Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

The simulated laboratory is located adjacent to the Legacy Emanuel Hospital laboratory. Patient specimens will be utilized for learning purposes.  A PCC staff member provides training to the students in a 1:4 (trainer:student) ratio. The seventy two hours of practice will take place during 2 consecutive weeks at 4 days a week to allow for an experience closer to the normal workflow in a clinical laboratory. 

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Perform routine hematology, urinalysis, bloodbank and microbiology laboratory tasks in an accurate, timely and professional manner.
• Perform skillful specimen identification, processing, testing and reporting.
• Perform quality control of laboratory test results to ensure accuracy.
• Adapt laboratory techniques and procedures when errors and discrepancies in results are obtained to effect resolution in a professional and timely manner.
• Utilize laboratory information systems with ease and maintain patient medical records confidentiality.
• Utilize universal precaution relevant to the clinical setting.
• Utilize communication skills necessary for working in the health care setting.
• Exhibit professionalism, initiative, positive interpersonal skills, teamwork, respect and integrity.

The course is presented by means of supervised practice in a simulated clinical laboratory setting, complemented by web based instructional media, handouts, informal discussion, demonstrations, observation and  laboratory procedures.  The simulated laboratory allows students to work in an independent setting to help them make the transition from theory to practice before going to the assigned clinical laboratory. 

Student knowledge application, laboratory performance, problem solving skills, punctuality and attendance, participation, and communication skills are assessed in each laboratory department utilizing an evaluation rubric that includes cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains.  In addition students are also required to take online quizzes in each of the departmental areas.  The student knowledge application, performance and demonstration of personal growth determine competency and grade.

Course Themes:

• Routine Laboratory Tasks
• Specimen Processing
• Specimen Analysis
• Quality Control
• Laboratory Safety
• Reporting  - LIS
• Professionalism

Skills:

Knowledge and Application (Cognitive Skills):

• Cognitive processes
  • Explain  theory supporting test principles
  • Integrate knowledge and make informed judgments about test results  in the clinical setting
  • Formulate a clear, answerable question
  • Predict expected results
  • Follow written protocols and verbal instructions
• Analysis skills
  • Collect and organize data in a systematic fashion
  • Present data in an appropriate form
  • Assess the validity of the data (including integrity and significance)
  • Recognize errors
  • Draw appropriate conclusions based on the results
• Troubleshooting and problem solving
  • Recognize errors or discrepancies in results during lab procedures
  • Select corrective actions for problem solving
  • Safety skills
    • Recognize safety equipment and laboratory safety measures
  • Communication skills
    • Discuss and present lab results or findings in the laboratory
  • Interpersonal and citizenry skills
    • Work effectively in teams or groups so that the task, results, and analysis may be shared
    • Effectively manage time and tasks allowing concurrent and/or overlapping tasks to be done simultaneously, by individuals and/or within a group

Performance (Psychomotor Skills):

• Utilize safety measures and equipment
  • Utilize universal precautions
  • Utilize adequate personal protective equipment, sharp container, fume hood and other safety devices
• Handle samples, reagents, materials and equipment with care and caution
• Dispose of waste in an appropriate manner
• Perform laboratory tasks
  • Monitor, stock and store laboratory reagents and samples
  • Disinfect benches and equipment
  • Perform maintenance of equipment and instruments
• Perform laboratory testing in the areas of microbiology, hematology,  urinalysis and  bloodbank
  • Operate equipment and instrumentation correctly
  • Handle specimens, materials and reagents correctly
  • Report results according to laboratory protocol
  • Operate LIS correctly and with ease

Professional (Affective) Skills:

• Demonstrate interest, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn as seen through active participation.
• Show initiative and motivation as demonstrated by independence in performing routine procedures, preparation before class, decreased need for supervision, willingness to go beyond the required assignments, and recognition of opportunities to improve quality and productivity of work.
• Adapt to stressful and/or new situations by maintaining composure and flexibility without compromising individual integrity.
• Exhibit teamwork through cooperation, courtesy, respect, and sensitivity towards others.
• Convey a professional attitude as shown by an appropriate level of confidence and a positive outlook toward work and other people.
• Demonstrate integrity as shown by the admission and documentation of errors, recognition of the potential danger of short cuts, and the maintenance of patient and co-worker confidentiality.
• Act responsibly and reliably as measured by punctuality, attendance, dependability, and quality of work.
• Respond favorably to supervision and feedback.
• Persevere until task is completed satisfactorily.