Laboratory Assistant, I

Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to provide a wide range of laboratory services.

About the role

The Lab Assistant will perform specimen collection, client service and reception desk duties, ordering/scheduling/billing functions, laboratory testing, phlebotomy, dispatching, specimen processing, centrifuging, and delivery of specimens to appropriate labs or departments. This role ensures proper efficiency and workflow management and serves as a resource for hospital and clinic staff regarding specimen handling and processing.

Responsibilities

• Model and promote the organization’s values and behaviors.
• Provide feedback to staff and managers, including recognition and correction.
• Serve as a customer liaison and champion for the Laboratory, promoting positive problem resolution.
• Communicate effectively with lab teams through email, huddles, rounding, and meetings.
• Interact daily with Supervisors and Team Leads to report issues involving Lab Assistants and customers.
• Attend and complete all mandatory training and Laboratory-specific competency testing.
• Participate in performance appraisals using the automated electronic system.
• Process laboratory specimens, including centrifuging, pipetting, labeling, and aliquoting.
• Perform patient phlebotomy on patients of all ages, ensuring correct patient identification.
• Handle patient reception, registration, and ordering duties according to policies and procedures.
• Use the pneumatic tube system for specimen receipt and blood component distribution.
• Deliver specimens to appropriate departments and load them onto automated sample management systems.
• Monitor, identify, and resolve conflicts in phlebotomy and specimen processing services.
• Perform a limited menu of waived laboratory tests.
• Drive to patient or client locations as necessary (valid driver’s license required).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong customer service skills and the ability to work independently.
• Good problem-solving skills and knowledge of age-related growth and development principles.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet time-sensitive customer requests.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a medical-related field or an applied science degree.
• One year of hospital experience.
• ASCP certification for phlebotomy.

Organizational Expectations

• Comply with safety instructions and observe safe work practices.
• Maintain regular and timely attendance.
• Protect confidentiality and participate in the Corporate Integrity Program.
• Complete all mandatory education and organizational requirements (e.g., licensure, training).

Physical Demands

• Standing: Frequent (34-66% of the time).
• Walking: Frequent (34-66% of the time).
• Sitting: Occasional (6-33% of the time).
• Squatting: Rare (1-5% of the time).
• Reaching: Frequent (34-66% of the time).
• Lifting: Light work (exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently).
• Carrying: Light work (transporting objects up to 10 pounds).
• Pushing/Pulling: Light work (exerting force to move objects).
• Handling/Fingering: Frequent (includes typing, computer work, gripping, grasping).

Hazard Assessment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Sharp objects (e.g., box cutters, knives): Use cut-resistant gloves and safety tools; cut away from the body.
• Liquid chemicals, acids, or caustics: Use approved products, labeled containers, and MSDS guidelines. Required PPE: goggles, chemical face shield, chemical-resistant gloves/aprons, lab coat, closed-toe shoes.
• Extreme heat (e.g., autoclaves) or cold (e.g., liquid nitrogen): Use heat-resistant or cryogenic gloves, goggles, and face shields.
• Driving or riding in vehicles: No texting while driving; refrain from cell phone use; wear seat belts.
• Wet or slippery conditions: Use slip-resistant shoes or rubber boots; place warning signs.
• Hazardous drugs (e.g., chemotherapy agents): Use biological cabinets, spill procedures, and appropriate PPE (gloves, disposable gowns, goggles, N95/PAPR for spill cleanup).
• Heat-generating tools (e.g., cautery/lasers): Follow safety protocols for medical/surgical procedures.