Perform blood collection procedures including venipuncture and capillary punctures while ensuring patient safety and comfort. Process and transport laboratory specimens according to established protocols and maintain accurate records in the LIS.
Requirements summary
Requires a high school diploma and completion of a phlebotomy training program. Proficiency in blood collection techniques and strong interpersonal skills are essential, with phlebotomy certification preferred.
high schoolprofessional certificateInventory ManagementCommunication SkillsPatient CarePhlebotomyData EntryInfection PreventionVenipunctureCapillary PunctureSpecimen ProcessingPatient IdentificationBiohazard HandlingLaboratory Information System (LIS)
Job description
Overview
The Lab Assistant at Riverside Healthcare is responsible for performing blood collection procedures, including venipuncture and capillary punctures, ensuring patient safety and comfort.
This role also includes processing laboratory specimens, managing specimen logistics, and providing general support to the laboratory team.
The Lab Assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate and timely laboratory results, contributing to high-quality patient care.
Position includes rotating weekend and holiday shifts.
Essential Duties Blood Collection: Perform venipuncture and capillary punctures on patients of all ages, ensuring proper identification, labeling, and handling of blood specimens.
Collect specimens by filling tubes to acceptable levels and utilizing correct order of draw.
Respond to specified codes and traumas for specimen collection.
Specimen Processing: Prepare, process, and transport laboratory specimens according to established protocols, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of samples.
Confirm special requirements for specimen acceptability before and/or after delivery to the laboratory.
Locate previously collected specimens for additional test requests when acceptable.
Prepare send out specimens for reference laboratories.
Patient Interaction: Provide excellent patient care by ensuring comfort and safety during the blood collection process, addressing patient concerns, and utilizing AIDET with every interaction.
Safety and Compliance: Adhere to all laboratory safety procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), infection prevention standards, and handling and disposal of biohazardous materials and chemicals.
Complete all competency assessments at required intervals.
Data Entry: Accurately enter patient and specimen information into the laboratory information system (LIS), maintaining meticulous records of all collected samples.
Inventory Management: Monitor and restock phlebotomy and laboratory supplies, ensuring that all necessary materials are available and properly stored.
Collaboration
Work closely with the laboratory team to prioritize and coordinate specimen collection and processing, contributing to efficient laboratory operations. Notify supervisor of any unusual problems with specimens, patients, provider orders, etc.
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off
Vision Insurance
Medical Insurance
Health Savings Account
Short-Term Disability
Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Account
Educational Assistance Program
Retirement Plans With Employer Match
Survey
Support: Assist with inspections including, but not limited to, CAP and DNV. Follow CAP requirements and assist in maintaining CAP compliance as directed by supervisor.
Administrative
Support: Assist with general administrative tasks within the laboratory, including filing, answering phones, sending/receiving faxes, and managing patient paperwork as needed.
Training
Support: Provide guidance and support to new phlebotomy staff or students, sharing knowledge of blood collection techniques and safety practices.
Process
Improvement: Participate in process improvement initiatives, offering suggestions to enhance workflow, patient care, and overall laboratory efficiency.
Flexibility
Demonstrate flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.
Non-essential
Duties
Outreach
Collection: Perform venipuncture and capillary punctures on patients/residents at contracted facilities, such as nursing homes. Transport specimens back to the laboratory for processing and testing.
Responsibilities
Required Experience Proficiency in venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well under pressure and maintain a high level of accuracy Preferred Experience At least 1 year of experience in phlebotomy, preferably in a healthcare or clinical setting preferred Experience in a hospital clinical laboratory setting preferred Knowledge of safety protocols and biohazard handling procedures a plus Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment desire Required Licensure/Education High school diploma or equivalent required Completion of a phlebotomy training program required Preferred Education Phlebotomy certification or 2 years phlebotomy experience preferred This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent.
It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.
Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.
Our Commitment to You: 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 Employee Health Requirements Exposure to: Chemicals: Acids, bases, formalin Video Display Terminals: Average Blood and Body Fluids: Blood and body fluids handled continuously on a daily basis so exposure is very high TB or Airborne Pathogens: Very high potential due to direct patient contact and handling of infectious specimens Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch): Speech: Needed for communication with coworkers, providers, clinical staff, and all other customers whether direct or via phone.
Vision
Needed for computer operation, specimen collection, processing, and handling.
Smell
Electrical/fire safety.
Hearing
Needed to listen to coworkers, customers and patients.
Touch
Required for performing phlebotomy, i.e., feeling for vein location and obtaining specimens as well as specimen processing.
Activity/Lifting
Requirements: Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:
Sit: 5%
Twist: 5%
Stand: 25%
Crawl: 0%
Walk: 35%
Kneel: 5%
Lift: 5%
Drive: 5%
Squat: 0%
Climb: 0%
Bend: 10%
Reach above shoulders: 5% The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:
Up to 10 lbs:
Frequently
Up to 20 lbs:
Occasionally
Up to 35 lbs:
Occasionally
Up to 50 lbs:
Not
Required
Up to 75 lbs:
Not
Required
Up to 100 lbs:
Not
Required
Over 100 lbs: Not Required Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.): Supply stock up to 20 lbs - 50' maximum distance normally carried to fill cabinets from floor to above shoulders. Possibly help to lift baby. Lift printer paper and roll of labels to bar code printer. Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:
Sit: 40
Twist: 3
Stand: 120
Crawl: 0
Walk: 20
Kneel: 1
Lift: 1
Drive: 30
Squat: 4
Climb: 0
Bend: 15
Reach above shoulders: 2
Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated): Simple grasp up to 10 lbs.
Normal weight: often
Pushing & pulling
Normal weight: up to 3-50 lbs. often
Fine
Manipulation: Keyboard, holding needles and tube apparatus and inserting into patient's arm. Heel sticks require fine motor skills. Inverting tubes and manipulating specimens is necessary.
Environmental
Factors &
Special
Hazards:
Environmental
Factors (Time
Spent):
Inside hours: 8
Outside hours: 0
Temperature:
Normal
Range
Lighting:
Very
Bright
Noise levels:
Average
Humidity:
Normal
Range
Atmosphere:
Fumes,
Odors,
Dust
Special
Hazards: Electrical, Radiation, Other - Chemical additives for tests, powder in latex gloves, electrical shock hazard in centrifuges. Constant exposure to blood and body fluids. Rare exposure to radiation when drawing exposed or treated patients.
Protective
Clothing
Required: Gloves, lab coat, closed-toe shoes. Occasional mask and goggles.
VitalHires helps educators discover verified school and district opportunities. Confirm compensation, credentials, and deadlines on the official hiring site before applying.
