Laboratory Assistant I - General Lab

CHRISTUS Health; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

CHRISTUS Health in Santa Fe, NM seeks a Phlebotomist to collect blood samples, label specimens, and ensure proper patient identification. The role includes venipuncture, skin punctures, and possibly interviewing patients for demographics and financial information.

Responsibilities cover daily phlebotomy procedures, specimen processing, OSHA compliance, safe handling, and clerical tasks such as entering results and communicating with staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to register patients, obtain specimens and dispense critical information in accordance with policies.
• Must be able to read and write English and communicate effectively. Must be able to operate laboratory equipment.

Responsibilities

• Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
• Performs daily phlebotomy procedures and tests on a fluctuating work schedule. Obtains an adequate specimen on all patients, including correct timed specimens when indicated.
• Observes established personnel policies, OSHA requirements, and lab procedures to ensure safe practice.
• Assures proper identification of patient and specimens in accordance with established laboratory identification procedures.
• Maintains integrity of specimens while processing specimens. Assures correct identification of specimens and distributes specimens to the proper department or correct reference laboratory.
• Plates and smears to appropriate media all specimens received for culturing. Processes microbiology specimens when assigned.
• Processes sendout testing when necessary.
• Assist in orienting of new personnel as directed by the lead tech or lab director.

Skills

Register patients

Obtain specimens

Operate laboratory equipment

Read and write English

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Summary

Is trained to perform processing blood and other body fluids, sendouts, and other tests as required. Obtains blood samples from the correct patient, ensuring that the blood is properly drawn and labeled following established procedures to assure the proper specimen for the requested testing. Is trained to become competent at venipunctures and skin punctures. May register and interview patients, obtaining accurate demographic and financial information. May be required to verify medical necessity for all Medicare patients.

Responsibilities

• Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
• Performs daily phlebotomy procedures and tests on a fluctuating work schedule. Obtains an adequate specimen on all patients, including correct timed specimens when indicated.
• Observes established personnel policies, OSHA requirements, and lab procedures to ensure safe practice.
• Assures proper identification of patient and specimens in accordance with established laboratory identification procedures, and cares for patients promptly and courteously.
• Maintains integrity of specimens while processing specimens. Assures correct identification of specimens and distributes specimens to the proper department or correct reference laboratory.
• Plates and smears to appropriate media all specimens received for culturing. Processes microbiology specimens when assigned.
• Processes sendout testing when necessary.
• Answer Pneumatic tube system at all times.
• Assists in orienting of new personnel as directed by the lead tech or lab director.
• Continuously practices universal precautions. Follows all hospital, section, and safety policies and procedures.
• Is trained in the following skills: Age specific criteria for all age groups, fingersticks, heel sticks, venipuncture, blood cultures, syringe collections and the use of butterflies
• Registers and interviews patients, obtaining accurate demographic financial information
• Performs therapeutic phlebotomies
• Stock drawing stations and outpatient rest rooms. Maintain phlebotomy area, trays area in orderly and useable condition. Maintains a system of inventory control of assigned areas. Assumes responsibility for neatness and cleanliness of patient area.
• Follows hospital safety policy including wearing gloves while performing phlebotomy and utilizes only safeguard needles and syringes. Follows needlestick policy in the event of needlestick or mucous membrane exposure.
• Contacts patients or nursing stations for additional specimens, if necessary.
• Performs daily clerical duties which may include entering results into computer, receiving specimens, answering the telephone, printing logs, looking up results, monitoring label printing, problem solving and assisting office personnel as needed.
• Reports to CLS, CLT, or Supervisor any irregularities encountered in performing daily workload.
• Maintains a clean work area.
• Helps to unpack and distribute laboratory supplies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Education/Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to register patients, obtain specimens and dispense critical information in accordance with section, laboratory, and hospital policies and procedures. Must be able to read and write English and be able to communicate effectively. Must be able to operate laboratory equipment, computer systems.

Experience

• Relevant experience preferred.

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• None required.

In accordance with the CHRISTUS Health License, Certification and Registration Verification Policy, all Associates are required to obtain the required certifications for their respective positions within the designated time frame.

Work Schedule

MULTIPLE SHIFTS AVAILABLE

Work Type

Per Diem As Needed