Laboratory Assistant I - Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

DescriptionPenn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (PPMC) has an outstanding opportunity for a Laboratory Assistant I to join the Medical Laboratory team and work alongside some of the best medical providers in Philadelphia.PPMC, the Philadelphia region’s top Level 1 Trauma Center, has an outstanding record of medical accomplishments, placing our patients at the core of everything we do. The “how” is important to us – how we treat our patients and each other, how we raise the bar every day to achieve excellence and how we contribute to the health of the community around us. PPMC has a community feel but is also part of the larger academic and research-based institution that is Penn Medicine. By joining PPMC, you get the best of both worlds and a genuine commitment to your professional growth and development.The Laboratory Assistant is trained on-the-job to processes on a variety of clinical specimens for diagnostic laboratory testing and accessing associated records.Responsibilities:Performs assigned patient-sample processing activitiesFollows established SOPs for the ordering and processing of biological specimens for analysis and evaluates and solves problems related to that process.Operates the pneumatic tube system properly and observes all Infection Control policies while handling specimensProvides timely distribution of specimens to appropriate laboratory sectionsMaintains accurate and orderly log records and/or worksheets where required according to SOP’s.Maintains a safe and orderly work areaAnswers phone in a professional, courteous, and timely manner speaking to caller in a caring mannerResearches phone inquiries regarding specimen collection or test results by referencing available manuals and records, and calls caller back promptly.Understands collection requirements for special or referral testing, prepares specimens, ensures integrity and correctness of sample, and arranges for dispatch and pick-up of specimens as neededKeeps current with laboratory minutes and documented changesMaintains inventory of equipment and supplies, and appropriately communicates the need to re-order before supplies run out.Assist with the instruction of procedures and techniques to other employeesPerforms daily temperature checks on rooms, refrigerators, freezers, incubators and preventive maintenance on centrifuges as needed.Minimum Requirements:High School/GED equivalent level of education requiredPrior Experience In Hospital Laboratory Receiving Area PreferredPrior experience with the Laboratory Information SystemCertification as a PBT or MLA by a minimum knowledge-based exam such as a the Board of Certification PBT (ASCP) or MLA (ASCP) preferredCertified individuals will be hired as Laboratory Assistant II preferredWe believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.Live Your Life's WorkWe are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.