Lab Assistant

In 2020, united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience, Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care, including 11 hospitals and nearly 5,000 physicians and providers. Together, we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.

CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason are now united to build the future of patient-centered care across the Pacific Northwest. That means a seamlessly connected system offering quality care close to home. From basic health needs to the most complex, highly specialized care, our patients can count on us to meet their needs with convenient access to the region’s most prestigious experts and innovative treatments and technologies. 

While you’re busy impacting the healthcare industry, we’ll take care of you with benefits that may include health/dental/vision, FSA, matching retirement plans, paid vacation, adoption assistance, annual bonus eligibility, and more!

Job Summary

Collects appropriate samples for testing, including phlebotomy procedures, venous and capillary punctures, and urine collections for medical and legal testing procedures. Work also includes: 1) computer inquiry and entry to maintain patient demographic as well as test ordering details in multiple computer systems in accordance with compliance guidelines; 2) processing and preparing samples for testing at FHS laboratories; and 3) processing, preparing and packaging samples for delivery to testing labs. An incumbent may also provide guidance to new employees/students on department procedures and policies. Work is conducted in accordance with all regulatory accreditation agency requirements.

Work requires: 1) ability to communicate effectively, 2) exemplify customer service and 3) knowledge of laboratory procedures and equipment, accessioning, verifying specimens and specimen requirements, and skills in using a laboratory information system. 

Some assignments may require out-of-office travel. 

Essential Job Duties

Performs collections to include venipuncture, capillary procedures, and special collections on pediatric and adult inpatient and outpatient populations using safety devices and tools appropriate for the situation.  If applicable, performs urine drug screen collection and Breath Alcohol Testing.

Perform the urine drug collection and testing according to DOT standards.

Provides communications support using established customer service standards.

Accesses hospital and lab information system programs to perform  ordering, sample labeling, log-in, test cancellation, test add-on, etc. and final disposition into the sample inventory system/storage program.

Performs processing duties and prepares samples for testing to include: validating patient identity, labeling, centrifugation, aliquoting, and preserving sample integrity.  Test ready samples are delivered for testing or packaged for dispatch following specific guidelines.

Completes follow up protocol and maintains audit trail for ambiguous orders or issues to bring resolution to concerns in accordance with department procedures.

Education/Work Experience Requirements

Completion of a phlebotomy course at a vocational college or equivalent technical school, including completion of a 4-week internship in Phlebotomy in a clinical lab setting; OR equivalent on-the-job training with recent lab experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge/skills/abilities required.  

Two years of recent related work experience in a clinical laboratory setting, phlebotomy clinic or other Patient Service Center and one year of insurance collection/data entry work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge and skills/abilities preferred.

Licensure/Certification

• Current Washington State certification as a Medical Assistant, OR
• Current Washington State certification as a Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist within 60 days of date of hire.
• National registration with ASCP in Phlebotomy preferred.