Demo

Lab Assistant

MercyOne
Des Moines, IA Part Time
POSTED ON 12/30/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/30/2026
Employment Type

Part time

Shift

Weekend Shift

Description

At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor’s visit or a place to go when you’re in need of medical attention. Our Mission is based on improving the health of our communities – that means not only when you are sick but keeping you well.

MercyOne Central Iowa sets the standard for personalized and radically convenient care in the Des Moines metro area and surrounding counties.

MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1893, is the longest continually operating hospital in Des Moines and Iowa’s largest medical center, with 802 beds available. The hospital is one of the Midwest’s largest referral centers.

With more than 7,000 colleagues and a medical staff of almost 1,500 physicians and allied health professionals, MercyOne Central Iowa is one of Iowa’s largest employers.

Want to learn more about MercyOne Des Moines? Click here: https://www.mercyone.org/desmoines/find-a-location/

Join the MercyOne Family! We are looking to hire a Lab Assistant.

As a Lab Assistant at MercyOne, you may work in various laboratory departments to collect blood specimens from hospital patients, work with microbiology or anatomic pathology specimens, or work independently at remote Patient Service Centers. Creates patient encounters, orders laboratory tests, and prepares specimens for testing. Assists technical personnel in sample log-in, testing workflow, and specimen tracking, as appropriate for patient age including neonates, infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric adults.

  • Accurately and efficiently performs venipunctures, and finger sticks ensuring collection of proper specimens for testing and ensuring patient safety.
  • Prepares specimens for testing.
  • Accepts specimens and requisitions from external and internal customers utilizing excellent customer service skills.
  • Identifies patients/specimens using two unique patient identifiers and accurately labels specimen containers.
  • Correctly registers specimens and logs into Laboratory Information System (LIS) appropriate to department where testing is to be performed as needed, or evaluates specimen adequacy and acceptability and logs into LIS.
  • Performs specimen processing as needed. For example, proper identification, aliquoting, plate streaking, preparing slides, special handling, and required documentation.
  • Follows established procedures and policies including infection control and bloodborne pathogens.
  • Handles chemicals according to established safety protocols.
  • Meets defined workload productivity standards. Supports and utilizes LEAN principles.
  • Works proficiently with laboratory information systems and personal computers.
  • Follows established procedures and policies to obtain optimal test turn-around-times.
  • Participates in teaching peers.
  • Handles incoming and outgoing telephone calls utilizing good customer service skills and knowledge of the laboratory.
  • Follows up on and documents out of range temperatures.

Schedule: Part Time Weekends

General Requirements

  • Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter abuse training specific to population served within 3 months of hire.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory experience preferred.
  • Computer skills required

Education

  • High school diploma or GED required.

Colleagues of MercyOne Health System enjoy competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunity for growth throughout the system!

Visit MercyOne Careers to learn more about the benefits, culture, and career development opportunities available to you at MercyOne Health System circle of care.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Hourly Wage Estimation for Lab Assistant in Des Moines, IA
$31.00 to $43.00
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