Laboratory Assistant

HCA Healthcare • Fort Pierce, FL

11d

About The Position

The Laboratory Assistant / Phlebotomist performs non-technical laboratory functions under the supervision of a department supervisor, manager, or director. The role includes collecting and processing specimens, submitting specimens to referral laboratories, monitoring referred testing, and completing patient registration and order-entry tasks. Duties are performed according to written procedures and regulatory requirements, supporting department goals for service, quality, compliance, financial performance, patient satisfaction, a healthy work environment, and coordination across departments.

The position requires accurate specimen collection, handling, documentation, and processing, as well as clerical and customer-service support. The assistant communicates with patients, families, physicians, and other personnel about collection procedures and specimen issues, and takes appropriate action to resolve pending or problematic specimens and testing.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience performing registration, clerical duties, and send-out specimen processing.
• Ability to work cooperatively with coworkers in a team environment.
• Excellent customer service practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively with personnel and exchange accurate, timely technical information.

Nice To Haves

• Vocational or technical degree.
• 1–3 years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting.
• Phlebotomy, Medical Assistant, Paramedic, or EMT certification.

Responsibilities

• Understand specimen collection and testing requirements, including specimen rejection criteria.
• Perform venipunctures and/or finger sticks on pediatric, neonatal, adult, and geriatric patients; perform infant heel sticks when required by the patient population.
• Use supplies appropriately and follow procedures for patient identification and specimen collection based on test orders.
• Complete specimen collection documentation and educate patients and/or family members about collection procedures before collecting specimens.
• Use the computer information system for job-related functions.
• Perform clerical duties, including faxing, answering phones, using the pneumatic tube system, and handling reports.
• Prioritize and plan duties, review Outstanding Specimen Reports and pending collection or accessioning issues, and take appropriate action.
• Receive laboratory specimens into the laboratory information system and perform registration and order entry accurately and promptly when requested.
• Label, centrifuge, and aliquot specimens according to established protocols, specimen type, and tests ordered.
• Prepare specimens for courier pickup, include special instructions as requested by physician orders, and discard specimens according to the established schedule.
• Perform assigned preventive maintenance and quality assurance procedures.
• Collect chain-of-custody drug specimens according to established policy when required by the laboratory.
• Maintain records and documentation relating to specimen and other problems, and take corrective action to help ensure testing validity and accuracy.
• Clean areas following emergency specimen spills.
• Assess referral-testing specimen requirements and troubleshoot specimen, referral-testing, and order-entry issues.
• Process, sort, and prepare specimens for referral laboratories according to test requirements.
• Monitor referred testing and follow up to ensure results are received and made available to physicians within established turnaround times.
• Communicate and troubleshoot problem specimens promptly, including communicating with customers, floors, and physicians about problem or pending specimens as needed.
• Follow safety policies and procedures, protect confidential information, adhere to security policies, and complete assigned annual courses and training.
• Be available to work during disasters.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health, and telemedicine services.
• Free counseling and referral services.
• Paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage, and leaves of absence.
• 401(k) plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay, based on years of service.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support, and financial wellbeing counseling.
• Tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships, and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing.
• Fertility and family-building benefits and adoption assistance.
• Life insurance and supplemental health protection plans.
• Auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection, and consumer discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed