**Description** **Introduction** Last year our HCA Healthcare colleagues invested over 156,000 hours volunteering in our communities. As a(an) Laboratory Assistant with HCA Florida Westside Hospital you can be a part of an organization that is devoted to giving back! **Benefits** HCA Florida Westside Hospital offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include: + Comprehensive medical coverage that covers many common services at no cost or for a low copay. Plans include prescription drug and behavioral health coverage as well as free telemedicine services and free AirMed medical transportation. + Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, supplemental health protection plans (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity), auto and home insurance, identity theft protection, legal counseling, long-term care coverage, moving assistance, pet insurance and more. + Free counseling services and resources for emotional, physical and financial wellbeing + 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service) + Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 10% off HCA Healthcare stock + Family support through fertility and family building benefits with Progyny and adoption assistance. + Referral services for child, elder and pet care, home and auto repair, event planning and more + Consumer discounts through Abenity and Consumer Discounts + Retirement readiness, rollover assistance services and preferred banking partnerships + Education assistance (tuition, student loan, certification support, dependent scholarships) + Colleague recognition program + Time Away From Work Program (paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence) + Employee Health Assistance Fund that offers free employee-only coverage to full-time and part-time colleagues based on income. Learn more about Employee Benefits (https://careers.hcahealthcare.com/pages/employee-benefits-and-rewards) **_Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location._** Would you like to unlock your potential with a leading healthcare provider dedicated to the growth and development of our colleagues? Join the HCA Florida Westside Hospital family! We will give you the tools and resources you need to succeed in our organization. We are looking for an enthusiastic Laboratory Assistant to help us reach our goals. Unlock your potential! **Job Summary and Qualifications** Lab Assistant performs any three of the following non-technical functions under the supervision of the department supervisor, manager or director. They collect specimens, process specimens, submit and monitor specimens submitted to the referral laboratories and patient registration. Performs duties consistent with written procedures and regulatory requirements. Supports the department in achieving department goals for service, quality, regulatory compliance, financial performance, patient satisfaction, healthy work environment, and integration of intra and inter-departmental activities. DUTIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO: + Demonstrates a thorough understanding of specimen collection and testing requirements as well as specimen rejection criteria + Demonstrates proficiency in venipunctures and/or finger sticks on pediatric, neonatal, adults and geriatric patients 3. Demonstrates proficiency in heel sticks on infants (as patient population requires) + Utilizes supplies appropriately + Follows established procedures for patient identification and specimen collection based test orders + Completes appropriate specimen collection documentation + Educates patient and/or family regarding specimen collection procedures prior to obtaining specimen + Uses computer information system relative to job functions + Responsible for clerical duties (i.e., faxing, phones, pneumatic tube system, reports) + Demonstrates ability to deal with priorities first and plans for completion of duties + Reviews Outstanding Specimen Report (OSR) and pending specimen collections/accessioning issues; takes action as appropriate + Receives laboratory specimens into the laboratory information system + Performs registration and order entry procedures, as requested, with accuracy, and in a timely manner + Labels specimens and aliquots according to established protocols and according to testing ordered + Demonstrates a thorough understanding of specimen collection and testing requirements as well as specimen rejection criteria + Centrifuges and aliquots specimens appropriately, based on specimen type and tests ordered. + Prepares specimens to be ready for courier pick-up and includes special instructions as requested by physician orders + Discards laboratory specimens according to established schedule + Performs periodic preventive maintenance and quality assurance procedures as assigned + Collects chain-of-custody drug collections according to establish policy (as laboratory may require) + Keeps appropriate records/documentation relating to specimen problems and other problems encountered, takes corrective action as necessary to ensure validity and accuracy of testing + Cleans the area upon emergency spills of specimens + Assesses specimen requirements for referral testing and troubleshoots any specimen requirement and/or referral testing specimen or order entry issues. + Processes, sorts, and prepares specimens for submission to referral laboratories for testing in accordance with specimen requirements for tests ordered. + Regularly monitors and reviews the status of referred testing to assure that results are received and made available to physicians within established turnaround times. + Reviews Outstanding Specimen Report (OSR) and pending referral testing issues; takes action as appropriate + Communicates and troubleshoots any problem specimens in a timely manner. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (This position requires the following minimum requirements) + Ability to interact with co-workers in a team environment, promoting a harmonious and cooperative working environment. + Demonstrates excellent customer service practices in all interactions. + Effectively communicate with all personnel to exchange accurate and timely technical information. + May assist in communication to customers, floors, physicians regarding problem and/or pending + specimens. + Requires 2 + years experience performing registration, clerical duties, and sending out of specimen processing 6. Follows safety policies and procedures + Protects sensitive and confidential information by actively participating in the Privacy & Security Awareness program + Adheres to company policies and standards regarding security + Completes assigned courses and training on an annual basis + Available to work during disasters EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE + Vocational/Technical Degree Preferred + 1-3 years in a clinical laboratory setting preferred CERTIFICATION/LICENSE: + Phlebotomy, Medical Assistant, Paramedic or EMT certification preferred. HCA Healthcare Laboratory Services (hcahealthcare.com/physicians/hospital-based-specialties/laboratory-services/) is a full service provider for clinical laboratory and anatomic pathology services, providing hospitals, physicians, and clients with **timely diagnostic information** for patient care. Our infrastructure includes a fully automated esoteric core laboratory in Fort Lauderdale, a histology and microbiology operation in Largo, Florida, and a network of hospital based **rapid-response** laboratories present in four HCA Healthcare divisions within the state of Florida. Our core laboratories support **more than 250** acute and rehab hospitals, physician practices, surgery centers and commercial accounts. HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses. "There is so much good to do in the world and so many different ways to do it."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr. HCA Healthcare Co-Founder Be a part of an organization that invests in you! We are reviewing applications for our Laboratory Assistant opening. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Submit your application and help us raise the bar in patient care! We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.