Laboratory Assistant I

About the Role

The Lab Assistant will provide a wide range of laboratory services including specimen collection, client service and reception desk duties, ordering/scheduling/billing functions, laboratory testing, phlebotomy, dispatching, specimen processing, centrifuging, delivery of specimens to appropriate lab/department, and assuring proper efficiency and workflow management. This position will also serve as a resource for questions from hospital and clinic staff regarding specimen handling and processing.

Responsibilities

• Models and promotes the Head + Heart, Together behaviors.
• Provides feedback to staff and manager, including recognition and correction.
• Serves as a PNHS customer liaison and champion for the Laboratory.
• Promotes a positive response to questions and problem resolution.
• Communicates effectively with lab teams through email, huddles, rounding, and meetings.
• Interacts with Supervisors and Team Leads daily to report issues and concerns involving Lab Assistants and customers.
• Attends and/or completes all assigned PNHS mandatory training and Laboratory-specific competency testing as scheduled.
• Participates in completion of performance appraisals using the automated electronic system.
• Processes laboratory specimens, including centrifuging, pipetting, labeling, and aliquoting.
• Performs patient phlebotomy on patients of all ages, verifying correct patient identification.
• Performs patient reception and registration duties, along with ordering, in accordance with written policies and procedures.
• Uses pneumatic tube system for specimen receipt and blood component distribution.
• Delivers specimens to appropriate departments within the lab and loads specimens onto automated sample management systems.
• Monitors, identifies, and resolves conflicts in phlebotomy and specimen processing services.
• Performs a limited menu of waived laboratory tests.
• Pathway team members must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive to patient or client locations as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate good problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of age-related growth and development principles to provide appropriate service and ensure patient safety.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet time-sensitive customer requests and adapt to changes on short notice.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Organizational Expectations

• Complies with safety instructions and observes safe work practices.
• Maintains regular and timely attendance.
• Protects confidentiality.
• Participates in and supports the organization's Corporate Integrity Program.
• Timely completion of all mandatory education and organizational requirements (e.g., licensure/certification, Employee Health and Wellness requirements, annual training).

Population-Specific Competencies

This role involves direct patient contact. Competencies include:

• Identifying expected outcomes for a plan individualized to the patient or situation.
• Communicating effectively with patients, families, and team members.
• Integrating practices that support patient safety and acknowledge variations in populations served.
• Anticipating the needs of the population served and addressing unique characteristics of communities.
• Providing culturally responsive care and developing individualized plans for patients and families.

Critical Job Demands

• Standing: Remaining on one's feet in an upright position at a workstation without moving about (Rare).
• Walking: Moving about on foot (Occasional).
• Sitting: Remaining in a seated position (Frequent).
• Squatting: Assuming or maintaining a crouching position with the knees bent (Rare).
• Reaching: Stretching out or extending to touch or grasp (Occasional).
• Lifting: Raising or lowering an object from one level to another (Occasional).
• Carrying: Transporting an object (Occasional).
• Pushing/Pulling: Exerting force upon an object (Occasional).
• Handling/Fingering: Includes typing, computer work, gripping, grasping, and pinching (Frequent).

Strength Rating: Light Work – Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently.

Hazard Assessment for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Working with sharp cutting devices: Penetration hazard. Use proper tools and cut-resistant gloves.
• Working with liquid chemicals, acids, or caustics: Chemical, flammable, toxic, or corrosive hazards. Use approved products, appropriate containers, and PPE (goggles, face shield, gloves, aprons, lab coat, closed-toe shoes).
• Exposure to extreme heat or cold: Burns or frostbite hazards. Use heat-resistant or cryogenic gloves, goggles, and face shields.
• Driving or riding in motorized vehicles: Vehicle crash hazard. No texting while driving; refrain from cell phone use; wear seat belts.
• Working in wet or slippery conditions: Slip, trip, or fall hazard. Use slip-resistant shoes or rubber boots; place warning signs.
• Handling hazardous drugs (e.g., chemotherapy agents): Chemical and genetic damage hazards. Use biological cabinet, spill procedures, waste disposal SOP, and appropriate PPE (gloves, disposable gowns, goggles, N95/PAPR).
• Medical/surgical procedures involving heat-generating tools: Burns hazard. Use appropriate PPE and follow safety protocols.