Laboratory Assistant

Lifepoint Health; Rutherfordton (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Rutherford Regional Health System, part of Lifepoint Health, seeks a Laboratory Assistant in Rutherfordton, NC. This full-time role supports the laboratory by reviewing orders, obtaining specimens, and ensuring proper labeling and handling.

You will perform venipuncture, collect various specimens, verify patient identity, and coordinate with nursing for timely collections. Emphasis on accuracy, safety, and adherence to policy, with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma preferred.
• License/Certification: Phlebotomy Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review providers' orders, quick-register patients when needed, and enter appropriate laboratory tests per requisition.
• Verify patient identity using two patient identifiers prior to all collections.
• Obtain blood specimens via venipuncture, finger stick, or heel stick; collect urine, throat, and nasal specimens per policy.
• Label specimens with at least two identifiers plus date/time and collector initials; ensure specimen integrity and proper handling/transport.
• Perform chain-of-custody urine drug screen collections and breath alcohol testing per policy.
• Coordinate therapeutic drug-monitoring collections with nursing to align dose and draw time.
• Resolve unusual/unclear test orders by contacting the ordering provider, pathologist, nursing station, or reference lab; elevate unresolved issues to the supervisor.
• Process specimens and distribute to appropriate internal lab sections or ship to reference laboratories according to policy.
• Maintain par levels and assist with weekly departmental inventory of supplies.
• Participate in performance improvement and required education; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Venipuncture

Specimen collection

Patient identification

Specimen labeling

Quality improvement

Inventory management

Communication with staff

Education

High School diploma

Phlebotomy Certification

Job description

Laboratory Assistant

Schedule: Full-time, Wednesday - Friday 7a-730p

Your experience matters

Rutherford Regional Health System is part of Lifepoint Health , a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others.

As a Laboratory Assistant joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier ® . Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

How you'll contribute

• Review providers' orders, quick-register patients when needed, and enter appropriate laboratory tests per requisition.
• Verify patient identity using two patient identifiers prior to all collections.
• Obtain blood specimens via venipuncture, finger stick, or heel stick; collect urine, throat, and nasal specimens per policy.
• Label specimens with at least two identifiers plus date/time and collector initials; ensure specimen integrity and proper handling/transport.
• Perform chain-of-custody urine drug screen collections and breath alcohol testing per policy.
• Coordinate therapeutic drug-monitoring collections with nursing to align dose and draw time.
• Resolve unusual/unclear test orders by contacting the ordering provider, pathologist, nursing station, or reference lab; elevate unresolved issues to the supervisor.
• Process specimens and distribute to appropriate internal lab sections or ship to reference laboratories according to policy.
• Maintain par levels and assist with weekly departmental inventory of supplies.
• Participate in performance improvement and required education; perform other duties as assigned.

Why join us

We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:

• Comprehensive Benefits : Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
• Financial Protection & PTO : Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
• Financial & Career Growth : Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
• Employee Well-being : Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
• Professional Development : Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

What we're looking for

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required.

• Education: High School diploma preferred.
• License/Certification: Phlebotomy Certification preferred.

More about Rutherford Regional Health System

Rutherford Regional Health System partnership with Duke LifePoint Healthcare is bringing the pieces together to transform healthcare in Rutherford County. Duke LifePoint Healthcare is a joint venture of Duke University Health System, one of the country's leading academic health systems, and LifePoint Health, a leading healthcare company dedicated to Making Communities Healthier. These two forces joined because of the shared interest in collaborating with hospitals, healthcare providers and patients to bring high quality, innovative healthcare services to communities. Duke LifePoint combines Duke's unparalleled expertise in clinical excellence and quality care with LifePoint's extensive resources and knowledge and experience operating community hospitals and healthcare organizations.

Rutherford Regional Health System includes the following: Rutherford Regional Medical Center, Rutherford Family Care, Rutherford East Family Care, Forest City Family Care, Chase Family Care, Polk Medical Specialties, Rutherford Orthopedics, Rutherford Urology, Rutherford Children's Care, Premier Women's Care, The Mammography Place, and Rutherford Surgical Associates.

EEOC Statement

" Rutherford Regional Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Rutherford Regional Health System is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment."