LAB ASSISTANT (20 HRS/WEEK, NIGHT SHIFT)

Riverside Healthcare • Kankakee, IL

7d

About The Position

The Lab Assistant at Riverside Healthcare performs blood collection procedures, including venipuncture and capillary punctures, while ensuring patient safety and comfort. The role also processes laboratory specimens, manages specimen logistics, enters patient and specimen information into the laboratory information system, and provides general support to laboratory operations. The position works a night shift for 20 hours per week and includes rotating weekend and holiday shifts.

The Lab Assistant collaborates with the laboratory team to prioritize collection and processing, supports inspections and compliance efforts, helps maintain supplies, and assists with administrative tasks. The role may also provide guidance to new phlebotomy staff or students and participate in process improvement. Outreach collection at contracted facilities is listed as a non-essential duty.

The work involves frequent handling of blood and body fluids and potential exposure to infectious specimens, chemicals, fumes, odors, and other listed hazards. Required protective clothing includes gloves, a lab coat, and closed-toe shoes; masks and goggles are used occasionally. The stated pay range is USD $19.02–$23.46 per hour.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of phlebotomy experience, 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 and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Phlebotomy certification or two years of phlebotomy experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform venipuncture and capillary punctures on patients of all ages, including proper identification, labeling, specimen handling, tube filling, and order of draw.
• Respond to specified codes and traumas for specimen collection.
• Prepare, process, and transport laboratory specimens according to protocols; confirm specimen acceptability requirements, locate eligible specimens for additional testing, and prepare send-out specimens for reference laboratories.
• Provide patient care that supports comfort and safety, address patient concerns, and use AIDET during interactions.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures, including PPE use, infection prevention, and handling and disposal of biohazardous materials and chemicals; complete competency assessments at required intervals.
• Accurately enter patient and specimen information into the laboratory information system and maintain records of collected samples.
• Monitor and restock phlebotomy and laboratory supplies and ensure materials are properly stored.
• Coordinate and prioritize specimen collection and processing with the laboratory team, and notify a supervisor about unusual issues involving specimens, patients, or provider orders.
• Assist with inspections, including CAP and DNV, and follow CAP requirements as directed by a supervisor.
• Perform laboratory administrative tasks such as filing, answering phones, sending and receiving faxes, and managing patient paperwork.
• Provide guidance and support to new phlebotomy staff or students on blood collection techniques and safety practices.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives and suggest ways to improve workflow, patient care, and laboratory efficiency.
• Demonstrate flexibility with assignments within professional scope, duties, and licensure.
• As a non-essential duty, perform outreach venipuncture and capillary punctures at contracted facilities such as nursing homes and transport specimens to the laboratory.

Benefits

• Paid time off programs for eligible FTE levels; paid leave hours accrue for positions from 0.001 to 0.49 FTE.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits for eligible FTE levels.
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.
• Premium pay such as shift differential and on-call pay.
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.
• Employee well-being programs and career development programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED