Laboratory Assistant I

HealthPartners; Saint Louis Park (MN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Park Nicollet Methodist in Minnesota is seeking a Laboratory Assistant I to support a wide range of laboratory services including specimen collection, testing preparation, phlebotomy, and patient reception at the lab. The role emphasizes efficient workflow and responsive service to hospital and clinic staff.

Candidates should have strong customer service, the ability to work independently, and good problem-solving and organizational skills, with attention to safety and accuracy in specimen

Qualifications

• Strong customer service skills and ability to work independently.
• Good problem-solving and organizational abilities.
• Demonstrates knowledge of age-related growth and development principles for patient safety.

Responsibilities

• Processes laboratory specimens and prepares them for testing.
• Performs patient phlebotomy and ensures correct patient identification.
• Performs patient reception and registration duties and ordering as per policy.
• Uses Pneumatic Tube System for specimen receipt and distribution.
• Delivers specimens to appropriate departments and monitors workflow.
• Assists in identifying and resolving conflicts in phlebotomy and specimen processing.

Job description

Job Description

Park Nicollet Methodist is hiring for a Laboratory Assistant I.

POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT:

The Lab Assistant will provide a wide range of laboratory services including specimen collection, client service and reception desk duties, ordering/ scheduling/ billing functions, laboratory testing, phlebotomy, dispatching, specimen processing, centrifuging, delivery of specimens to appropriate lab/ department and assuring proper efficiency and workflow management. Position will also serve as a resource for questions from hospital and clinic staff regarding specimen handling and processing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination: NA
• Licensure/ Registration/ Certification: NA
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Strong customer service skills, ability to work independently, good problem-solving skills; Demonstrates knowledge of age-related growth and development principles necessary to provide appropriate service and assure safety of patients; Demonstrates strong organizational skills with the ability to meet time sensitive customer requests and changes on short notice.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination: Experience in a medical related field or an applied science degree is desirable; One year hospital experience preferred.
• Licensure/ Registration/ Certification: ASCP certification for phlebotomy preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: NA

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. General
   • Models and promotes the Head + Heart, Together behaviors. Provides feedback to staff and manager, including recognition and correction.
   • Serves as a PNHS customer liaison and champion for the Laboratory. Promotes a positive response to questions and problem resolution.
   • Communicates effectively with lab teams through email, huddles, rounding and meetings.
   • Interacts with the Supervisors and Team Leads daily to report issues and concerns involving Lab Assistants and customers.
   • Attends and/or completes all assigned PNHS mandatory training and Laboratory specific competency testing as scheduled.
   • Participates in completion of performance appraisals using the automated electronic system to provide input for self, peers, staff, and leaders.
   • Pathway team members must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive to patient or client locations as necessary.
   • Performs other duties as assigned.
2. Lab Assistant I
   1. Processes laboratory specimens, which may include centrifuging, pipetting, labeling, and aliquoting using laboratory equipment and methods. The product is a specimen that is ready for testing and is distributed to the correct testing area.
   2. Performs patient phlebotomy on patients of all ages in accordance with laboratory policy, verifying that correct patient identification is carried out through all stages of sample collection and processing.
   3. Performs patient reception and registration duties, along with ordering, in accordance with written policies and procedures.
   4. Uses pneumatic tube system for specimen receipt and blood component distribution.
   5. Delivers specimens to appropriate departments within the lab and loads specimens on to automated sample management systems.
   6. Takes responsibility to monitor, identify, and resolve any possible conflicts in phlebotomy and specimen processing services and/ or refer conflicts to direct supervisor.
   7. Performs a limited menu of waived laboratory tests.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

Values: Excellence, Compassion, Partnership, Integrity. All colleagues are expected to live our values.

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Complies with safety instructions, observe safe work practices, provides input on safety issues, and promotes a safe work environment.
• Maintains regular and timely attendance.
• Protects confidentiality.
• Demonstrates participation in and support of the organization\'s Corporate Integrity Program by participating in compliance-related education and training and complying with the organization\'s policies and procedures.
• Timely completion of all mandatory education and organizational requirements (i.e., licensure/certification, Employee Health and Wellness requirements, annual training, etc.)

POPULATION SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES: See the original job description for details.