Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist PT Days

IHA; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Growth opportunities

Job summary

MercyOne Health System in Waterloo, IA is seeking a Lab Assistant to support multiple laboratory departments by collecting, processing, and reporting specimens for patient diagnosis and treatment.

The role requires venipunctures and specimen handling per policy, accuracy with LIS entries, and a collaborative, patient-centered approach; a high school diploma or GED is required and competitive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Laboratory experience and knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
• Must possess a personal presence that is honest, integral and caring, aligned with MercyOne values.

Responsibilities

• Performs venipunctures, finger sticks, and heel sticks appropriate to patient age and collects specimens per policy.
• Accepts specimens and requisitions from internal and external customers and manages add-on orders.
• Identifies patients and specimens using two unique identifiers and labels containers accurately.
• Registers and logs specimens in the LIS, evaluates adequacy, and documents appropriately.
• Performs specimen processing and maintains documentation per laboratory protocols.
• Assists in resolving problematic specimens and orders in collaboration with staff; supports safety and workflow efficiency.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Medical terminology knowledge

Computer skills

Collaboration

Integrity and caring

Education

High school diploma or GED

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.

Employment Type

Full time

Shift

Day Shift

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 Northeast Iowa Provides Expert Health Care To Eight Counties. MercyOne Northeast Iowa Provides Excellent, Personalized Care Close To Home To The Communities In The Cedar Valley. With 491 Licensed Beds Between The Three Medical Centers, Each Providing 24-hour Emergency Lifesaving Care, MercyOne Is There For You In Critical Moments

• MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center, an Area Level III Trauma Center and an accredited chest pain center
• MercyOne Cedar Falls Medical Center, Community Level IV Trauma Designation
• MercyOne Oelwein Medical Center, Community Level IV Trauma Designation

With more than 2,500 colleagues, MercyOne is one of the largest employers in Northeast Iowa.

MercyOne Medical Group – Northeast Iowa is made up of more than 30 primary care, pediatric, internal medicine and specialty clinics located throughout Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Benton, Butler, Fayette and Tama counties.

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.