Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology

Laboratory Assistant

Location: Geisinger Medical Center (GMC)

Shift: Evenings (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Worker Type: Regular

Exemption Status: No

Job Summary:

Assesses, accessions, and processes patient specimens in preparation for testing in the various sections of Laboratory Medicine.

Job Duties:

• Safely handles potentially infectious blood, body fluids, body tissues and other patient specimens in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Assesses suitability and acceptability of patient specimens.
• Rejects unacceptable specimens according to established protocols.
• Matches order information with specimen information to ensure accuracy and patient safety.
• Accessions and results according to procedure via appropriate computer application.
• Correctly assigns billing numbers, location codes, and physician numbers.
• Verifies physician orders when test requests are unclear.
• Prepares specimens as appropriate including centrifugation, aliquoting, labeling.
• Delivers prepared specimens to appropriate testing area in a timely manner.
• Applies laboratory programs to store specimens and to locate, retrieve, and process specimens for additional testing as requested.
• Maintains computer logs, quality control, disinfection procedures, and departmental assigned duties.
• Manages phone inquiries and provides information regarding specimen collection, transport, and patient results as appropriate.
• Navigates and accesses multiple computer applications as needed.
• Assists with packaging ordering and referral of specimens to reference laboratories in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation and commercial carrier regulations as required.
• Troubleshoots missing specimens and other preanalytical errors including courier log review, specimen archives.
• Maintains equipment, participates in established preventative maintenance program, and alerts supervisor of any equipment problems.
• Assists in proper handling, storage, and maintenance of supplies, notifies supervisor when inventory is low.
• Successfully completes initial and periodic competency assessments for all assigned job functions.

Position Details:

Laboratory Assistant I - less than 1 year of experience; HS diploma or GED

Laboratory Assistant II Minimum 1 year of experience or one of the following will be accepted in lieu of required experience:

• Bachelor or Associate degree in clinical or related science field OR
• Enrollment with a minimum of at least two semesters completed of an associate or bachelor's degree in clinical or related science field that includes introductory classes in biology or chemistry OR
• ASCP Certified as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)

Hiring Incentive: This position qualifies for a $5,000 SIGN ON BONUS for eligible candidates

Benefit Highlights:

• Full benefits (health, dental and vision) starting on day one
• Three medical plan choices, including an expanded network for out-of-area employees and dependents
• Pre-tax savings plans with healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA) and a health savings account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) plan that includes automatic Geisinger contributions
• Generous paid time off (PTO) plan that allows you to accrue time quickly
• Up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year
• MyHealth Rewards wellness program to improve your health while earning a financial incentive
• Family-friendly support including adoption and fertility assistance, parental leave pay, military leave pay and a free Care.com membership with discounted backup care for your loved ones
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Referrals for childcare, eldercare, & pet care; Access free legal guidance, mental health visits, work-life support, digital self-help tools and more
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, identity theft protection, universal life and pet and legal insurance

Education:

High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED)- (Required), Bachelor's Degree- (Preferred)

Experience:

Certification(s) and License(s):

Skills:

Communication, Computer Literacy, Laboratory Equipment Operation, Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), Laboratory Services, Laboratory Supply And Inventory Management

Our Purpose & Values:

• KINDNESS: We strive to treat everyone as we would hope to be treated ourselves.
• EXCELLENCE: We treasure colleagues who humbly strive for excellence.
• LEARNING: We share our knowledge with the best and brightest to better prepare the caregivers for tomorrow.
• INNOVATION: We constantly seek new and better ways to care for our patients, our members, our community, and the nation.
• SAFETY: We provide a safe environment for our patients and members and the Geisinger family.

We offer healthcare benefits for full time and part time positions from day one, including vision, dental and domestic partners. Perhaps just as important, we encourage an atmosphere of collaboration, cooperation and collegiality.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.