Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory Assistant

Experience the HCA Healthcare difference where colleagues are trusted, valued members of our healthcare team. Grow your career with an organization committed to delivering respectful, compassionate care, and where the unique and intrinsic worth of each individual is recognized.

Lab Assistant / Phlebotomist performs any three of the following non-technical functions under the supervision of the department supervisor, manager or director. They collect specimens, process specimens, submit and monitor specimens submitted to the referral laboratories and patient registration. Performs duties consistent with written procedures and regulatory requirements. Supports the department in achieving department goals for service, quality, regulatory compliance, financial performance, patient satisfaction, healthy work environment, and integration of intra and inter-departmental activities.

Duties include but not limited to:

• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of specimen collection and testing requirements as well as specimen rejection criteria
• Demonstrates proficiency in venipunctures and/or finger sticks on pediatric, neonatal, adults and geriatric patients. Demonstrates proficiency in heel sticks on infants (as patient population requires)
• Utilizes supplies appropriately
• Follows established procedures for patient identification and specimen collection based test orders
• Completes appropriate specimen collection documentation
• Educates patient and/or family regarding specimen collection procedures prior to obtaining specimen
• Uses computer information system relative to job functions
• Responsible for clerical duties (i.e., faxing, phones, pneumatic tube system, reports)
• Demonstrates ability to deal with priorities first and plans for completion of duties
• Reviews Outstanding Specimen Report (OSR) and pending specimen collections/accessioning issues; takes action as appropriate
• Receives laboratory specimens into the laboratory information system
• Performs registration and order entry procedures, as requested, with accuracy, and in a timely manner
• Labels specimens and aliquots according to established protocols and according to testing ordered.
• Centrifuges and aliquots specimens appropriately, based on specimen type and tests ordered.
• Prepares specimens to be ready for courier pick-up and includes special instructions as requested by physician orders
• Discards laboratory specimens according to established schedule
• Performs periodic preventive maintenance and quality assurance procedures as assigned
• Collects chain-of-custody drug collections according to establish policy (as laboratory may require)
• Keeps appropriate records/documentation relating to specimen problems and other problems encountered, takes corrective action as necessary to ensure validity and accuracy of testing
• Cleans the area upon emergency spills of specimens
• Assesses specimen requirements for referral testing and troubleshoots any specimen requirement and/or referral testing specimen or order entry issues.
• Processes, sorts, and prepares specimens for submission to referral laboratories for testing in accordance with specimen requirements for tests ordered.
• Regularly monitors and reviews the status of referred testing to assure that results are received and made available to physicians within established turnaround times.
• Reviews Outstanding Specimen Report (OSR) and pending referral testing issues; takes action as appropriate
• Communicates and troubleshoots any problem specimens in a timely manner.

Knowledge, skills and abilities: (This position requires the following minimum requirements)

• Ability to interact with co-workers in a team environment, promoting a harmonious and cooperative working environment.
• Demonstrates excellent customer service practices in all interactions.
• Effectively communicate with all personnel to exchange accurate and timely technical information.
• May assist in communication to customers, floors, physicians regarding problem and/or pending specimens.
• Requires 2 + years experience performing registration, clerical duties, and sending out of specimen processing. Follows safety policies and procedures
• Protects sensitive and confidential information by actively participating in the Privacy & Security Awareness program
• Adheres to company policies and standards regarding security
• Completes assigned courses and training on an annual basis
• Available to work during disasters

Education & Experience

• Vocational/Technical Degree Preferred
• 1-3 years in a clinical laboratory setting preferred
• Phlebotomy, Medical Assistant, Paramedic or EMT certification preferred.

HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

• Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
• Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
• Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
• Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
• Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
• Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

HCA Healthcare Laboratory Services is a full service provider for clinical laboratory and anatomic pathology services, providing hospitals, physicians, and clients with timely diagnostic information for patient care. Our infrastructure includes a fully automated esoteric core laboratory in Fort Lauderdale, a histology and microbiology operation in Largo, Florida, and a network of hospital based rapid-response laboratories present in four HCA Healthcare divisions within the state of Florida. Our core laboratories support more than 250 acute and rehab hospitals, physician practices, surgery centers and commercial accounts.

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated 3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.

If you find this opportunity compelling, we encourage you to apply for our Laboratory Assistant opening. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be directly contacted by a member of our team. We are interviewing - apply today!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.