Lab Assistant II

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,   and   demonstrates   the   Trinity   Health   and   MercyOne   Mission,   Vision, and Values in behaviors, practices, and decisions.   Accepts   specimens   and   requisitions   from   internal   and   external   customers   and   manages   add ‑ on   orders and pending lists   in accordance with   laboratory procedures.   Identifies   patients and specimens using two unique patient identifiers and accurately labels specimen containers to ensure correct identification.   Registers   and   logs   specimens   in   the   Laboratory   Information   System   (LIS),   evaluates   specimen adequacy and acceptability, and scans required documentation into the patient record.   Performs   specimen   processing   such   as   proper   identification,   aliquoting,   plate   streaking,   slide preparation, special handling, and   required   documentation   in accordance with   laboratory protocols.   Assists   in   resolving   problematic   patient   specimens   and   test   orders   in   collaboration   with   laboratory   staff and clients.   Follows safety, infection control, and chemical ‑ handling procedures and supports efficient workflow   practices that promote   accurate   testing,   timely   turnaround, and productivity expectations.   Operates   laboratory   information   systems   proficiently   to   support   accurate   data   entry   and   workflow   management.   Contributes   to   general   laboratory   operations   by   restocking   supplies,   participating   in   peer   teaching,   and engaging in department or hospital committees and projects as assigned.   Other   duties   as   needed   and   assigned   by   laboratory   leadership.   Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, Trinity   Health’s Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other Trinity Health and   MercyOne   policies   and   procedures   in   order   to   ensure   adherence   in   a   manner   that   reflects   honest, ethical, and professional behavior.   ADDITIONAL   ESSENTIAL   FUNCTIONS   –   Dependent   on   Department   Assignment   Performs venipunctures, finger sticks, and heel sticks   appropriate to   patient age (neonates through   geriatric adults) and ensures proper specimen collection according to laboratory policy.   May   drive   to   patient   service   centers   or   care   centers   to   perform   phlebotomy   services   as   needed.   Performs   limited   testing   under   the   supervision   of   technical   staff.   Performs   instrument   maintenance,   quality   control,   and   calibrations   according   to   established   protocols.   Assists   in   the   gross   room   as   assigned.   Prepares   the   area   for   and   assists   pathologists   with   frozen   section   testing.   Performs   distribution   and   filing   of   slides   and   blocks.   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.   Be   at   least   18   years   of   age.   Meet   MercyOne’s   Quality   and   Authorized   Drivers   requirements.   -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   REQUIREM