Lab Assistant I

CommonSpirit Health; Bakersfield (CA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

CommonSpirit Health's Mercy Hospital in Bakersfield, CA is seeking a Lab Assistant to support diagnostic testing by collecting, preparing, and processing patient specimens using advanced technology. You will uphold safe lab practices, follow regulations, and maintain accurate records while contributing to timely test results.

The role requires CPT-1 certification, a California phlebotomy license, and strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

• CPT-1 certification required and CPR (BLS‑AHA).
• CA Phlebotomy Technician I license required.
• Experience with phlebotomy and arterial blood collection is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe lab practices, universal precautions, OSHA and HIPAA compliance at all times.
• Familiarity with MSDS guidelines and California regulations related to the laboratory.
• Attend mandatory trainings/workshops and maintain basic job standards.
• Assess patient needs based on age-specific requirements.
• Maintain phlebotomy skills to care for neonates through geriatrics.
• If certified, collect arterial blood for blood gas analysis.
• Receive and process specimens within established timelines and assess specimen quality and volume.
• Review orders for reference lab testing and batch/send tests appropriately.
• Prepare specimens for send-out testing and perform Wright Stain and Gram Stain preparations.
• Handle downtime labeling and posting draws during computer downtime.

Skills

Lab bench skills

Medical terminology

Computer skills

Communication skills

English literacy

Phlebotomy skills

Workload management

Instruction adherence

Education

CPT-1 license

CPR Certification

CA CPT-1 License

Job description

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As a Lab Assistant, you will play a crucial role in solving diagnostic mysteries, bringing us one step closer to effectively treating patient illnesses and injuries.

Every day you will utilize your expertise and our advanced technology to precisely collect, prepare, and process a diverse range of patient specimens (blood, urine, tissue, etc.) for various diagnostic tests.

To be successful in this role, you will possess a foundational understanding of laboratory procedures, demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, and maintain an eager commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

• Ensures that safe laboratory practices, universal precautions and observance of OSHA and HIPAA regulations are used at all times.
• Responsible for familiarity with MSDS guidelines and State of California regulations in relation to the laboratory.
• Responsible for maintaining basic job standards for all Dignity Health- Central California positions by participating in all mandatory training sessions or work shops.
• Evaluates the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs.
• Responsible for maintaining the phlebotomy skills necessary to provide care for patients ranging from neonates to geriatrics.
• Once certified -responsible for the collection of arterial blood for the purpose of blood gas analysis only. Is directly accountable to the Medical Laboratory Director for this procedure.
• Receives and processes specimens within established timelines. Evaluates specimens based on established guidelines for specimen appropriateness for tests ordered, specimen quality and specimen volume for number of test ordered.
• Reviews orders for reference lab testing for specimen type and specimen handling instructions. Appropriately batches and sends testing to appropriate testing facility or reference laboratory.
• Correctly aliquots and prepares specimens for send out testing.
• Prepares blood smears and body fluid smears for Wright Stain and Gram Stain testing for Clinical Laboratory Scientist review.
• During computer downtime situations is responsible for printing labels or using 'downtime labels' if necessary and posting draws in appropriate area for the Lab Assistant.

Job Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Education level necessary to obtain required licensure and certifications
• CPT-1 certification required and CPR (BLS-AHA)
• CA Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT-1) License

Special Skills:

• Basic laboratory bench practice skills
• Working knowledge of medical terminology
• General computer skills
• Must demonstrate excellent communication and customer service skills
• Must have the ability to read, write, and speak English
• Ability to perform all phlebotomy functions including venous, capillary, and arterial punctures on adult, pediatric, and neonates populations
• Ability to adapt to work load demands and remain calm and function efficiently during difficult or emergency situations
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

Preferred Skills:

• One year of acute care hospital experience in phlebotomy, CPT-2 (ABG)
• CA Phleobotomy Technician II (CPT-2) License

Please be advised that this location requires quarterly American Heart Association (AHA) Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) competency certification post-hire. This ongoing competency is required through resources internal to the facility; outside RQI competency resources are not acceptable for CommonSpirit Health compliance requirements.

Where You'll Work

Founded in 1910, Dignity Health - Mercy Hospital is a 229-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Bakersfield, California. Serving nearly 90,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including Level II NICU, cancer care, women’s health, and orthopedics. Additionally, Mercy Hospital Downtown & Mercy Hospital Southwest have been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. They are both Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Centers. Mercy Hospital Downtown offers the only inpatient Oncology Unit in Bakersfield while Mercy Hospital Southwest has the only Obstetric Emergency Department in Bakersfield.

One Community. One Mission. One California