Laboratory Assistant I - PT / evenings

Penn Medicine; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn Medicine seeks a Laboratory Assistant to process clinical specimens and support laboratory operations. The role involves following SOPs, maintaining safety standards, and ensuring timely specimen distribution. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and relevant experience.

Benefits

Comprehensive compensation and benefits program

Prepaid tuition assistance program

Qualifications

• Experience in a hospital laboratory receiving area and with Laboratory Information Systems.

Responsibilities

• Processes patient samples for diagnostic testing.
• Maintains accurate log records and a safe work area.
• Answers phone inquiries and manages specimen collection.

Education

H.S. Diploma/GED

Job description

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical, and business professionals across all disciplines.

Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

Summary:

• A Laboratory Assistant is an individual trained on-the-job to process a variety of clinical specimens for diagnostic laboratory testing and access associated records.

Responsibilities:

• Performs assigned patient-sample processing activities.
• Follows established SOPs for the ordering and processing of biological specimens for analysis and evaluates and solves problems related to that process.
• Operates the pneumatic tube system properly and observes all Infection Control policies while handling specimens.
• Provides timely distribution of specimens to appropriate laboratory sections.
• Maintains accurate and orderly log records and/or worksheets according to SOPs.
• Maintains a safe and orderly work area and demonstrates safe work practices.
• Keeps work area free from personal documents and items.
• Answers phone in a professional, courteous, and timely manner, speaking to callers in a caring manner.
• Answers questions or refers callers to the appropriate source and researches inquiries regarding specimen collection or test results.
• Understands collection requirements for special or referral testing, prepares specimens, ensures integrity and correctness of samples, and arranges for dispatch and pick-up of specimens as needed.
• Keeps current with laboratory minutes and documented changes.
• Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies, and appropriately communicates the need to re-order before supplies run out.
• Assists with the instruction of procedures and techniques to other employees.
• Performs daily temperature checks on rooms, refrigerators, freezers, incubators, and preventive maintenance on centrifuges as needed.
• Complies with Hospital, Laboratory, Safety, and HIPAA regulations.
• Notifies Supervisor or Safety Officer of hazards when found.
• Completes annual mandatory training on or before the due date.
• Responsible for maintaining adequate staffing on all shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Credentials:

• American Society for Clinical Pathology certification preferred (e.g., PBT or MLA by ASCP).

Education or Equivalent Experience:

• H.S. Diploma/GED required.
• Equivalent experience includes prior experience in a hospital laboratory receiving area and with Laboratory Information Systems.

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program, including one of the region's finest prepaid tuition assistance programs. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together, we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship, military status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.