Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology

Avera Health; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO from day 1

Retirement match up to 5%

Career development

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

Avera Health is seeking a laboratory support professional at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. The role focuses on specimen collection, processing and point-of-care testing within the microbiology department.

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, following Lean principles, with emphasis on accuracy, safety and timely processing of specimens. PTO and comprehensive benefits apply.

Qualifications

• Visual acuity and the ability to communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Collects blood and other specimens from patients according to established standards and procedures.
• Labels, transports or stores collected specimens accurately and timely.
• Processes laboratory specimens including centrifuging, separating, measuring, storing and distributing to testing areas.
• Completes patient registration and test order data entry as required.
• Identifies and resolves routine specimen or test order problems.
• Interprets inpatient/outpatient test orders for collection timing and specimen types.
• Performs point-of-care testing according to standards.
• Maintains records and keeps inventories as required by regulatory agencies.

Education

High School or GED Equivalent

Job description

Location: Avera McKennan Hospital

Worker Type: Regular Work Shift: Day Shift (United States of America)

Pay Range: The pay range for this position is listed below. Actual pay rate dependent upon experience. $18.75 - $24.50

Position Highlights

This position will primarily work alongside laboratory technical staff in the microbiology department performing microbiology culture set-ups, waived kit testing, and molecular assays.

You Belong at Avera

Be part of a multidisciplinary team built with compassion and the goal of Moving Health Forward for you and our patients.

Work where you matter.

A Brief Overview

Organizes specimen collection requests, performs patient clinical laboratory specimen collection procedures, specimen transport, specimen processing, testing dispersal, point-of-care testing procedures, and other pre analytic functions following established standards and practices.

What you will do

• Collects blood and other specimens from patients according to established standards and procedures.


• Labels, transports or stores collected specimens as directed in an accurate and timely manner following Lean Principles as determined by Standard Work Document.


• Processes all laboratory specimens to include centrifuging, separating, measuring, storing and distributing to appropriate testing areas or packaging for transport to reference laboratories.


• Completes patient registration, test order computer data entry and pertinent sequel databases as required by established standards and procedures.


• Identifies and resolves routine specimen acceptability and test order problems for on campus specimens.


• Refers incomplete patient information or non-routine identified problems to appropriate individuals for problem resolution.


• Interprets inpatient and outpatient test orders to determine appropriate collection time and specimen types to be collected.


• Performs selected point-of-care testing according to established standards and procedures.


• Assists with analysis, collection and maintenance of records as required by regulatory agencies and/or federal, state, or local law.


• Maintains and distributes supplies and inventories.

Essential Qualifications

The individual must be able to work the hours specified. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily including having visual acuity adequate to perform position duties and the ability to communicate effectively with others, hear, understand and distinguish speech and other sounds. These requirements and those listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions, as long as the accommodations do not cause undue hardship to the employer.

Preferred Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience

High School or GED Equivalent

Expectations and Standards

• Commitment to the daily application of Avera’s mission, vision, core values, and social principles to serve patients, their families, and our community.


• Promote Avera’s values of compassion, hospitality, and stewardship.


• Uphold Avera’s standards of Communication, Attitude, Responsiveness, and Engagement (CARE) with enthusiasm and sincerity.


• Maintain confidentiality.


• Work effectively in a team environment, coordinating work flow with other team members and ensuring a productive and efficient environment.


• Comply with safety principles, laws, regulations, and standards associated with, but not limited to, CMS, The Joint Commission, DHHS, and OSHA if applicable.

Benefits

• Avera is proud to offer a wide range of benefits to qualifying part‑time and full‑time employees.


• We support you with opportunities to help live balanced, healthy lives. Benefits are designed to meet needs of today and into the future.


• PTO available day 1 for eligible hires.


• Up to 5% employer matching contribution for retirement.


• Career development guided by hands‑on training and mentorship


• Avera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, Veteran Status, or other categories protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-605-504-4444 or send an email to [e-mail].

At Avera, the way you are treated as an employee translates into the compassionate care you deliver to patients and team members.

Because we consider health care a ministry, you can live out your faith, uphold the dignity and respect of all persons while not compromising high-quality services.

Join us in making a positive impact on moving health forward.