Lab Assistant | PRN

Lake Charles Memorial Health; Louisiana (MO); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Lake Charles Memorial Health in Louisiana seeks a Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomy aide to perform routine and specialized specimen collection and processing under the direction of a Medical Technologist.

Responsibilities include phlebotomy, crossmatches, urine collections, equipment maintenance, specimen handling, and data entry in the lab information system. Louisiana licensure is required or must be obtained within 90 days.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Preferred: 2+ years in lab specimen processing and/or phlebotomy OR phlebotomy program OR related college coursework.
• Louisiana State License as a Laboratory Assistant.
• License should be obtained within 90 days if not already held.
• Basic computer, phlebotomy, and lab skills.

Responsibilities

• Performs blood collection procedures using skin puncture and venipuncture.
• Performs specialized collection procedures (crossmatch blood cultures, GTT, urine drug screen).
• Maintains clean and organized blood drawing trays and equipment.
• Operates lab equipment under supervision of a Medical Technologist.
• Handles specimens and specimen storage for testing.
• Uses laboratory computer system, collection lists, and pending logs.

Skills

Phlebotomy skills

Laboratory skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Louisiana State License as Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory-related college courses (Biology/Chemistry)

Job description

• Perform routine and specialized assignments and demonstrate proficiency and understanding of the procedure in the area of a clinical laboratory under the direction of a Medical Technologist

SUPERVISION: Reports directly to the Assistant Director of Pathology

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Performs blood collection procedures using skin (capillary) puncture and venipuncture.
• Performs specialized collection procedures i.e. crossmatch blood cultures, glucose tolerance, urine drug screen collection, PKU/T4, therapeutic phlebotomy.
• Keeps blood drawing trays and equipment clean and well organized.
• Recognizes anatomic regions and components of the circulatory system.
• Utilizes proper hand washing.
• Ensure proper collection for specimen integrity.
• Utilizes laboratory computer system, collection lists, and pending logs.
• Performs testing allowed by State of Louisiana License and has been deemed competent by Section leaders.
• Performs selected manual procedures under the supervision of a Medical Technologist.
• Assists the Medical Technologist in operating various types of laboratory equipment to perform tests in chemistry, bacteriology, urine analysis, hematology, etc., under the direction of the Medical Technologist.
• Procure and plant Microbiology specimens.
• Prepare storage of specimens for later testing.
• Dispose of tissue specimens, slides and blocks.
• Operate centrifuges in various sections of laboratory.
• Handles biohazard waste appropriately.
• Performs supply inventory.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• High school graduate or equivalent required.
• Preferred: At least two years of experience in laboratory specimen processing and/or phlebotomy OR successful completion of a phlebotomy program OR Laboratory-related college courses including Clinical Laboratory Assistant associate degree program or bachelor's degree coursework in Biology, Chemistry, or related fields.
• Louisiana State License as a Laboratory Assistant.

License preferred at time of hire. If candidate otherwise meets minimum requirements; license must be obtained within 90 day introductory period.

• Basic computer skills; phlebotomy skills; basic laboratory skills.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be at risk for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and tuberculosis.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Mental competence and alertness, dexterity and accuracy of physical movements; clear, concise, pleasant speaking abilities; accurate hearing is essential; visual acuity is a must; stability of emotional make up is essential.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

“Experience Memorial” is more than a slogan, it’s the care we provide our patients and it’s the commitment to our community and our team members. As a nationally certified Great Place to Work, at Lake Charles Memorial Health System you will have the opportunity to be a part of an organizational culture that supports not only exceptional patient care but also the well-being and professional growth of our employees. Join us and be a part of a team where your contributions are valued, your growth is nurtured, and your success is celebrated.