Lab Assistant

Employer paid benefits:  Medical, Dental, and Vision!  For Employee and any dependents.

Hourly Rate:  Min:  $19.41   Max:  $29.73

DEFINITION OF POSITION:

The primary responsibility of the Lab Assistant is to collect a variety of specimen types from pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.  Performs laboratory duties including the use of the Lab Information System (LIS) to place and receive orders; retrieve patient test results and other information. In addition to these duties the Lab Assistant prepares requisitions, maintains a filing system, prints and delivers reports, provides data collection support, promptly processes and distributes laboratory samples and provides phone communication functions.  The Lab Assistant will assist in the performance of basic laboratory testing under the direction of a Medical Technologist. May perform and furnish results for CLIA waived testing procedure(s) in Meditech as assigned by the laboratory Lead Technologist or Lab Manager. Lab Assistant additional duties: greeting laboratory patients, registering patients on the computer using EPIC, answering and processing phone calls, and carrying out patient satisfaction program requirements. May be required to perform semi-technical duties including loading samples on instruments and taking inventory/ordering. May be required to perform special tasks/duties as assigned by the Lab Manager and serving on hospital committees or task forces.

Essential Job Functions:

• Able to collect venous and capillary blood samples, NP swabs for Flu, Covid or throat/nares samples from pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients, and deliver proper instruction for urine collection to patients.
• Must have good manual dexterity skills.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform in clerical and interpersonal aspects of clinical lab services.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/ or carrying objects weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to receive and follow instructions pertaining to laboratory test procedures. 
• Must be able to identify, match, and distinguish colors.
• Must be detail oriented to ensure specimens are collected from the correct patient and recorded on the correct date of service.

• The employee supports the hospital mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.
• Participates in required education for DNV programs as applicable to position (reference program education curriculum).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education

              Required: High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred: NA             

Licenses/ certifications/ registrations

Required: National Phlebotomy Certification.

Preferred: Current BLS Certification, or ability to obtain upon 30 days of hire.

Experience

Required: Minimum of 6 months of phlebotomy experience in a working laboratory.

              Preferred: NA

Other:

              NA 

Physical Requirements:

The physical and sensory functions described below are essential to the successful performance of this position. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The position requires sufficient auditory ability to detect and respond to various sounds, including patient alarms and verbal communication. Clear and effective communication is essential, as is the ability to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members. Visual acuity is necessary for observing patient conditions, reading documentation and monitors, and distinguishing colors for clinical purposes, such as identifying medications or safety indicators. Tactile perception is also important for assessing physical characteristics such as temperature, size, shape, or texture during patient care. Motor coordination is required for reaching, grasping, handling, and performing fine motor tasks necessary for the use of medical equipment and procedures. The position also involves occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling when assisting patients or accessing equipment. Walking and standing are typically continuous throughout the shift. The role requires the ability to lift to 50 pounds independently and involves frequent pushing, pulling, carrying, or repositioning of objects or patients weighing up to 25 pounds. There may also be occasional lifting or transferring of individuals weighing over 100 pounds, with the expectation that appropriate lifting techniques, mechanical aids, or team assistance will be used to ensure safety. May to sit for long periods of time.

Working Conditions:

This position is performed primarily in an indoor healthcare environment, such as a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility. While the work setting is protected from outdoor weather conditions, it may be subject to variable indoor temperatures. The role involves frequent exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, hazardous materials, and medical equipment, with the expectation that all staff follow appropriate safety protocols and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

The health care environment can be fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring the ability to respond quickly to changing circumstances, including high-pressure or emergency situations. The work setting also involves multiple simultaneous demands and varying levels of noise due to medical equipment, staff activity, and patient needs.