Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory AssistantThis position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care by providing clerical and limited technical services to the laboratory. The Laboratory Assistant assures quality test results by following policies and procedures, communicating effectively with co-workers, providers, and patients.Job DutiesEnsures that accurate and clinically relevant information is communicated with patients, their families, and co-workers at hand offs and other times as needed. Take all measures necessary to ensure that the appropriate and involved parties have communicated necessary information in order to allow for the best possible patient outcomeReads and records temperatures and other daily choresCompletes required department documentationPerforms instrument maintenancePrioritizes workload to ensure timely reporting of resultsMaintains and improves skills by participating in at least one continuing education activity annuallyActively seeks and identifies opportunities for process improvementAssists in procedure writing, updating, and validatingActs as a resource for laboratory medicine information to providers and othersUses laboratory information system access information and enter informationProperly identifies patients and samples during the pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phases of testing.Follows Mercy's safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents and injuries.Department Specific DutiesHiawatha Lab:Responsible for documenting and setting up new cultures according to sources and typesPerforms gram stains, performs and results Strep screens, RSV, Influenza A&B and other testsCollects nasal, nasal aspirates and throat cultures in the outpatient area and administers and reads TB skin testsPerforms waived testing and other duties as assigned.Follows laboratory procedures for specimen collection, order entry, specimen receiving and all other duties.Prioritizes workload to ensure timely collection of patient samples.Performs specimen collection including phlebotomy and other specimen types as directed, with skill and compassion.Answers incoming phone calls and places outgoing calls in a timely manner using proper phone etiquette.Receives specimens into the laboratory and delivers to proper locations.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of laboratory testing proceduresKnowledge of regulatory requirements, including CAP, COLA, CLIA, TJC, and FDAAbility to work quickly and efficiently under pressure without sacrificing qualityAbility to multi-task, prioritize, and work with interruptionsSkilled in use of standard laboratory instrumentationSkilled in use of the laboratory information system (LIS)Ability to recognize and correct problems with quality controlAbility to recognize problems and troubleshoot laboratory equipmentAbility to detail-orientedAbility to complete appropriate documentation and paperwork clearly and completelyKnowledge of different patient populations and their needs, including neonatal, pediatric, and, geriatricProfessional ExperienceMedical laboratory experience preferred, but not required.Six months' phlebotomy experience required for Marion ED LabEducationHigh school diploma or equivalent required.Physical RequirementsLight: Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequentlyPay Rate TypeHourlyMercy is an independent, community-based organization supporting the Cedar Rapids area for over 120 years.Mercy is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and therefore evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.