Lab Assistant

Tenet Healthcare Corporation • Palm Springs, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Phlebotomy Supervisor, the Lab Assistant performs accurate blood collection procedures and assists physicians and registered nurses with collections as indicated by staff physician orders and section standards. The role includes responsibilities for communication and blood-sample collection, compliance with hospital and laboratory policies, preventing exposure to bloodborne pathogens and safety hazards, and following the Laboratory Compliance Plan. The assistant applies knowledge of physiological and psychological differences related to age, sex, and abilities across laboratory testing, communicates professionally, follows the hospital’s customer-service strategy, and supports the section’s overall operations. The position also includes routine maintenance of phlebotomy areas, including patient rooms, and other related duties as assigned.

This is a per-diem position with rotating 10-hour shifts that may be in the morning, evening, or overnight. Desert Regional Medical Center describes its benefits package as including health coverage, retirement savings, paid time off, and professional development opportunities; benefit eligibility may vary by employment status and location.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Current California Phlebotomist certification (CPT1), which must be maintained.
• Excellent organizational and public relations skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform blood collection procedures and assist physicians and registered nurses with collections as indicated by orders and section standards.
• Follow procedure manuals and supervisor instructions accurately, and verify specimen, test, and patient identification.
• Enter orders, document on logs and worksheets, enter results, and process referral specimens accurately.
• Notify appropriate staff or clients when necessary and document actions taken.
• Complete assigned daily routine duties and investigate or resolve pending work and clerical or technical discrepancies.
• Communicate necessary information to the next shift.
• Perform and record quality control, take and document appropriate action, and participate in proficiency testing.
• Maintain organized records, workstations, and phlebotomy areas; perform routine maintenance, ordering, stocking, stock rotation, and cleaning as appropriate.
• Complete required training, retain knowledge of department procedures, and teach or train new employees according to department guidelines.
• Troubleshoot procedural, quality-control, instrument, and computer problems, resolving them or reporting them to appropriate personnel.
• Apply age-, sex-, and ability-related physiological and psychological considerations to laboratory testing.
• Assist with departmental projects and management support as needed.
• Recognize abnormal results or questionable patient information and follow department protocols for resolution.
• Evaluate specimen adequacy and integrity according to departmental guidelines and patient welfare.
• Initiate charge reconciliation when appropriate.
• Function responsibly when supervisory personnel are absent, assess situations, choose appropriate actions, and involve a supervisor or manager when needed.
• Complete testing within turnaround-time guidelines, finish assignments with minimal supervision, maintain productivity and accuracy under pressure, and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Suggest and support improvements to departmental efficiency and minimize waste of supplies and equipment.
• Report to work as scheduled, follow hospital policies for attendance, breaks, and lunch periods, and restrict personal phone calls and activities.
• Follow safety and infection-control practices, maintain clean and safe work areas, and comply with hospital and laboratory policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Wear a photo identification badge on hospital property and provide proper identification in personal and telephone communications.
• Protect patient privacy by discussing clinically relevant information only in appropriate settings.
• Respond to difficult situations with self-control and a positive attitude; communicate clearly and respectfully, share responsibilities, assist coworkers, and acknowledge other departments’ contributions.
• Perform miscellaneous related duties and other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Paid time off.
• Career development and continuing education opportunities.
• Health savings accounts and healthcare and dependent-care flexible spending accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee discount program.
• Voluntary benefits including pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long-term care, elder and childcare, and auto and home insurance. Eligibility may vary by location and employment status.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: High school or GED