Lab Assistant PT Weekends

Trinityhealth; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

MercyOne Health System in Des Moines, IA seeks a part-time Lab Assistant to support multiple laboratory departments. Scheduled for 12-hour day shifts on Saturdays and Sundays, 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with duties spanning specimen collection, processing, and reporting to ensure timely, accurate results.

The role emphasizes accurate patient identification, LIS registration, and adherence to safety and quality standards while contributing to efficient lab operations within Trinity Health and MercyOne.

Qualifications

• Laboratory experience and knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
• Honesty, integrity and caring to promote 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-on orders and pending lists.
• Identifies patients and specimens using two identifiers and accurately labels containers.
• Registers and logs specimens in the LIS and records documentation.
• Performs specimen processing and required documentation per laboratory protocols.
• Assists in resolving problematic specimens and test orders with staff and clients.
• Follows safety, infection control and chemical-handling procedures and supports efficient workflow.
• Operates laboratory information systems to support data entry and workflow.
• Contributes to lab operations by restocking supplies and participating in department projects.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Strong computer skills

Collaborative environment

Integrity and caring

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Employment Type

Part time Shift: 12 Hour Day Shift

Schedule: Saturday, Sunday; 5:00 AM - 5:30 pm

Description

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's circle of care.

Want to learn more about 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.