Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist

Trinity Health; Mason City (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

MercyOne Health System is hiring a Lab Assistant to support multiple laboratory departments by assisting technical staff in specimen collection, processing, analysis, and reporting of tests for patient diagnosis and treatment. The role emphasizes accurate specimen handling, LIS data entry, and adherence to safety and quality standards.

You will perform venipunctures and processing steps, while maintaining efficient workflows and timely turnaround.

Qualifications

• Laboratory experience and knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Strong computer skills and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
• Personal presence with honesty, integrity, and caring, inspiring others to uphold Trinity Health and MercyOne values.

Responsibilities

• Performs venipunctures, finger sticks, and heel sticks appropriate to patient age and ensures proper specimen collection.
• Accepts specimens and requisitions and manages add-ons and pending lists.
• Identifies patients and specimens using two identifiers and labels containers accurately.
• Registers and logs specimens in LIS and records documentation in patient records.
• Performs specimen processing and documentation per laboratory protocols.
• Assists in resolving problematic specimens and test orders with staff and clients.
• Follows safety, infection control, and chemical-handling procedures to ensure quality and safety.
• Operates LIS for accurate data entry and workflow management.
• Restocks supplies and participates in department or hospital projects as assigned.

Skills

Strong computer skills

Collaborative environment

Attention to accuracy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Laboratory Information System (LIS)

Job description

Description

Employment Type

Full time

Shift

12 Hour Evening Shift

Schedule:

Full Time, 36 hours per week, Evenings

Join the MercyOne Family! We are looking to hire a Lab Assistant.

As a Lab Assistant at MercyOne, you will 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.

• Performs venipunctures, finger sticks, and heel sticks appropriate to patient age (neonates through geriatric adults) and ensures proper specimen collection according to laboratory policy.
• 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.

General 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 possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity, and caring, with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals, and values of Trinity Health and MercyOne.

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.

Colleagues of MercyOne Health System enjoy competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunity for growth throughout the system!

Visit MercyOne Careers to learn more about the benefits, culture, and career development opportunities available to you at MercyOne Health System circle of care.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.