Laboratory Assistant

Petersburg Medical Center; Petersburg (AK); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking healthcare provider is seeking a dedicated Laboratory Assistant to join their team. This role involves performing essential laboratory tasks, including phlebotomy and specimen processing, while ensuring patient safety and confidentiality. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills and a commitment to excellent customer service. Join a collaborative environment where you can develop your skills and contribute to high-quality patient care. This position offers the opportunity to grow within the healthcare field while making a meaningful impact in the community.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; healthcare experience is a plus.
• Tasks learned on the job with proficiency demonstrated.

Responsibilities

• Collect and process blood and other specimens accurately.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure safety in the laboratory.

Skills

Communication Skills

Customer Service

Phlebotomy

Specimen Processing

Education

High School Graduation

Tools

Laboratory Information Systems

Job description

The Laboratory Assistant performs a variety of tasks across all areas of the clinical laboratory, including phlebotomy, which involves collecting blood specimens for testing. The role requires interaction with patients, laboratory personnel, admissions clerks, nurses, and physicians on a daily basis.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications include high school graduation. Previous healthcare experience is helpful but not required. No license is needed for the duties described, as tasks are learned on the job, with proficiency demonstrated before performing most duties independently.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Safety: Proper use of PPE and handling of potentially contaminated samples to prevent infection transmission.
2. Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality of all information passing through the department.
3. Phlebotomy: Collect and process blood and other specimens, following specific procedures to ensure test accuracy and recognize pre-analytical variables.
4. Communication Skills: Interact effectively with patients, staff, and providers; demonstrate excellent customer service, communication, and documentation skills; handle stressful situations diplomatically; instruct patients on sample collection.
5. Blood Bank Inventory Management: Maintain blood product supplies and manage shipments.
6. Specimen Processing: Understand test requirements, collect and process specimens accurately, and package for shipment according to regulations.
7. Employee Safety & Drug Screen Collection: Become certified for Breath Alcohol and Urine Drug collections, maintain related files, and ensure sample integrity.
8. PPD Tests & EKGs: Administer, monitor, and process reports; maintain supplies.
9. Clinical Duties: Develop proficiency in EMR and Laboratory Information Systems, verify insurance, handle lab reports, and perform clerical tasks.
10. Housekeeping: Stock and clean laboratory areas, dispose of waste, maintain supplies, and perform periodic maintenance.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

The Laboratory Assistant will perform additional duties as assigned by laboratory staff or the director.