Laboratory Assistant

Job Description

People are our passion and purpose. Come work where you are appreciated for who you are not just what you can do. Willamette Valley Medical Center is a 60-bed acute-care, full-service facility, fully accredited by The Joint Commission and certified as an accredited Chest Pain Center by ACC Accreditation Services, the accrediting arm of the American College of Cardiology. We also provide a host of other services including the Joint Replacement Institute, a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient Surgical Services, a Family Birthing Center, Endoscopy, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Cardio Pulmonary Services, Therapy Services, and Oncology services through H.R. Hoover MD Cancer Center.

McMinnville, Oregon is located amid the rolling vineyards of the Willamette Valley, midway between Portland and the coast in Yamhill County. In addition to the natural beauty and historic charm, McMinnville is a city where you can experience award-winning restaurants, a world-class aviation museum, unique art galleries, beautiful public parks, and fun-filled community events. We invite you to explore our community through these local sites.

Position Summary

Performs venipuncture and specimen collection/processing; completes chain-of-custody collections and breath alcohol testing as required; supports order entry and clerical workflows; answers laboratory phones and provides customer service; assists with inventory of phlebotomy supplies. Reports to the Director or Manager of Department.

• Review providers' orders, quick-register patients when needed, and enter appropriate laboratory tests per requisition.
• Verify patient identity using two patient identifiers prior to all collections.
• Obtain blood specimens via venipuncture, finger stick, or heel stick; collect urine, throat, and nasal specimens per policy.
• Label specimens with at least two identifiers plus date/time and collector initials; ensure specimen integrity and proper handling/transport.
• Perform chain-of-custody urine drug screen collections and breath alcohol testing per policy.
• Coordinate therapeutic drug-monitoring collections with nursing to align dose and draw time.
• Resolve unusual/unclear test orders by contacting the ordering provider, pathologist, nursing station, or reference lab; escalate unresolved issues to the supervisor.
• Process specimens and distribute to appropriate internal lab sections or ship to reference laboratories according to policy.
• Maintain par levels and assist with weekly departmental inventory of supplies.
• Participate in performance improvement and required education; perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• Education: High School Diploma

What We Offer

We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:

• Comprehensive Benefits : Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
• Financial Protection & PTO : Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
• Financial & Career Growth : Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
• Employee Well-being : Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
• Professional Development : Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

EEOC Statement:

Willamette Valley Medical Center is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunities for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of color, race, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, veterans' status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.