LAB ASSISTANT

Riverside Healthcare • Kankakee, IL

10h • Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Assistant at Riverside Healthcare is responsible for performing blood collection procedures, including venipuncture and capillary punctures, ensuring patient safety and comfort. This role also includes processing laboratory specimens, managing specimen logistics, and providing general support to the laboratory team. The Lab Assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate and timely laboratory results, contributing to high-quality patient care. Position includes rotating weekend and holiday shifts.

Requirements

• Proficiency in venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well under pressure and maintain a high level of accuracy
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Completion of a phlebotomy training program required

Nice To Haves

• At least 1 year of experience in phlebotomy, preferably in a healthcare or clinical setting
• Experience in a hospital clinical laboratory setting
• Knowledge of safety protocols and biohazard handling procedures
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Phlebotomy certification or 2 years phlebotomy experience

Responsibilities

• Perform venipuncture and capillary punctures on patients of all ages, ensuring proper identification, labeling, and handling of blood specimens.
• Collect specimens by filling tubes to acceptable levels and utilizing correct order of draw.
• Respond to specified codes and traumas for specimen collection.
• Prepare, process, and transport laboratory specimens according to established protocols, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of samples.
• Confirm special requirements for specimen acceptability before and/or after delivery to the laboratory.
• Locate previously collected specimens for additional test requests when acceptable.
• Prepare send out specimens for reference laboratories.
• Provide excellent patient care by ensuring comfort and safety during the blood collection process, addressing patient concerns, and utilizing AIDET with every interaction.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), infection prevention standards, and handling and disposal of biohazardous materials and chemicals.
• Complete all competency assessments at required intervals.
• Accurately enter patient and specimen information into the laboratory information system (LIS), maintaining meticulous records of all collected samples.
• Monitor and restock phlebotomy and laboratory supplies, ensuring that all necessary materials are available and properly stored.
• Work closely with the laboratory team to prioritize and coordinate specimen collection and processing, contributing to efficient laboratory operations.
• Notify supervisor of any unusual problems with specimens, patients, provider orders, etc.
• Assist with inspections including, but not limited to, CAP and DNV.
• Follow CAP requirements and assist in maintaining CAP compliance as directed by supervisor.
• Assist with general administrative tasks within the laboratory, including filing, answering phones, sending/receiving faxes, and managing patient paperwork as needed.
• Provide guidance and support to new phlebotomy staff or students, sharing knowledge of blood collection techniques and safety practices.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives, offering suggestions to enhance workflow, patient care, and overall laboratory efficiency.
• Demonstrate flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.
• Perform venipuncture and capillary punctures on patients/residents at contracted facilities, such as nursing homes.
• Transport specimens back to the laboratory for processing and testing.

Benefits

• Base compensation within the positions pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program
• Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees