Laboratory assistant job description

MercyOne is a connected system of health care facilities and services dedicated to helping individuals live their best life.

With 420 care locations, our clinics, medical centers and affiliates are never too far from home, allowing us to improve the lives of individuals and communities across the state of Iowa and beyond.

MercyOne's Central Iowa Region includes medical centers in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Newton and Centerville and two specialty hospitals - MercyOne Children's Hospital in Des Moines and MercyOne Rehabilitation Hospital in Clive - along with more than 20 additional facilities that house more than 50 primary care, pediatric, internal medicine and specialty clinics. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1893, MercyOne Central Iowa has the longest continually operating hospital in Des Moines.

As our Lab Assistant at MercyOne, you'll help solve mysteries as to what's ailing a patient and get us one step closer to successfully treating that illness or injury. Using your expertise and our technology, you will collect, prepare and then examine specimens in the lab to help determine the results of whatever test is being performed. Is this patient anemic? Are they pregnant? Has the cancer returned? Test their blood, urine or tissue and find out!

You'll build trust in all your interactions through your professionalism and work ethic. You are very knowledgeable in all areas of your role but always eager to learn more. You keep impeccable records, especially when labeling and distributing samples. Confidentiality is of utmost importance to you. You keep your work area clean and perform all quality control checks according to your lab supervisor's guidelines. Most of all, you understand how vital your role is in the diagnosing and treating of our patients and you're eager to help us succeed in making them better.
Responsibilities


Collect or receive samples of fluids or tissues. Determine if the quality and quantity are sufficient for testing. Use the lab equipment or chemicals to prepare the samples for testing. Perform the required tests on the samples. Keep accurate records. Label the specimens appropriately and send them to other departments as needed. Clean and maintain the lab equipment and the lab area throughout each shift. Run periodic quality control procedures on the equipment, under your supervisor's guidance. Maintain patient confidentiality at all times. Be respectful, kind and helpful to your colleagues as we work together to create a productive lab environment.
We invite you to join MercyOne Des Moines today and experience it with us!


Qualifications


High school diploma or GED required. Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter abuse training specific to population served within 3 months of hire. Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory experience preferred.

US-OR-Gresham

Type: Regular Full-Time
Mount Hood Medical Center campus

Overview

You are the confident and calm presence that guides patients through lab processes. You approach your role with the care and dignity that defines the Legacy mission.

Patients will rely on you as they move through registration to various laboratory tests. Staff will rely on you to coordinate workflow and problem solve issues. Your expertise and strong communication skills will benefit both patients and the lab staff, as you grow in your role and your knowledge of laboratory services.

Responsibilities

Coordinates the day-to-day operations of the Lab Assistants at a designated site, shift and/or department while also performing the duties of a Lab Assistant. Additional duties include coordinating workflow, problem solving and creating staff schedules. The Lab Assistant performs pre-analytical processes associated with registration, processing and collection of laboratory specimens. Applies knowledge of laboratory operations to assist patients in utilizing laboratory services. Complies with all laboratory and safety policies. Uses personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by laboratory policy and regulating agencies. Legacy Laboratory Services is an integrated lab service. Staff may be assigned to lab facilities at different sites in the system.

Qualifications

Education:

To meet the requirements of laboratory regulations High school diploma or GED will be verified for any employees hired on or after May 22, 2012. For employees performing waived testing, a copy of the High School diploma or GED must be provided for the departmental file.

Experience:

Phlebotomy skills are required for lab assistants working in locations that perform specimen collection; previous work experience with phlebotomy or the successful completion of a phlebotomy training course that included an externship is required.

Knowledge and Skills:

Basic reading and writing skills.

Keyboard skills and ability to navigate electronic systems applicable to job

functions required.

Interpersonal and communication skills required.

Ability to operate standard office equipment (i.e., telephone, facsimile, photocopier, computer and printer).

Basic Medical terminology preferred.

Experience with drug screen specimen collection and basic specimen selection, handling, and storage activities, preferred.

Customer service experience preferred.

LEGACY'S VALUES IN ACTION
Follow guidelines set forth in Legacy's Values in Action.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled

PI193359623

We are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an expert guide. We work hard, care deeply and reach further to help people uncover their own power to be healthy. We inspire hope. We learn, grow, and achieve more - in our careers and in our communities.

The TLA demonstrates the ability to perform phlebotomy and a variety of technical and clerical functions in the Laboratory based on the needs of the individual campus. He/she performs routine laboratory procedures based on principles of human growth and development according to established lab guidelines using customer focus, teamwork, adaptability to change, problem solving, communication and personal excellence. Position handles blood, tissue, fecal matter, sputum, urine, spinal fluid and other body fluids. Specimens may be contaminated with infectious diseases including HIV and other blood borne pathogens.
Minimum Qualifications:

High School or GED (Required) DL - Driver's License - Department of Motor Vehicles
SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGECustomer Service. Computer skills. Communication skills. Medical Terminology

High School Diploma or equivalent
6 months - 1 year experience in phlebotomy and/or specimen processing
Associates working in a skilled nursing facility setting are required to have an active driver's license and carry personal auto insurance

Work Shift:
Variable

Scheduled Weekly Hours :
1

Department
Dawson Supplemental Staff

Join us!... if your passion is to work in a caring environment... if you believe that learning is a life-long process... if you strive for excellence and want to be among the best in the healthcare industry

Equal Employment Opportunity

OhioHealth is an equal opportunity employer and fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. OhioHealth does not discriminate against associates or applicants because of race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, military status, pregnancy, disability, marital status, familial status, or other characteristics protected by law. Equal employment is extended to all person in all aspects of the associate-employer relationship including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, reduction in staff, termination, assignment of benefits, and any other term or condition of employment