Laboratory Assistant

Last year our HCA Healthcare colleagues invested over 156,000 hours volunteering in our communities. As a team member with HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, you can be part of an organization devoted to giving back.

About the role

As a Laboratory Assistant / Phlebotomist, you will perform any three of the following non-technical functions under the supervision of the department supervisor, manager, or director: collect specimens, process specimens, submit and monitor specimens sent to referral laboratories, and perform patient registration. You will support the department in achieving goals for service, quality, regulatory compliance, financial performance, patient satisfaction, and a healthy work environment.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of specimen collection and testing requirements, as well as specimen rejection criteria.
• Perform venipunctures and/or finger sticks on pediatric, neonatal, adult, and geriatric patients.
• Perform heel sticks on infants as required by patient population.
• Utilize supplies appropriately and follow established procedures for patient identification and specimen collection based on test orders.
• Complete appropriate specimen collection documentation and educate patients/families regarding procedures prior to obtaining specimens.
• Use the computer information system relative to job functions and handle clerical duties (e.g., faxing, phones, pneumatic tube system, reports).
• Prioritize tasks and plan for completion of duties.
• Review the Outstanding Specimen Report (OSR) and address pending specimen collections/accessioning issues.
• Receive laboratory specimens into the laboratory information system.
• Perform registration and order entry procedures accurately and in a timely manner.
• Label specimens and aliquots according to established protocols and testing ordered.
• Centrifuge and aliquot specimens appropriately based on specimen type and tests ordered.
• Prepare specimens for courier pick-up, including special instructions as requested by physician orders.
• Discard laboratory specimens according to the established schedule.
• Perform periodic preventive maintenance and quality assurance procedures as assigned.
• Collect chain-of-custody drug collections according to established policy (if required by the laboratory).
• Maintain appropriate records/documentation for specimen problems and take corrective action to ensure validity and accuracy of testing.
• Clean the area following emergency spills of specimens.
• Assess specimen requirements for referral testing and troubleshoot any issues related to specimen requirements or referral testing.
• Process, sort, and prepare specimens for submission to referral laboratories in accordance with test requirements.
• Monitor and review the status of referred testing to ensure results are received and made available to physicians within established turnaround times.
• Review the Outstanding Specimen Report (OSR) and address pending referral testing issues.
• Communicate and troubleshoot problem specimens in a timely manner.

Requirements

• Ability to interact with co-workers in a team environment and promote a harmonious, cooperative workplace.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service practices in all interactions.
• Effectively communicate with personnel to exchange accurate and timely technical information.
• Assist in communication with customers, floors, and physicians regarding problem and/or pending specimens.
• 2+ years of experience performing registration, clerical duties, and specimen processing.
• Follow safety policies and procedures and protect sensitive and confidential information.
• Adhere to company policies and standards regarding security.
• Complete assigned courses and training annually.
• Available to work during disasters.

Qualifications

• Vocational/Technical Degree preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting preferred.

Skills

• Phlebotomy, Medical Assistant, Paramedic, or EMT certification preferred.

Benefits

HCA Florida Mercy Hospital offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career, and retirement of our colleagues. Available plans and programs include:

• Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health, and telemedicine services.
• Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services.
• Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage, and leaves of absence.
• Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support, and financial wellbeing counseling.
• Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships, and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing.
• Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection, and consumer discounts.

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.