Lab Assistant II

Lab Assistant I

At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor's visit or a place to go when you need medical attention. Our Mission is based on improving the health of our communities – that means not only when you are sick but keeping you well. MercyOne Central Iowa sets the standard for personalized and radically convenient care in the Des Moines metro area and surrounding counties. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1893, is the longest continually operating hospital in Des Moines and Iowa's largest medical center, with 802 beds available. The hospital is one of the Midwest's largest referral centers. With more than 7,000 colleagues and a medical staff of almost 1,500 physicians and allied health professionals, MercyOne Central Iowa is one of Iowa's largest employers.

POSITION PURPOSE

The purpose of the Lab Assistant I position is to support a variety of laboratory departments by assisting technical staff in the collection, processing, analysis, and reporting of laboratory tests necessary for patient diagnosis and treatment. The role requires the skills needed to ensure specimens, patient information, and testing workflows are handled accurately and efficiently. By contributing to reliable test processes and smooth laboratory operations, this position helps maintain timely turnaround, data integrity, and compliance with quality and safety standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Knows, understands, incorporates, and demonstrates the Trinity Health and MercyOne Mission, Vision, and Values in behaviors, practices, and decisions.
• Accepts specimens and requisitions from internal and external customers and manages add ‑ on orders and pending lists in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Identifies patients and specimens using two unique patient identifiers and accurately labels specimen containers to ensure correct identification.
• Registers and logs specimens in the Laboratory Information System (LIS), evaluates specimen adequacy and acceptability, and scans required documentation into the patient record.
• Performs specimen processing such as proper identification, aliquoting, plate streaking, slide preparation, special handling, and required documentation in accordance with laboratory protocols.
• Assists in resolving problematic patient specimens and test orders in collaboration with laboratory staff and clients.
• Follows safety, infection control, and chemical ‑ handling procedures and supports efficient workflow practices that promote accurate testing, timely turnaround, and productivity expectations.
• Operates laboratory information systems proficiently to support accurate data entry and workflow management.
• Contributes to general laboratory operations by restocking supplies, participating in peer teaching, and engaging in department or hospital committees and projects as assigned.
• Other duties as needed and assigned by laboratory leadership.
• Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, Trinity Health's Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other Trinity Health and
• MercyOne policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical, and professional behavior.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS – Dependent on Department Assignment

• Performs venipunctures, finger sticks, and heel sticks appropriate to patient age (neonates through geriatric adults) and ensures proper specimen collection according to laboratory policy.
• May drive to patient service centers or care centers to perform phlebotomy services as needed.
• Performs limited testing under the supervision of technical staff.
• Performs instrument maintenance, quality control, and calibrations according to established protocols.
• Assists in the gross room as assigned.
• Prepares the area for and assists pathologists with frozen section testing.
• Performs distribution and filing of slides and blocks.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

-High school diploma or GED required.

-If applicable to department assignment, must meet the following requirements:

• Possess a valid driver's license appropriate for the type of vehicle operated and be eligible to drive under Iowa state law.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Meet MercyOne's Quality and Authorized Drivers requirements.

-Completion of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Mandatory Reporter training specific to the population served within three (3) months of hire. Colleagues employed and working solely in facilities located in Illinois are exempt from this requirement in accordance with applicable state requirements.

-Laboratory experience and knowledge of medical terminology preferred.

-Strong computer skills with the ability to learn new systems and tools quickly.

-Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.

-Must possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity, and caring, with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals, and values of Trinity Health and MercyOne.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be able to set and organize own work priorities and adapt to them as they change frequently. Must be able to work concurrently on a variety of tasks/projects in an environment that may be stressful, with individuals having diverse personalities and work styles.
• Must possess the ability to comply with MercyOne and Trinity Health policies and procedures.
• Work requires frequent movement within the laboratory and hospital, including reaching, grasping, walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, and performing repetitive motions associated with specimen collection, handling, and processing. Tasks also involve applying and removing labels, using a computer keyboard, retrieving supplies, and transporting specimens.
• Responsibilities may involve handling and lifting materials or supplies generally up to 10 pounds, with occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds when moving objects. When a patient or object cannot be moved safely, mechanical assistance devices or additional personnel must be used.
• Visual acuity is required to read handwritten and electronic documentation, inspect specimens, interpret color ‑ dependent indicators, and safely use laboratory equipment, including sharps, analyzers, and computer systems.
• Must be able to communicate effectively to provide instructions, relay information, and interact with coworkers, patients, and clinical staff, using verbal, auditory, or other communication methods as appropriate.
• Duties require routine use of computers, printers, scanners, fax machines, and standard laboratory equipment, as well as occasional handling of office supplies or stored materials.
• Work is performed primarily in a hospital ‑ based or clinic laboratory setting with typical indoor environmental conditions, including moderate noise levels generated by equipment and normal clinical activity.
• Work may involve exposure to chemical hazards, blood and body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials. The role is included in the OSHA Exposure Control Plan and requires adherence to protective measures and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Colleagues of MercyOne Health System enjoy competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunity for growth throughout the system!

Visit MercyOne Careers to learn more about the benefits, culture, and career development opportunities available to you at MercyOne Health System 's circle of care.