Lab Assistant

PeaceHealth; Cottage Grove (OR); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

PeaceHealth in Oregon is seeking a Lab Assistant for a Per Diem/Relief, Variable position. Salary range is $22.21–$33.31 hourly, with hiring rates dependent on education, experience, and negotiated terms.

The role involves phlebotomy, specimen handling, LIS use, and patient information support within a hospital laboratory. Responsibilities include preparing and delivering items safely, collecting and labeling specimens, data entry, and processing specimens.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (preferred).
• Prior clinical laboratory experience (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Prepare, deliver, and pick up items following safety and lab policies to ensure specimen integrity and patient care.
• Collect and label specimens; process per guidelines; complete documentation for specimens.
• Enter patient demographics and test orders in LIS; handle paperwork and procedures to process specimens.
• Receive, sort, and process specimens; assist with sample handling and routing.
• Answer client/patient inquiries about specimen requirements and test results using LIS and reference guides.
• Perform waived testing as assigned and recognize abnormal results for follow-up as SOPs require.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Specimen handling

Patient communication

Lab information system

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

LIS (Laboratory Information System)

Job description

Description

PeaceHealth is seeking a Lab Assistant for a Per Diem/Relief, Variable position.

The salary range for this job opening at PeaceHealth is $22.21 – $33.31. The hiring rate is dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to education, training, work experience, terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreement, seniority, etc.

Job Summary

Works collaboratively with all healthcare team members toward the best outcomes for the patient and the organization. May perform phlebotomy services, specimen collection/handling, utilize knowledge of department procedures and computerized Lab Information Systems (LIS), and support patients with information and direction utilizing laboratory services. Assists lab staff with delivering patient care, distributing lab results and reports, and operation of laboratory equipment.

Essential Functions

• Prepares, delivers, and picks up items in accordance with health and safety regulations and laboratory policies to ensure specimen integrity, quality patient care, and caregiver safety.
• Collects and labels specimens for requested testing, processes specimen according to established guidelines and completes documentation for the specimen.
• Performs data entry of patient demographics and tests ordered. Performs all paperwork, technical, and nontechnical procedures required to process and submit specimens.
• Receives, handles, sorts, processes, or packages specimens.
• Receives and makes telephone calls and uses computer terminal and reference guides to provide information and answer questions from clients and patients, regarding specimen requirements, test results and other client requests.
• Performs waived testing as assigned. Recognizes abnormal results and follows up as defined in standard operating procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma Preferred: or equivalent
• Preferred: Prior clinical laboratory experience

Skills

• Able to approach, communicate and positively interact with patients and health care professionals while performing their duties, frequently under stressful conditions. (Required)
• Able to work without supervision but know when to consult with supervisory personnel for assistance in determining appropriate actions. (Required)
• Able to use the electronic laboratory information system. Must perform work activities in accordance with established policies and procedures. (Required)
• Able to recognize the various levels of service (routine to critical) demanded of the laboratory and prioritize work and adjust working style to accommodate said demands. (Required)
• Able to prioritize effectively and manage multiple tasks at one time. (Required)

Department / Location Specific Notes

Lab Assistant – Specimen Processor

• Receives, processes, and distributes specimens to technical departments. Prepares specimens and forms for testing at the laboratory and for transport to external reference laboratories.

Working Conditions

• Patient handling no greater than 35 lbs. without the use of assistive equipment and/or devices (NIOSH).
• Ability to move around area with occasional sitting.
• Fine motor skills to be able to grasp and control medical equipment (i.e. stretchers, wheelchairs, etc.).
• Frequent reaching/ grasping.
• Occasional bending/ stooping.
• Push/Pull: Frequently up to 25 lbs. force. Occasional up to 50 lbs. force.
• Exposure to biohazard, body fluids and airborne particles.
• Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Time spent on site in medical/hospital setting.
• Vision and hearing required within normal limits (glasses, contacts, hearing aids permitted).
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information.

PeaceHealth is committed to the overall wellbeing of our caregivers. The benefits included in positions less than 0.5 FTE are 403b retirement plan for caregiver contributions; wellness benefits, discount program, and expanded EAP and mental health program.

See how PeaceHealth is committed to Inclusivity, Respect for Diversity and Cultural Humility.

For full consideration of your skills and abilities, please attach a current resume with your application. EEO Aff…