Lab Assistant

Where You’ll Work

Founded in 1956, Dignity Health - Memorial Hospital is a 385-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Bakersfield, California. Serving nearly 100,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including heart care, maternity care, and orthopedics. Additionally, Memorial Hospital has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. It is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center, and its Lauren Small Children’s Center is the first comprehensive pediatric program in Kern County.

One Community. One Mission. One California 

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As a Lab Assistant, you will play a crucial role in solving diagnostic mysteries, bringing us one step closer to effectively treating patient illnesses and injuries.Every day you will utilize your expertise and our advanced technology to precisely collect, prepare, and process a diverse range of patient specimens (blood, urine, tissue, etc.) for various diagnostic tests. To be successful in this role, you will possess a foundational understanding of laboratory procedures, demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, and maintain an eager commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

• Ensures that safe laboratory practices, universal precautions and observance of OSHA and HIPAA regulations are used at all times.
• Responsible for familiarity with MSDS guidelines and State of California regulations in relation to the laboratory.
• Responsible for maintaining basic job standards for all Dignity Health- Central California positions by participating in all mandatory training sessions or work shops.
• Evaluates the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs.
• Responsible for maintaining the phlebotomy skills necessary to provide care for patients ranging from neonates to geriatrics.
• Once certified -responsible for the collection of arterial blood for the purpose of blood gas analysis only. Is directly accountable to the Medical Laboratory Director for this procedure.
• Receives and processes specimens within established timelines. Evaluates specimens based on established guidelines for specimen appropriateness for tests ordered, specimen quality and specimen volume for number of test ordered.
• Reviews orders for reference lab testing for specimen type and specimen handling instructions. Appropriately batches and sends testing to appropriate testing facility or reference laboratory.
• Correctly aliquots and prepares specimens for send out testing.
• Prepares blood smears and body fluid smears for Wright Stain and Gram Stain testing for Clinical Laboratory Scientist review.
• During computer downtime situations is responsible for printing labels or using "downtime labels" if necessary and posting draws in appropriate area for the Lab Assistant.

Job Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• CA Phlebotomy Technician 1 and BLS required.
• CA Phlebotomy Technician 2 license must be obtained after completion of 1040 clinical hours.
• One year experience in phlebotomy required.
• Education level necessary to obtain required licensure and certifications.
• Working knowledge of medical terminology
• General typing/ computer skills

Please be advised that this location requires quarterly American Heart Association (AHA) Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) competency certification post-hire. This ongoing competency is required through resources internal to the facility; outside RQI competency resources are not acceptable for CommonSpirit Health compliance requirements.