pathology to provide you with a safe system of work in the event that you are offered employment, and to enable the provision of appropriate assistance. The disclosure of any such information will not be used to discriminate against you because of the existence of any such disability or medical condition.
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Please answer each question by circling Yes or No. If you circle yes, please provide details.
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| Are you currently being treated for any illness, injury or disability (physical or psychological) that may affect your ability to safely perform your job? |
NO / YES (If YES, give details) |
| Are you currently taking any medicines, tablets or other treatments that may affect your ability to safely perform your job? |
NO / YES (If YES, give details) |
| Have you had any reaction to using bleach, soaps or hand washing lotions? |
NO / YES (If YES, give details) |
| Have you had any reaction to wearing personal protective equipment (gloves, glasses): |
NO / YES (If YES, give details) |
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Has your health been affected by any of the following tasks?
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| Reaching above shoulder height or lifting items of < 14 kgs: |
NO / YES (If YES, give details) |
| Kneeling and / or bending regularly: |
NO / YES (If YES, give details |
| Typing, data entry and use of visual display unit (computer screen) for up to 2 hours per day: |
NO / YES (If YES, give details) |
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During the course of previous employment have you made any Worker’s Compensation claims?
If yes, has the claim been finalised? If not finalised, give details:
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NO / YES |
| Have you ever received any payment, involving your resignation from employment, in redemption of a liability under a Worker’s Compensation Act? If yes, please provide details of the date of resignation and name of employing authority in which resignation took effect: |
NO / YES |
DECLARATION |
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| I certify that the above information is to the best of my knowledge true and correct and that I have no condition or injury that would preclude me from undertaking the full range of duties and tasks as indicated in the Laboratory Aide Information Pack. I understand that a false declaration may result in my contract of employment with Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology/Barratt and Smith Pathology being terminated without notice. |
| Applicant’s Signature |
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