Lab Assistant PT Day Weekends

About the role

MercyOne Central Iowa provides personalized, convenient care throughout the Des Moines metro area. The organization, founded in 1893, is Iowa’s largest medical center with 802 beds and more than 7,000 employees. The Lab Assistant supports multiple laboratory departments by assisting technical staff in the collection, processing, analysis, and reporting of laboratory tests essential for patient diagnosis and treatment. This role ensures specimens, patient information, and testing workflows are handled accurately and efficiently, contributing to timely turnaround, data integrity, and compliance with quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform venipunctures, finger sticks, and heel sticks appropriate to patient age (neonates through geriatric adults) and ensure proper specimen collection according to laboratory policy.
• Accept specimens and requisitions from internal and external customers; manage add‑on orders and pending lists in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Identify patients and specimens using two unique patient identifiers and accurately label specimen containers.
• Register and log specimens in the Laboratory Information System (LIS), evaluate specimen adequacy and acceptability, and scan required documentation into the patient record.
• Process specimens, including identification, aliquoting, plate streaking, slide preparation, special handling, and required documentation per laboratory protocols.
• Assist in resolving problematic patient specimens and test orders in collaboration with laboratory staff and clients.
• Follow safety, infection control, and chemical‑handling procedures; support efficient workflow practices that promote accurate testing, timely turnaround, and productivity expectations.
• Operate laboratory information systems proficiently to support accurate data entry and workflow management.
• Contribute 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.
• Comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared‑leadership environment.
• Personal presence characterized by honesty, integrity, and caring, with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the mission, vision, goals, and values of Trinity Health and MercyOne.

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.

Schedule

Friday, Saturday, Sunday; 4:00 AM – 12:30 PM (12‑hour day shift, part‑time).

Benefits

Competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunities for growth throughout the MercyOne Health System.