Clinical Laboratory Assistant

Essential Functions

• Collects and/or processes patient blood obtained by venipuncture and/or capillary puncture timely and accurately.
• Processes non‑blood patient specimens in a timely and accurate fashion.
• Assists in specimen preparation, receipt, and transport of patient specimens.
• Performs patient registration.
• Provides phone support for patient care areas in a polite and supportive manner.
• Maintains competency with hospital and laboratory information systems as needed to perform job duties.
• Trains new team members and/or students in the department, including standard work processes applicable to the work area.
• Receives lab orders from providers, prepares necessary documentation, and performs all routine laboratory tests.
• Maintains necessary documentation for all tests according to standards and labels all specimens following set standards.
• Maintains knowledge of specimen collection devices and tubes.
• Maintains equipment, keeps the area clean, stocks supplies, and keeps the workspace organized.
• Practices sterile technique and prevents cross‑contamination; handles blood and body fluids and deals with infectious patients.
• Performs minor laboratory procedures accurately, precisely, and efficiently under minimal supervision, including chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, and immunology.
• Performs phlebotomy through venous and capillary puncture following established procedures and age‑specific considerations.
• Observes strict principles of antisepsis to prevent infection of patients and contamination of specimens.
• Receives and collects urine specimens to perform all routine tests.
• Performs specimen preparation for all procedures/tests.
• Maintains supplies inventory and communicates needs to the supervisor.
• Reports in‑house test results and all abnormal findings to clinical staff.
• Complies with all policies and OSHA regulations related to safety, cleanliness, and infection control.
• Follows general safety procedures and utilizes personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately.

Physical Requirements

• Works in a fast‑paced clinical environment with biohazardous (infectious) materials, chemical, fire, and mechanical hazards.
• Exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, sharp instruments, fumes, ionizing radiation, and hazardous materials.
• Duties may involve standing, walking, stretching, stooping, bending, and lifting light (20 lb) to moderately heavy (50 lb) loads.
• May have some latex exposure.
• Must wear appropriate PPE at all times while working with patient specimens.

Education, Experience, and Certifications

High School Diploma or GED required; certification in phlebotomy preferred for facilities where phlebotomy is an assigned duty.

Skills / Qualifications

• Knowledge of laboratory techniques to perform minor laboratory tests.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment and testing to operate, clean, and sterilize.
• Knowledge of appropriate medical terminology to communicate with staff.
• Knowledge of computer systems and applications.
• Knowledge of organizational policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and universal precautions to establish a safe work environment.

Pay

Pay Range: $19.80 – $29.70 per hour.

Schedule

PRN position covering various shifts, including nights and weekends. Part‑time, approximately 4 hours per week.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off programs.
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and short‑ and long‑term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health‑care and dependent‑care expenses.
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial‑wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.
• Base compensation within the listed pay range based on qualifications, skills, experience, and/or training.
• Premium pay such as shift, on‑call, and more.
• Incentive pay for select positions.
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third‑largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, formed by the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. It provides care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health serves nearly 6 million patients, conducts hundreds of clinical trials, and is nationally recognized for expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics, rehabilitation, organ transplants, burn treatment, and specialized musculoskeletal programs. The system employs approximately 155 000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1 000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical‑education programs.