Laboratory Assistant

Overview

Job Description

Park Nicollet Health Services

Job Title: Asst, Lab I

Job Code: 3PQ

Leader Title Level: Manager

Location: Various

Department: Laboratory

Final Approval (Dir. or VP Level): Director

Date Approved: 02/15/2021

Date Revised: 01/25/2024

Position Summary: The Lab Assistant will provide a wide range of laboratory services including specimen collection, client service and reception desk duties, ordering/scheduling/billing functions, laboratory testing, phlebotomy, dispatching, specimen processing, centrifuging, delivery of specimens to appropriate lab/department and assuring proper efficiency and workflow management. Position will also serve as a resource for questions from hospital and clinic staff regarding specimen handling and processing.

• Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination: NA
• Licensure/ Registration/ Certification: NA
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Strong customer service skills, ability to work independently, good problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of age-related growth and development principles necessary to provide appropriate service and assure safety of patients.
  • Demonstrates strong organizational skills with the ability to meet time sensitive customer requests and changes on short notice.

• Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination: Experience in a medical related field or an applied science degree is desirable. One year hospital experience preferred.
• Licensure/ Registration/ Certification: ASCP certification for phlebotomy preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: NA

• General
• Models and promotes the Head + Heart, Together behaviors. Provides feedback to staff and manager, including recognition and correction.
• Serves as a PNHS customer liaison and champion for the Laboratory. Promotes a positive response to questions and problem resolution.
• Communicates effectively with lab teams through email, huddles, rounding and meetings.
• Interacts with the Supervisors and Team Leads daily to report issues and concerns involving Lab Assistants and customers.
• Attends and/or completes all assigned PNHS mandatory training and Laboratory specific competency testing as scheduled.
• Participates in completion of performance appraisals using the automated electronic system to provide input for self, peers, staff, and leaders.
• Pathway team members must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive to patient or client locations as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Lab Assistant I duties include processing laboratory specimens (centrifuging, pipetting, labeling, aliquoting), performing patient phlebotomy on patients of all ages, patient reception/registration, ordering, using pneumatic tube system, delivering specimens, monitoring conflicts, and performing a limited menu of waived tests.

• Values: Excellence, Compassion, Partnership, Integrity. All colleagues are expected to live these values and demonstrate them in service.
• Additional Expectations: Complies with safety instructions, maintains regular attendance, protects confidentiality, participates in Corporate Integrity Program, completes mandatory education and organizational requirements.

Yes / No indicators and notes are governed by department-specific competencies for patient populations and essential duties.

This section outlines hazard assessment and PPE considerations related to infectious agents, chemical and physical hazards, and laboratory work. Specific tasks may require PPE and safety protocols such as hand hygiene, use of PPE, safe handling of sharps, and appropriate containment procedures. Follow established safety guidelines and training requirements as applicable.

* Job description rankings/percentages are intended to reflect normal averages over an extended period of time and are subject to daily variances. Quality and efficiency standards should not be compromised to meet average expectations. Job descriptions are subject to change to accommodate organization or department needs.