Lab Care Technician I

Children’s Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only health system in Minnesota to provide care exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system since 1924, Children’s Minnesota serves kids throughout the Upper Midwest at two free-standing hospitals, nine primary care clinics, multiple specialty clinics, and seven rehabilitation sites. As The Kids Experts™ in the region, Children’s Minnesota is regularly ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top children’s hospital.

About the Role

Performs blood collections in a safe, accurate, and professional manner on all age groups and degrees of difficulty. Monitors patients for unexpected reactions and responds to emergency situations as required. Identifies, troubleshoots, and resolves problems. Provides a variety of other services including but not limited to answering the telephone, customer service, scanning manual orders, glucose tolerance collection, sweat chloride collection, and waived laboratory testing. Responsible for specimen receipt, assessment, and pre-analytical processing services per written policies and procedures. Enters information and test orders into the laboratory computer system. Interacts with all patients, their families, and employees in a pleasant, efficient, and cooperative manner, exhibiting sensitivity to cultural differences.

Responsibilities

• Performs blood collections on patients of all ages and varying degrees of difficulty.
• Monitors patients for unexpected reactions and responds to emergencies.
• Identifies, troubleshoots, and resolves problems related to specimen collection and processing.
• Provides customer service, including answering telephones and assisting with inquiries.
• Performs specialized collections such as glucose tolerance and sweat chloride tests.
• Conducts waived laboratory testing as required.
• Processes specimens for pre-analytical assessment per established policies.
• Enters test orders and patient information into the laboratory computer system.
• Interacts professionally with patients, families, and staff, demonstrating cultural sensitivity.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree preferred.
• Phlebotomy certificate/license is not required but preferred.
• Experience as a phlebotomist or specimen processing tech in a hospital setting is preferred.
• One year of pediatric phlebotomy experience and/or one year of experience in a pediatric clinical laboratory setting, and/or graduation from an accredited medical assistant or phlebotomy program.

Skills

• Knowledge of laboratory techniques for specimen collection.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet turnaround times.
• Outstanding professional and positive customer service skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and follow-up skills.
• Experience with healthcare computer information systems.
• Solid knowledge of medical terminology.
• Highly organized, efficient, and able to work independently or within a team.
• Forward-thinking approach to improving processes and resources.
• Ability to manage challenging situations with patients and families.
• Adaptability, willingness to learn new skills, and effective communication.
• Ability to cope with stressful work situations.

Pay

The posted salary represents a market-competitive range based on benchmark data for similar roles in the local or national market. Annual salaries are based on full-time employment (40 hours per week) and will be prorated for part-time positions. Individual pay rates consider factors such as market indicators, skills, education, training, credentials, experience, internal equity, and organizational needs.

Benefits

• Eligibility for medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement benefits.
• Other fringe benefits.
• Shift differentials or premium pay for positions requiring night, weekend, or on-call work.

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of an occupational health assessment, drug screen, background investigation, and compliance with the U.S. Government Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.