Medical Assistant II - Laboratory

Mercy Medical Center; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, IA, seeks a Certified Medical Assistant to support patient-centered care in the laboratory setting. The role focuses on timely specimen collection and accurate data entry with compassion during every patient interaction.

The position involves order entry, labeling in EPIC, maintaining a smooth patient flow, and assisting with education and training. Day shift Mon-Fri 9:00–5:30, closed major holidays; Mercy values diversity and professional conduct.

Qualifications

• Certification as Medical Assistant is required.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in medical office or lab preferred.
• Strong patient service and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collect specimens including phlebotomy and swabs with care.
• Identify patients and samples during testing stages.
• Enter orders and label samples in EPIC.
• Assist with patient flow and provide education to patients.
• Communicate effectively with physicians, nurses, and families.
• Support training new staff and maintain a clean work area.

Skills

Compassionate patient care

Communication

Multitasking

Detail-oriented

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Medical Assistant Certification

Tools

EPIC

Job description

This position is Monday through Friday 9am-5:30pm and closed major holidays!Work ShiftDayScheduled Weekly Hours40SummaryThis position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care by providing timely and accurate specimen collection and other laboratory support functions. The Certified Medical Assistant exhibits compassion towards our patients, provides outstanding customer service, and demonstrates professional behavior. This includes all interactions with patients and their families; in person during the lab visit, telephonically and electronically.Job DescriptionJob DutiesEnsure that accurate and clinically relevant information is communicated with patients, their families, and co-workers at handoffs and other times as needed. Take all measures necessary to ensure that the appropriate and involved parties have communicated necessary information to allow for the best possible patient outcomePrioritizes workload to ensure timely collection of patient samplesProperly identifies patients and samples during the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testingPerform specimen collection, including phlebotomy, respiratory swabs, urines, stools, and skin tests, with skill and compassionFollows laboratory procedures for specimen collection, order entry and all other dutiesAccesses lab information system (EPIC) to perform order entry, specimen collection and sample labelingOpen and/or close outpatient lab area as scheduledMaintains a consistent patient flow and advises patients of delaysMonitors and maintains patient waiting areaProvides patient collection instructionsAnswers incoming phone calls and places outgoing phone calls in a timely manner using proper phone etiquetteActs as a resource for laboratory medicine information to providers and othersReviews information in the laboratory information system (EPIC) for deficiencies and resolves discrepanciesScan documents into the laboratory information system (EPIC) and maintain records appropriatelyCommunicates effectively and professionally with physicians, nurses, other medical personnel, patients, and familiesAssists with education and training new staff and students as neededMaintains laboratory and/or outpatient area with general cleaning, stocking, and upkeepMaintains and improves skills by participating in at least one continuing education activity annuallyActively seeks and identifies opportunities for process improvementFollows Mercy's safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents and injuries.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of specimen collection procedures, including venipuncture, capillary collection, TB placement, and respiratory swabsKnowledge of different patient populations and their needs, including neonatal, pediatric, geriatric, and traumaGeneral knowledge and understanding of the diagnosis process, lab values, and safe handling of sharps and blood products.Ability to successfully perform venipunctures.Ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure without sacrificing qualityAbility to multi-task, prioritize, and work with interruptionsStrong computer knowledge and skills to navigate the laboratory information system (EPIC)Ability to be detail-orientedAbility to complete appropriate documentation and paperwork clearly and completelyExhibits outstanding customer service to patients, families and colleagues.Professional ExperienceMedical office or laboratory experience is strongly preferred.EducationHigh School Diploma or equivalent required.Education sufficient to obtain required licensure.Licensure, Certification, RegistrationMedical Assistant Certification required.Physical RequirementsLight: Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequentlyPay Rate TypeHourlyMercy is an independent, community-based organization supporting the Cedar Rapids area for over 120 years.Mercy is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and therefore evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.