Lab Assistant PT Weekends

Trinity Health; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Trinity Health's MercyOne Des Moines is seeking a Lab Assistant to support multiple lab departments by assisting staff in collection, processing, analysis and reporting of tests. The role emphasizes accurate specimen handling, data entry, and collaboration to ensure timely, quality patient care.

Primary duties include venipuncture and specimen labeling, LIS data entry, and helping maintain safety and compliance across the lab. Shifts are 12-hour day rotations, part-time schedule.

Qualifications

• Laboratory experience preferred and medical terminology knowledge.
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
• Honesty, integrity and caring to promote Trinity Health values.

Responsibilities

• Performs venipunctures, finger sticks, and heel sticks per policy.
• Accepts specimens and manages add-on orders per procedures.
• Identifies patients and specimens using two identifiers and labels correctly.
• Registers and logs specimens in LIS, evaluates adequacy and documents as required.
• Performs specimen processing including identification, aliquoting, and staining.
• Resolves problematic specimens and orders with staff and clients.
• Follows safety and infection control procedures and supports efficient workflow.
• Operates LIS to support accurate data entry and workflow management.
• Restocks supplies and participates in department projects as assigned.

Skills

Lab experience

Medical terminology

Computer skills

Team collaboration

Integrity & caring

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Laboratory Information System (LIS)

Job description

Employment Type:

Part time

Shift:

12 Hour Day Shift

Description:

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

Schedule:

• Saturday, Sunday; 5:00 AM - 5:30 pm

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’s circle of care.

Want to learn more about MercyOne Des Moines? Click here: Find a Location Des Moines, Iowa (IA), MercyOne Des Moines

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.