Laboratory Assistant - Full Time - Days

Nebraska Methodist Hospital•Omaha, NE

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Assistant assists laboratory specialists by receiving, accessioning, sorting, splitting, labeling, and storing specimens; entering specimen and patient information into the computer system; preparing samples for laboratory analysis; and transporting specimens within the laboratory. The role also processes send-out specimens and communicates with hospital and clinic staff about specimen requirements, orders, test clarification, and other requests. It requires accuracy, timely work, effective prioritization, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced team environment. The position supports laboratory quality and safety by following section procedures, personal protective equipment guidelines, and turnaround-time expectations; maintaining supplies and equipment; completing and documenting routine maintenance; and promptly escalating problems to appropriate laboratory leaders. The assistant contributes to staff orientation and training and supports the education of clinical and anatomical laboratory science students. Customer contact may be by telephone, electronically, in writing, or in person, and should be handled promptly and professionally. The role is based at Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. The schedule is flexible, generally starting between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. and ending between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with an occasional half-day Saturday possible. The posting notes that a sign-on bonus, tuition assistance, academic sponsorship with Methodist College, and free parking may be available; applicants are advised to ask their recruiter or hiring manager.

Requirements

Two years of relevant experience as a phlebotomist or specimen processor in a clinical or anatomical laboratory or physician office, or certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician.
Ability to type 35 words per minute.
Ability to complete 10-key data entry.
Knowledge of computers.
Ability to organize and prioritize work demands and handle multiple tasks.
Good customer service skills.
Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and professionally.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
Two years of college science courses preferred.
Current national certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) preferred.
Knowledge of basic specimen collection, selection, handling, and storage activities preferred.

Responsibilities

Process patient specimens, including centrifuging, aliquoting, distributing, and storing them safely and appropriately to support accurate and timely test results.
Receive, accession, split, sort, label, and store specimens received into the laboratory.
Prepare samples for further laboratory analysis and transport specimens to other laboratory departments.
Process send-out specimens while maintaining accurate information transfer and specimen integrity.
Enter patient demographics, test orders, test results, and other information accurately into the computer system.
Evaluate the appropriateness of patient specimens and follow laboratory policies and procedures.
Meet turnaround-time expectations and maintain compliance with established specimen, order, and result handling processes.
Prioritize and organize multiple tasks according to urgency and the time needed to complete them.
Use critical thinking and judgment to identify problems and promptly follow up with the Technical Coordinator, Section Leader, or Medical Director as appropriate.
Respond professionally to requests concerning flexibility in duties, schedules, and staffing.
Complete and document routine maintenance and maintain section materials, supplies, and equipment according to policy.
Follow personal protective equipment guidelines and other applicable safety procedures.
Document orientation, training, and education; complete organizational and department competencies; and review new or revised procedures.
Assist with training new and existing staff, including orientation and skills checklists.
Support the education of clinical and anatomical laboratory scientist students.
Answer telephone calls, take messages, contact clients for test clarification, and route information or calls to appropriate staff.
Follow up with customers on issues that cannot be resolved immediately and promptly bring concerns to the appropriate Service Leader or designee.