Lab Assistant

Catholic Health System • Port Jefferson, NY

427d • $42,931 - $64,397

About The Position

The Lab Assistant position at Catholic Health involves obtaining blood specimens from patients of all age groups while ensuring adherence to safety protocols and specimen handling procedures. The role is integral to the laboratory's workflow, requiring knowledge of specimen requirements and the ability to work collaboratively within a healthcare team to provide high-quality patient care.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certificate from an approved phlebotomy training program or a medical laboratory assistant program (which includes phlebotomy) preferred.
• Must possess knowledge/ability to use laboratory/phlebotomy equipment to safely and competently obtain blood specimens from all age groups of patients.
• Basic computer skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Treat all patients in a professional, courteous and respectful manner, adhering to age-specific protocols.
• Ensure correct patient/specimen identification throughout the entire specimen collection and testing process as per protocol.
• Demonstrate ability to collect and label specimens with the MobiLab system or during computer downtime as per protocol.
• Demonstrate knowledge of collection priorities and locations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of collection devices, specimen containers and 'order of draw'.
• Demonstrate knowledge of specimen requirements, including those requiring special processing.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the venipuncture and/or capillary puncture site.
• Perform both adult and pediatric venipunctures and capillary punctures.
• Perform blood culture collection.
• Use laboratory/phlebotomy equipment to safely and competently obtain blood specimens from all age groups of patients.
• Demonstrate knowledge of special specimen handling protocols (i.e., Code Orange, Rapid Response, Code Sepsis, STAT, etc.).
• Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory information system.
• Interpret orders for specialized procedures and possess knowledge of specimen requirements for these tests.
• Assist immediate supervisors in complying with all New York State Department of Health, Joint Commission and Federal regulations.
• Monitor supply inventory, take action to unpack and replenish supplies, and notify immediate supervisor when supplies need to be ordered.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment, following daily disinfecting procedures.
• Adhere to safety protocols, follow universal precautions, infection prevention and control measures and utilize appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Follow proper procedure for disposal of reagents, specimens and sharps.
• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of all departments in the laboratory and how they relate to the laboratory as a whole.
• Identify, analyze and solve work-related problems, consulting with supervisors if necessary.
• Resolve pending logs and provide effective hand-off communication.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous benefits packages
• Generous tuition assistance
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Support for professional and educational growth

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Hospitals
• Education Level: High school or GED