Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist FT Nights

IHA; Mason City (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

MercyOne North Iowa is a major teaching hospital offering a full set of laboratory services and a dedicated night shift Lab Assistant role. This position supports a range of lab departments by collecting, processing, analyzing, and reporting tests essential for patient diagnosis and treatment.

The job emphasizes accurate specimen handling, adherence to safety standards, and collaboration with clinical staff.

Qualifications

• 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 honest, caring, and capable of motivating others to promote MercyOne’s values.

Responsibilities

• Performs venipunctures, finger sticks, and heel sticks appropriate to patient age and ensures proper specimen collection.
• Accepts specimens and requisitions from internal and external customers and manages add‑on orders and pending lists.
• Identifies patients and specimens using two unique patient identifiers and labels specimens accurately.
• Registers and logs specimens in the LIS, evaluates specimen adequacy, and scans required documentation into the patient record.
• Performs specimen processing such as identification, aliquoting, plate streaking, slide prep, and documentation.
• Assists in resolving problematic patient specimens and test orders with laboratory staff and clients.
• Follows safety, infection control, and chemical‑handling procedures to support quality and safety standards.
• Operates LIS and other laboratory information systems to support data entry and workflow management.
• Contributes to general laboratory operations by restocking supplies and participating in departmental projects.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Medical terminology

Computer skills

Collaborative environment

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

LIS (Laboratory Information System)

Computer systems

Job description

Description

At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor’s visit or a place to go when you’re in need of 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 North Iowa is the largest provider of health care services in our region, and we are proudly the largest employer in Cerro Gordo County. Our hospital is a private, not-for-profit health care center, licensed for 346 beds, which serves more than 400,000 inpatients and outpatients each year. In addition, MercyOne North Iowa is a teaching institution. We conduct a Family Medicine Residency, Internal Medicine Residency, Cardiology Fellowship, Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship, PGY1 Pharmacy Residency and a School of Radiologic Technology. MercyOne North Iowa is a clinical training site for approximately 500 students from 127 different colleges enrolled in programs for medical laboratory, nursing, paramedic, rehabilitation, medical assistants, pastoral services, physicians and many other medical fields.

Employment Type

Full time

Shift

Night Shift

Schedule

Overnight Shift: Monday-Thursday 2100-630.

Responsibilities

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.