Laboratory Assistant

Government of Nunavut Recruitment • Iqaluit, NU

8d • CA$80,788 - CA$91,679 • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Laboratory Manager, the Laboratory Assistant registers patient’s visits and is responsible for the collection, sorting and distribution of laboratory samples and maintenance of patient results within the Laboratory. The incumbent will be required to follow the philosophy and objectives of the Department of Health to ensure that medical professionals have the test results necessary to diagnose, treat and manage diseases.

Requirements

• A recognized Canadian Laboratory Assistant Program along with a license to practice as Laboratory Assistant with the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science.
• Must also be able to acquire within a reasonable time frame and remain current with the following training and certifications: WHMIS 2015, Fire Training, Handwashing In-service.
• A satisfactory Criminal Record Check, along with a clear Vulnerable Sector Check is required.

Nice To Haves

• Completed courses in TDG 6.2 class, WHIMIS 2015 and Meditech knowledge are considered as assets.
• Fluency in one or more of Nunavut’s official languages is an asset.
• Knowledge of Inuit communities, culture, land, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, Inuktut and experience working in a northern cross-cultural environment are also considered assets.

Responsibilities

• Collects laboratory samples on patients as part of the health care team, including collecting blood using a closed collection system, providing instructions to patients on the proper collection of biological samples, and performing pregnancy testing, urinalysis, and glucose point‑of‑care testing.
• Sorts and distributes biological samples collected within the Qikiqtani General Hospital and biological samples referred in from other health facilities within Nunavut using established standards of practice.
• Prepares biological samples for transportation to southern referral laboratories, adhering to established International Dangerous Goods Regulations, and follows TDG 6.2 class regulations.
• Assists in Microbiology set up of specimens, including selecting the appropriate media, planting the samples, and placing the inoculated media into the appropriate incubator such as O2 or CO2.
• Accesses Meditech database of patient files to enable the distribution and tracking of patient results/reports, verifies receipt of referred out test results, distributes and faxes reports, provides administrative and clerical support, and fills requests for supplies and prepares shipments.
• Assists the Manager in maintaining and ordering inventory required for the collection of biological samples.
• Disinfects Laboratory work areas using appropriate chemical agents and provides training to new Laboratory staff on the Laboratory Information System, ordering of inventory, transportation of specimens, and collection of specimens.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical and dental benefits
• A defined benefit pension plan
• Relocation privileges
• Opportunities for training and career advancement
• Northern Allowance: $16,328 per year
• Subsidized Staff Housing is Available
• Recruitment bonuses (for full-time permanent positions, pro-rated for job shares)

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree