Laboratory Assistant

Overview

St. Francis Medical Center is one of the leading comprehensive healthcare institutions in Los Angeles. St. Francis provides vital healthcare services for the 700,000 adults and 300,000 children in our community who count on the hospital for high quality and compassionate medical care. St. Francis is recognized for its full range of diagnostic and treatment services in specialties including Cardiovascular, Surgical, Orthopedics, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Behavioral Health, and Emergency and Trauma Care. In addition, the hospital offers a broad array of education and outreach programs that advance community health. St. Francis Medical Center is a Comprehensive Stroke Center, STEMI Receiving Center, ED Approved for Pediatrics, Geriatric ED, Level III Neonatal ICU, and Level II Trauma Center. Please visit www.stfrancismedicalcenter.com for more information. Join an award-winning team of dedicated professionals committed to compassion, quality, and service!

Responsibilities

The Laboratory Assistant will follow the guidelines set by CLIA, and the California Business and Professions Code Sections 1212 and 1269. Unlicensed laboratory personnel (“aides”) are limited to pre-analytical and supportive functions only and may not read, record, result, verify, or interpret any laboratory test. They may not perform any test involving the quantitative measurement of specimens or reagents, conduct mathematical calculations related to test results, perform instrument calibration, or monitor or interpret quality control data used to assess test system performance. Unlicensed personnel shall not participate in any phase of testing that involves result generation, interpretation, verification, or reporting.

All duties must be performed under the direct and constant supervision of a physician and surgeon or a licensed laboratory professional, as defined by California regulations.

Unlicensed laboratory personnel may perform approved activities including specimen collection (patient preparation, labeling, handling, processing, preservation, transportation, and storage), assisting licensed personnel, preparing and storing reagents and culture media, assisting with preventive maintenance and troubleshooting (without calibration or performance verification), and supporting quality control procedures (without interpretation of results). Specimen collection involving venipuncture or skin puncture may only be performed if the individual holds appropriate California phlebotomy certification (e.g., CPT I or CPT II) or other qualifying license, as required by law.

This individual: 1) Performs computer entry, filing, telephone communication, and other clerical duties. 2) Demonstrates professional telephone etiquette and greets patients and visitors courteously. 3) Possesses effective verbal and written communication skills. 4) Demonstrates knowledge of laboratory test terminology. 5) Demonstrates knowledge of phlebotomy practices; performs venipuncture or skin puncture only if appropriately certified per California law. 6) Processes specimens across laboratory departments including pathology, microbiology, immunology, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, chemistry, and blood bank limited to pre-analytical activities (e.g., specimen handling and centrifugation only in immunohematology). 7) Prepares and processes specimens for reference laboratories. 8) Stocks and orders routine supplies. 9) Maintains cleanliness and organization of storage areas, equipment, centrifuges, and collection sites. 10) Processes and places specimens on laboratory instruments for automated analysis only, without performing test setup, calibration, validation, or result review. 11) With documented training, may assist with preventive maintenance and troubleshooting (excluding calibration and performance verification), assist in quality control procedures (without interpreting results), and perform permitted microbiology support tasks such as primary culture inoculation, slide staining, and subculturing. 12) Performs additional duties assigned by department leadership, including clerical support, communication tasks, specimen transport, and interdepartmental deliveries. 13) Assists Pathology with pre-analytical and clerical tasks only, including specimen receipt, accessioning, labeling, transport, and storage, under direct supervision and within regulatory limitations. 14) Functions as a runner to support laboratory workflow and specimen movement as needed.

Qualifications

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING

1. HS Diploma or equivalent required.
2. Active California Certified Phlebotomy Technician I or II license required for individuals performing phlebotomy.
3. Current BCLS (AHA) certificate upon hire and maintain current preferred.
4. BLS certification within forty-five days of hire and maintained current, according to hospital requirement.
5. Minimum of 1 year clinical laboratory experience performing similar job functions preferred.

Pay Transparency

St. Francis Medical Center offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that provides employees the flexibility to tailor benefits according to their individual needs. Our Total Rewards package includes, but is not limited to, paid time off, a 401K retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, and many more voluntary benefit options. Benefits may vary based on collective bargaining agreement requirements and/or the employment status, i.e. full-time or part-time. The current compensation for this role is $23.00. The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire, in which a wide range of factors will be considered, including but not limited to, skillset, years of applicable experience, education, credentials and licensure.

Employment Status

Full Time
Shift

Variable
Equal Employment Opportunity


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