Outreach Lab Assistant Full Time Evenings

Trinity Health; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

MercyOne Health System in Des Moines seeks a Lab Assistant to support multiple laboratory departments by collecting, processing, analyzing, and reporting tests essential for patient diagnosis and treatment. The role requires accurate specimen handling and data entry within the Laboratory Information System, contributing to timely turnaround and quality compliance.

Schedule: Monday-Thursday 12:30pm-9pm, rotating weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Laboratory experience and knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
• Must possess honesty, integrity, and caring to promote Trinity Health and MercyOne values.

Responsibilities

• Perform venipunctures, finger sticks, and heel sticks per policy.
• Accept specimens and requisitions; manage add-ons and pending lists.
• Identify patients and specimens using two identifiers and label correctly.
• Register and log specimens in LIS; ensure data accuracy.
• Process specimens with proper handling and documentation.
• Assist in resolving problematic specimens and test orders.
• Follow safety, infection control, and chemical-handling procedures.
• Operate LIS to support data entry and workflow management.
• Restock supplies and participate in department projects.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Medical terminology

Strong computer skills

Collaborative work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Laboratory Information System (LIS)

Job description

Employment Type:

Full time

Shift:

Evening Shift

Description:

At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor’s visit or a place to go when you need medical attention. Our Mission is based on improving the health of our communities – that means not only when you are sick but keeping you well.
MercyOne Central Iowa sets the standard for personalized and radically convenient care in the Des Moines metro area and surrounding counties. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1893, is the longest continually operating hospital in Des Moines and Iowa’s largest medical center, with 802 beds available. The hospital is one of the Midwest’s largest referral centers.
With more than 7,000 colleagues and a medical staff of almost 1,500 physicians and allied health professionals, MercyOne Central Iowa is one of Iowa’s largest employers.

Schedule: Monday-Thursday 12:30pm-9pm, rotating weekends and holidays

As a Lab Assistant at MercyOne, you will support a variety of laboratory departments by assisting technical staff in the collection, processing, analysis, and reporting of laboratory tests necessary for patient diagnosis and treatment. The role requires the skills needed to ensure specimens, patient information, and testing workflows are handled accurately and efficiently. By contributing to reliable test processes and smooth laboratory operations, this position helps maintain timely turnaround, data integrity, and compliance with quality and safety standards.

• Performs venipunctures, finger sticks, and heel sticks appropriate to patient age (neonates through geriatric adults) and ensures proper specimen collection according to laboratory policy.
• Accepts specimens and requisitions from internal and external customers and manages add‑on orders and pending lists in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Identifies patients and specimens using two unique patient identifiers and accurately labels specimen containers to ensure correct identification.
• Registers and logs specimens in the Laboratory Information System (LIS), evaluates specimen adequacy and acceptability, and scans required documentation into the patient record.
• Performs specimen processing such as proper identification, aliquoting, plate streaking, slide preparation, special handling, and required documentation in accordance with laboratory protocols.
• Assists in resolving problematic patient specimens and test orders in collaboration with laboratory staff and clients.
• Follows safety, infection control, and chemical‑handling procedures and supports efficient workflow practices that promote accurate testing, timely turnaround, and productivity expectations.
• Operates laboratory information systems proficiently to support accurate data entry and workflow management.
• Contributes to general laboratory operations by restocking supplies, participating in peer teaching, and engaging in department or hospital committees and projects as assigned.

General Requirements:

• Laboratory experience and knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to learn new systems and tools quickly.
• Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
• Must possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity, and caring, with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals, and values of Trinity Health and MercyOne.

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.

Colleagues of MercyOne Health System enjoy competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunity for growth throughout the system!

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.