Laboratory Assistant

Community Health Systems, Inc.; Enterprise (AL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Community Health Systems, Inc. is seeking a Lab Assistant to perform supportive laboratory duties, including phlebotomy, specimen processing, equipment maintenance, and QC support.

This PRN role rotates weekends and fills in for FTE staff when needed, contributing to safe and efficient patient care. You will maintain LIS/EMR data, stock supplies, and keep the work area clean and compliant with HIPAA and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Completion of a lab assistant or phlebotomy training program required
• 1-2 years of lab/clinical experience required
• H.S. Diploma or GED required
• Familiarity with LIS/EMR preferred

Responsibilities

• Assist with routine tests and follow lab protocols
• Prepare and process specimens with proper labeling and transport
• Maintain equipment and report malfunctions
• Perform phlebotomy (finger sticks, venipunctures, heel sticks) per policy
• Ensure safety and infection control standards
• Log procedures and specimen information into LIS
• Stock supplies and maintain inventory
• Maintain clean and organized work areas
• Collaborate with healthcare providers and departments to ensure workflow
• Maintain patient identification with two identifiers and proper bedside labeling
• Collect timed specimens as ordered and complete tasks efficiently

Skills

Phlebotomy

Laboratory support

Communication

Attention to detail

HIPAA compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Laboratory/phlebotomy training program

Tools

Laboratory Information System (LIS)

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

Job description

Lab Assistant
Position Type: PRN to rotate weekends and fill in for FTE staff when needed

Job Summary
The Lab Assistant performs supportive laboratory duties, including phlebotomy, specimen processing, equipment maintenance, inventory management, and quality control assistance. This role ensures the laboratory operates efficiently by assisting with diagnostic procedures, maintaining safety protocols, and supporting laboratory staff in routine testing and analysis. The Lab Assistant is responsible for maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked work environment while adhering to regulatory and safety standards. The Lab Assistant supports laboratory operations by performing phlebotomy procedures, preparing specimens for testing or transport, and assisting with specimen processing and data entry. This role ensures accurate identification, labeling, and handling of specimens in accordance with laboratory protocols, safety standards, and regulatory guidelines. The Lab Assistant contributes to timely and efficient patient care by maintaining clear communication and operational support within the lab.

Essential Functions

• Assists laboratory staff in performing routine tests used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, following proper laboratory protocols.
• Prepares and processes specimens, ensuring proper labeling, storage, and transport according to laboratory procedures.
• Maintains laboratory equipment, ensuring it is in good working order, reporting malfunctions, and assisting with routine troubleshooting.
• Performs, finger sticks, venipunctures and heel sticks on patients of all ages in accordance with the laboratory policies and procedures
• Ensures compliance with safety and infection control standards, including proper handling of biohazardous materials and chemical reagents.
• Logs lab procedures and specimen information into the laboratory information system (LIS), ensuring accuracy and compliance with documentation protocols.
• Performs quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) tasks, assisting in documentation and regulatory compliance efforts.
• Stocks laboratory supplies and maintains inventory, ensuring necessary materials are available for daily operations.
• Cleans and disinfects work surfaces, equipment, and laboratory spaces, ensuring compliance with safety and infection control guidelines.
• Assists with data collection and performance improvement projects, actively participating in process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborates with healthcare providers, laboratory staff, and other departments to ensure efficient specimen processing and workflow.
• Ensures positive patiient identification by using two patient identifiers and labeling specimens at the patient's bedside to prevent errors.
• Collect timed specimens as ordered, prioritizing and efficiently completing phlebotomy tasks to meet clinical needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Completion of a laboratory assistant training or phlebotomy program or training course required or
• A combination of education and experience (i.e., 1-2 years) as a phlebotomist may be considered in lieu of program completion
• H.S. Diploma or GED required
• 1-2 years of experience in a laboratory, healthcare, or clinical setting required
• 1-2 years Experience with specimen processing, laboratory equipment, and quality control procedures required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and medical terminology.
• Ability to operate basic laboratory equipment and perform routine maintenance tasks.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, ensuring timely completion of laboratory support tasks.
• Effective communication skills for interacting with laboratory staff, healthcare providers, and patients.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow safety protocols, HIPAA regulations, and laboratory compliance standards.
• Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS) and electronic medical records (EMR).