Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist

Employment Type: Part time Shift: Weekend Shift Description: 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. Schedule: Saturday & Sunday 5:30 am - 5:30pm

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,anddemonstratestheTrinityHealthandMercyOneMission,Vision, and Values in behaviors, practices, and decisions. Acceptsspecimensandrequisitionsfrominternalandexternalcustomersandmanagesadd‑onorders and pending listsin accordance withlaboratory procedures. Identifiespatients and specimens using two unique patient identifiers and accurately labels specimen containers to ensure correct identification. RegistersandlogsspecimensintheLaboratoryInformationSystem(LIS),evaluatesspecimen adequacy and acceptability, and scans required documentation into the patient record. Performsspecimenprocessingsuchasproperidentification,aliquoting,platestreaking,slide preparation, special handling, andrequireddocumentationin accordance withlaboratory protocols. Assistsinresolvingproblematicpatientspecimensandtestordersincollaborationwithlaboratorystaff and clients. Follows safety, infection control, and chemical‑handling procedures and supports efficient workflowpractices that promoteaccuratetesting,timelyturnaround, and productivity expectations. Operateslaboratoryinformationsystemsproficientlytosupportaccuratedataentryandworkflowmanagement. Contributestogenerallaboratoryoperationsbyrestockingsupplies,participatinginpeerteaching,and engaging in department or hospital committees and projects as assigned. Otherdutiesasneededandassignedbylaboratoryleadership. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, TrinityHealth’s Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other Trinity Health and MercyOnepoliciesandproceduresinordertoensureadherenceinamannerthatreflectshonest, ethical, and professional behavior. ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS – Dependent on Department Assignment Performs venipunctures, finger sticks, and heel sticksappropriate topatient age (neonates throughgeriatric adults) and ensures proper specimen collection according to laboratory policy. Maydrivetopatientservicecentersorcarecenterstoperformphlebotomyservicesasneeded. Performslimitedtestingunderthesupervisionoftechnicalstaff. Performsinstrumentmaintenance,qualitycontrol,andcalibrationsaccordingtoestablishedprotocols. Assistsinthegrossroomasassigned. Preparestheareaforandassistspathologistswithfrozensectiontesting. Performsdistributionandfilingofslidesandblocks.

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. Beatleast18yearsofage. MeetMercyOne’sQualityandAuthorizedDriversrequirements.

• 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 organizeownwork priorities and adapt to them as they changefrequently. Mustbeabletoworkconcurrentlyonavarietyoftasks/projectsinanenvironmentthatmaybestressful, with individuals having diverse personalities and work styles. MustpossesstheabilitytocomplywithMercyOneandTrinityHealthpoliciesandprocedures. 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 suppliesgenerally upto 10 pounds, with occasionalexertionofupto50poundswhenmovingobjects.Whenapatientorobjectcannotbemoved safely, mechanicalassistancedevices oradditionalpersonnel must be used. Visualacuityisrequiredtoreadhandwrittenandelectronicdocumentation,inspectspecimens,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 asappropriate. 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 environmentalconditions,includingmoderatenoiselevelsgeneratedbyequipmentandnormalclinicalactivity. Workmayinvolveexposuretochemicalhazards,bloodandbodyfluids,andotherpotentiallyinfectious materials.TheroleisincludedintheOSHAExposureControlPlanandrequiresadherencetoprotective 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. Want to learn more about MercyOne Des Moines? Click here: Find a Location Des Moines, Iowa (IA), MercyOne Des Moines ( Des Moines Iowa’s capital city offers a balanced urban-suburban experience with a cost of living below the national average. It’s ranked among the top safest large metros and boasts strong education options, including highly rated public schools, private academies and nearby universities like Drake University and Grand View University. Cultural highlights include theaters, museums, music festivals and a thriving food scene, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy extensive parks and bike trails. Located just minutes from the airport, Des Moines offers easy access to regional attractions and a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center is a leading 656-bed acute‑care, not‑for‑profit Catholic hospital and one of Iowa’s largest employers. Founded in 1893, it’s the longest continuously operating hospital in Des Moines. Accredited as a Top Regional Hospital by U.S. News & World Report, named one of Becker’s 100 Great Hospitals, and ranked among the top 50 cardiovascular hospitals by IBM Watson Health. With Joint Commission Gold Seal accreditation, stroke and heart care awards, CAP-accredited lab and ACS-certified Cancer Center, this flagship facility offers comprehensive services including robotic surgery, cancer care, neurosciences, rehab, emergency/trauma, maternity, behavioral health and a robust nursing excellence program. Our Commitment Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion #J-18808-Ljbffr Trinity Health