LAB ASSISTANT

Overview

The Lab Assistant at Riverside Healthcare performs blood collection procedures, processing laboratory specimens, and provides general support to the laboratory team. The role ensures accurate and timely laboratory results and contributes to high‑quality patient care. The position requires rotating weekend and holiday shifts.

• Blood Collection
  :
  Perform venipuncture and capillary punctures on patients of all ages, ensuring proper identification, labeling, and handling of specimens. Follow the order of draw and respond to specified codes for specimen collection.
• Specimen Processing
  :
  Prepare, process, and transport specimens according to protocols, confirm special requirements for acceptability, and send out samples for reference laboratories when needed.
• Patient Interaction
  :
  Provide excellent patient care, ensuring comfort and safety, addressing concerns, and applying AIDET in every interaction.
• and Compliance
  :
  Adhere to laboratory safety procedures, use PPE appropriately, follow infection prevention standards, and dispose of biohazardous materials. Complete competency assessments at required intervals.
• Data Entry
  :
  Accurately enter patient and specimen information into the laboratory information system (LIS).
• Inventory Management
  :
  Monitor and restock phlebotomy and laboratory supplies, ensuring availability and proper storage.
• Collaboration
  :
  Work with the laboratory team to prioritize and coordinate specimen collection and processing; report unusual issues to the supervisor.
• Survey Support
  :
  Assist with CAP and DNV inspections and help maintain compliance.
• Administrative Support
  :
  Perform general administrative tasks such as filing, answering phones, sending/receiving faxes, and handling patient paperwork.
• Training Support
  :
  Guide new phlebotomy staff or students, sharing knowledge of blood collection techniques and safety practices.
• Process Improvement
  :
  Participate in initiatives to enhance workflow, patient care, and laboratory efficiency.
• Flexibility
  :
  Demonstrate flexibility with assignments within professional scope, duties, and licensure.
• Outreach Collection
  :
  Conduct blood collection at contracted facilities (e.g., nursing homes) and transport specimens to the laboratory.

• Proficiency in venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working well under pressure with high accuracy.

• At least 1 year of phlebotomy experience, preferably in a healthcare or clinical setting.
• Experience in a hospital clinical laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and biohazard handling procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently in a fast‑paced environment.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of a phlebotomy training program.

• Phlebotomy certification or 2 years of phlebotomy experience.

• Chemicals:
  Acids, bases, formalin.
• Video Display Terminals:
  Average.
• Blood and Body Fluids:
  Continuous daily exposure; very high.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens:
  Very high potential.

• Speech:
  Needed for communication with coworkers, providers, and clinical staff.
• Vision:
  Needed for computer operation, specimen collection, processing, and handling.
• Smell:
  Electrical/fire safety.
• Hearing:
  Needed to listen to coworkers, customers, and patients.
• Touch:
  Required for performing phlebotomy and specimen processing.

• Sit: 5%
• Twist: 5%
• Stand: 25%
• Walk: 35%
• kneel: 5%
• Lift: 5%
• Drive: 5%
• Bend: 10%
• Reach above shoulders: 5%

USD $18.83 - USD $23.00 per hour