Laboratory Assistant- Microbiology

Mercy Cedar Rapids; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Cedar Rapids is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to support quality patient care through clerical and technical duties. The successful candidate will ensure accurate test results, maintain lab safety protocols, and assist in various patient interactions. A high school diploma is required; medical lab experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements (CAP, COLA, CLIA, TJC, FDA).
• Medical laboratory experience preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Communicate accurate information with patients and co-workers.
• Perform gram stains and other laboratory tests.
• Maintain and improve skills through continuing education.

Skills

Knowledge of laboratory testing procedures

Ability to multitask

Attention to detail

Skilled in use of standard laboratory instrumentation

Ability to troubleshoot laboratory equipment

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Laboratory Information System (LIS)

Job description

This position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care by providing clerical and limited technical services to the laboratory. The Laboratory Assistant assures quality test results by following policies and procedures, communicating effectively with co-workers, providers, and patients.

Job Duties

Ensure that accurate and clinically relevant information is communicated with patients, their families, and co-workers at hand offs and other times as needed. Take all measures necessary to ensure that the appropriate and involved parties have communicated necessary information in order to allow for the best possible patient outcome

Reads and records temperatures and other daily chores

Performs instrument maintenance

Prioritizes workload to ensure timely reporting of results

Maintains and improves skills by participating in at least one continuing education activity annually

Actively seeks and identifies opportunities for process improvement

Assists in procedure writing, updating, and validating

Acts as a resource for laboratory medicine information to providers and others

Uses laboratory information system access information and enter information

Properly identifies patients and samples during the pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phases of testing.

Department Specific Duties

Responsible for documenting and setting up new cultures according to sources and types

Performs gram stains, performs and results Strep screens, RSV, Influenza A&B and other tests

Collects nasal, nasal aspirates and throat cultures in the outpatient area and administers and reads TB skin tests

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of laboratory testing procedures

Knowledge of regulatory requirements, including CAP, COLA, CLIA, TJC, and FDA

Ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure without sacrificing quality

Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work with interruptions

Skilled in use of standard laboratory instrumentation

Skilled in use of the laboratory information system (LIS)

Ability to recognize and correct problems with quality control

Ability to recognize problems and troubleshoot laboratory equipment

Ability to detail-oriented

Ability to complete appropriate documentation and paperwork clearly and completely

Knowledge of different patient populations and their needs, including neonatal, pediatric, and, geriatric

Professional Experience

Medical laboratory experience preferred, but not required.

Education

Required: High school diploma

About the company

656 Mercy Medical Center is a Catholic hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

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