Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist

Trinityhealth; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center is seeking a part-time Lab Assistant I for weekend coverage to support multiple laboratory departments. You will assist with specimen collection, processing, and reporting under supervision, ensuring accurate patient identification and reliable test workflows.

Responsibilities include registering specimens in the LIS, performing basic processing, and helping maintain safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Possess a valid driver's license and be eligible to drive in Iowa.
• Laboratory experience and knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to learn new systems quickly.

Responsibilities

• Accept specimens and requisitions and manage add‑on orders.
• Identify patients and specimens using two identifiers and label correctly.
• Register and log specimens in LIS and ensure accurate data entry.
• Perform specimen processing and prepare slides per protocol.
• Maintain safety and quality standards in the lab.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Laboratory procedures

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Laboratory Information System (LIS)

Job description

Employment Type: Part time Shift: Weekend Shift

Description: At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor's visit or a place to go when you need medical attention. Our Mission is based on improving the health of our communities - that means not only when you are sick but keeping you well.MercyOne Central Iowa sets the standard for personalized and radically convenient care in the Des Moines metro area and surrounding counties. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1893, is the longest continually operating hospital in Des Moines and Iowa's largest medical center, with 802 beds available. The hospital is one of the Midwest's largest referral centers.With more than 7,000 colleagues and a medical staff of almost 1,500 physicians and allied health professionals, MercyOne Central Iowa is one of Iowa's largest employers.

Schedule: Saturday & Sunday 5:30 am - 5:30pm

POSITION PURPOSE

The purpose of the Lab Assistant I position is to support a variety of laboratory departments by assisting technical staff in the collection, processing, analysis, and reporting of laboratory tests necessary for patient diagnosis and treatment. The role requires the skills needed to ensure specimens, patient information, and testing workflows are handled accurately and efficiently. By contributing to reliable test processes and smooth laboratory operations, this position helps maintain timely turnaround, data integrity, and compliance with quality and safety standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Knows, understands, incorporates, and demonstrates the Trinity Health and MercyOne Mission, Vision, and Values in behaviors, practices, and decisions.
• Accepts specimens and requisitions from internal and external customers and manages add ‑ on orders and pending lists in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Identifies patients and specimens using two unique patient identifiers and accurately labels specimen containers to ensure correct identification.
• Registers and logs specimens in the Laboratory Information System (LIS), evaluates specimen adequacy and acceptability, and scans required documentation into the patient record.
• Performs specimen processing such as proper identification, aliquoting, plate streaking, slide preparation, special handling, and required documentation in accordance with laboratory protocols.
• Assists in resolving problematic patient specimens and test orders in collaboration with laboratory staff and clients.
• Follows safety, infection control, and chemical ‑ handling procedures and supports efficient workflow practices that promote accurate testing, timely turnaround, and productivity expectations.
• Operates laboratory information systems proficiently to support accurate data entry and workflow management.
• Contributes to general laboratory operations by restocking supplies, participating in peer teaching, and engaging in department or hospital committees and projects as assigned.
• Other duties as needed and assigned by laboratory leadership.
• Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, Trinity Health's Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other Trinity Health and MercyOne policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical, and professional behavior.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Dependent on Department Assignment

• Performs venipunctures, finger sticks, and heel sticks appropriate to patient age (neonates through geriatric adults) and ensures proper specimen collection according to laboratory policy.
• May drive to patient service centers or care centers to perform phlebotomy services as needed.
• Performs limited testing under the supervision of technical staff.
• Performs instrument maintenance, quality control, and calibrations according to established protocols.
• Assists in the gross room as assigned.
• Prepares the area for and assists pathologists with frozen section testing.
• Performs distribution and filing of slides and blocks.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required .
• If applicable to department assignment, must meet the following requirements:
• Possess a valid driver's license appropriate for the type of vehicle operated and be eligible to drive under Iowa state law.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Meet MercyOne's Quality and Authorized Drivers requirements.
• Completion of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Mandatory Reporter training specific to the population served within three (3) months of hire. Colleagues employed and working solely in facilities located in Illinois are exempt from this requirement in accordance with applicable state requirements.
• Laboratory experience and knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to learn new systems and tools quickly.
• Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
• Must posses