PerDiem-Laboratory Assistant-6120

Kingman Regional Medical Center • Kingman, AZ

5d

About The Position

The Laboratory Assistant supports laboratory operations by processing specimens, assisting Medical Technologists, maintaining supplies and work areas, and providing customer service. The role requires knowledge of AIDET, customer satisfaction, HIPAA, safety, regulatory requirements, specimen types, test codes, specimen acceptability, waived testing procedures, and general laboratory assistant duties. The assistant is expected to manage daily workload independently and help teammates as needed. This is a per-diem role in Laboratory Services and reports to the Pre-Analytical Manager.

Core Lab Assistants may collect outpatient orders and specimens, prioritize and process specimens, and support the PCT team. Microbiology Lab Assistants may plate specimens using sterile technique, set up Gram stains, and support test setup. The position has routine potential for exposure to blood, body fluids, and tissues, as well as possible biological, chemical, and radioactive hazards.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Knowledge of AIDET, customer satisfaction, HIPAA, safety, and regulatory agency rules and regulations.
• Ability to manage daily workload independently and assist teammates as needed.
• Ability to follow written instructions without deviation for assigned work.
• Ability to distinguish appropriate colors.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to handle specimen containers, use information systems, process specimens, and operate equipment such as centrifuges.
• Ability to walk approximately 3–4 miles per day, occasionally lift 40–50 pounds or less, occasionally bend, stoop, or reach, and frequently stand and/or sit.

Nice To Haves

• Certification as a phlebotomist by an accepted national accrediting agency.
• One year of laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Process all specimen types within accepted time limits.
• Receive and collect patient orders in a structured and timely manner.
• Process reference-laboratory specimens according to container and storage requirements.
• Load specimens and reagents onto the appropriate instrumentation.
• Perform maintenance as required for the assigned area.
• Inspect specimens for hemolysis, quantity, and correct labeling.
• Understand and follow quality-control requirements.
• Use the hospital LIS to collect and receive samples, cancel specimens when necessary, reprint labels, and perform related tasks.
• Keep the work area clean, disinfected, organized, and stocked.
• Stock laboratory supplies and document receipt date, acceptability, and expiration dates.
• Perform reagent sweeps and rotate stock to monitor expiration dates on consumable laboratory items.
• Answer laboratory phone calls, respond to questions when able, or direct callers to the appropriate area.
• Be present and ready for scheduled shifts and help cover other shifts during high workloads, absences, vacations, or short staffing.
• Complete initial and annual training, yearly competencies, CAP assignments, and assigned paper-form proficiencies.
• Assist with training new hires, students, and other hospital personnel when needed.
• Follow KRMC behavioral expectations and HIPAA requirements and maintain patient confidentiality.
• Perform other duties assigned by management.
• For Core Lab assignments, collect outpatient orders using proper technique, positive patient identification, AIDET, sterile technique, anxiety reducers, and excellent customer service.
• Monitor the tube station and process specimens according to priority, including delivering unspun specimens, centrifuging required specimens, pouring off send-outs, and distributing correct labels.
• Assist secretaries when time and workload permit.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for the PCT team and assist with difficult blood draws.
• For Microbiology assignments, use sterile technique when plating specimens, set up Gram stains with proper identifiers, understand agar plate environmental and temperature requirements, assist with test setup when appropriate, and follow written instructions without deviation.
• Support the performing Medical Technologist by filling printers, answering phones, faxing, removing trash, and restocking supplies.
• Distinguish appropriate colors; handle specimen containers, use information systems, process specimens, and operate equipment such as centrifuges.
• Walk approximately 3–4 miles per day; occasionally lift 40–50 pounds or less; occasionally bend, stoop, or reach; and frequently stand and/or sit.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED