SPECIMEN PROCESSOR

Riverside Healthcare•Kankakee, IL

10d•$15 - $18

About The Position

The Laboratory Specimen Processor is responsible for the accurate and timely receipt, identification, and preparation of patient specimens for laboratory testing at a busy hospital-based laboratory with supervision. This position ensures proper labeling, sorting, and tracking of specimens while maintaining compliance with regulatory and institutional standards to support quality patient care across the Riverside Healthcare organization. Position includes rotating weekend and holiday shifts.

Requirements

Meets standards of production and accuracy within 3 months of start
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to follow safety and regulatory protocols as per hospital and laboratory guidelines
High school diploma or equivalent required

Nice To Haves

Healthcare or laboratory experience preferred
Basic understanding of medical terminology and laboratory procedures preferred
Proficiency in data entry and familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS) a plus

Responsibilities

Specimen Receiving: Receive and accurately log patient specimens into the laboratory information system (LIS). Verify specimen integrity and proper labeling, ensuring adherence to established protocols. Sort, aliquot, process, and prioritize specimens for analysis, based on test requirements and urgency, including add-on test requests and send-out testing samples.
Specimen Processing: Load patient specimens onto laboratory instrumentation for clinical testing. Prepare specimens for transport to appropriate testing locations within the laboratory.
Collaboration and Communication: Communicate with nursing staff, physicians, and other departments regarding specimen issues and test orders via telephone, fax, instant messaging program, etc. Report atypical sample or equipment behavior or any deviations from policies and procedures to department leadership.
Safety and Compliance: Follow safety protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling of biohazard materials. Participate in quality assurance initiatives to maintain compliance with regulatory guidelines. Complete all competency assessments at required intervals.
Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records and documentation of all specimens received.
Inventory Management: Assist in maintaining inventory of laboratory supplies.
Administrative Support: Support clerical duties, such as data entry or filing, as needed.
Flexibility: Demonstrate flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Benefits

Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more so your journey at and away from work is remarkable.
Our Total Rewards package includes:
Compensation
Base compensation within the positions pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Benefits - .5 to 1.0 FTE
Paid Time Off programs
Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
Educational Assistance Program
Benefits - .001 to .49 FTE:
Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work