Lab Assistant I
About The Position
The Lab Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting diagnostic testing by collecting, preparing, and processing patient specimens, including blood, urine, and tissue. The position requires foundational knowledge of laboratory procedures, meticulous attention to detail, and an ongoing commitment to learning and professional development. The Lab Assistant follows safe laboratory practices, universal precautions, OSHA and HIPAA requirements, MSDS guidelines, and applicable California regulations. The role includes maintaining phlebotomy skills to care for patients ranging from neonates to geriatric patients. Once certified, the Lab Assistant may collect arterial blood for blood gas analysis only and is directly accountable to the Medical Laboratory Director for that procedure. The position is based at Dignity Health - Mercy Hospital, a 229-bed nonprofit acute care hospital in Bakersfield, California.
Requirements
- California Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT-1) certification and license.
- CPR (BLS-AHA) certification.
- Basic laboratory bench practice skills.
- Working knowledge of medical terminology.
- General computer skills.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to read, write, and speak English.
- Ability to perform venous, capillary, and arterial punctures on adults, pediatric patients, and neonates.
- Ability to adapt to workload demands and remain calm and function efficiently during difficult or emergency situations.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
Nice To Haves
- One year of acute care hospital experience in phlebotomy.
- California Phlebotomy Technician II (CPT-2) license.
Responsibilities
- Collect, prepare, and process patient specimens for diagnostic testing.
- Follow safe laboratory practices, universal precautions, OSHA and HIPAA regulations, MSDS guidelines, and applicable State of California regulations.
- Participate in required training sessions and workshops.
- Evaluate information needed to identify each patient's age-specific requirements.
- Maintain phlebotomy skills needed to provide care to patients from neonates through geriatrics.
- Once certified, collect arterial blood for blood gas analysis only and remain directly accountable to the Medical Laboratory Director for this procedure.
- Receive and process specimens within established timelines.
- Evaluate specimens according to established guidelines for appropriateness, quality, and volume relative to tests ordered.
- Review reference laboratory orders for specimen type and handling instructions.
- Batch and send tests to the appropriate testing facility or reference laboratory.
- Aliquot and prepare specimens for send-out testing.
- Prepare blood and body fluid smears for Wright stain and Gram stain testing for Clinical Laboratory Scientist review.
- During computer downtime, print labels or use downtime labels as needed and post draws in the appropriate area for the Lab Assistant.
- Complete quarterly AHA Resuscitation Quality Improvement competency certification after hire using resources internal to the facility.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
