LABORATORY AIDE

Position Summary The Laboratory Aide provides high-quality laboratory support services across North Valley Hospital District's Laboratory Department. Working under the direction and supervision of licensed Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS), Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT), laboratory leadership, and authorized providers, this role supports efficient laboratory operations through specimen collection, patient interaction, clerical support, quality activities, equipment maintenance assistance, and inventory management. The Laboratory Aide functions as an essential member of the laboratory team, supporting accurate specimen collection, patient safety, laboratory workflow, and regulatory compliance. This position contributes to an exceptional patient experience while promoting operational efficiency and responsible stewardship of resources in a Critical Access Hospital environment.

Preferred / Valued

Qualifications Experience working in a hospital laboratory, outpatient laboratory, or Critical Access Hospital environment. Knowledge of laboratory information systems and electronic medical records. Medical terminology knowledge. Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish and/or additional languages. Core Values & Expectations Demonstrates alignment with NVHD's mission, values, and commitment to community-based care. Models professionalism, accountability, and respect in all interactions. Actively contributes to a positive, team-based workplace culture. Demonstrates flexibility, reliability, and adaptability in supporting laboratory operations. Maintains patient confidentiality and promotes a culture of safety and quality. Essential Functions & Responsibilities Specimen Collection & Patient Support Greet patients and visitors in a professional and welcoming manner and assist in creating a comfortable environment for specimen collection. Perform phlebotomy and other specimen collection procedures according to established policies, procedures, and competency requirements. Verify patient identification using approved protocols and ensure accurate specimen labeling and documentation. Collect, process, package, and transport specimens according to laboratory standards and regulatory requirements. Provide clear instructions to patients regarding specimen collection procedures and requirements. Monitor patients during and after specimen collection and report concerns appropriately. Laboratory Operations & Technical Support Assist laboratory personnel with daily laboratory operations and workflow. Demonstrate competency in assigned laboratory support functions. Assist with quality control activities and routine equipment maintenance under supervision. Support troubleshooting processes and communicate equipment concerns to laboratory leadership. Assist with maintaining laboratory equipment performance through cleaning, monitoring, and documentation activities as assigned. Maintain laboratory supplies and stock levels by monitoring inventory, stocking supplies, and communicating supply needs. Assist with receiving, storing, and organizing laboratory supplies and materials. Clerical & Administrative Support Perform clerical duties including answering telephones, faxing, copying, filing, scanning, and managing laboratory documentation. Enter and maintain accurate patient, specimen, and testing information within laboratory information systems and electronic medical records. Assist with record retention, documentation management, and report distribution. Support laboratory communication and coordination with providers, nursing staff, patients, and external facilities. Teamwork & Communication Work collaboratively with laboratory staff, providers, nurses, and ancillary departments to support efficient patient care and laboratory operations. Communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally with patients, families, and team members. Participate in department meetings, huddles, training activities, and operational discussions as assigned. Assist with orientation, onboarding, and training of new laboratory personnel as assigned. Follow up appropriately regarding reported incidents, complaints, concerns, and operational issues. Operations, Safety & Compliance Follow all infection prevention, biohazard handling, exposure control, and hazardous waste management policies. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment. Adhere to laboratory safety standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies. Utilize equipment and supplies responsibly to support cost-effective operations. Report safety concerns, incidents, equipment malfunctions, or changes in patient condition promptly to appropriate personnel. Assist with emergency communications and response activities during disasters, fire events, or Incident Command System activations as assigned. Quality & Continuous Improvement Participate in quality improvement, quality assurance, patient safety, and service excellence initiatives within the Laboratory Department. Assist with quality audits, inspections, and compliance activities. Support ongoing efforts to improve laboratory workflow, patient experience, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Contribute to departmental performance improvement initiatives and accreditation readiness activities. Organization's Expectations of Employee Represents North Valley Hospital and facilities positively and professionally by exemplifying the vision, mission, values, and goals of North Valley Hospital. Maintains attendance by working the hours of the position. Follows policies and procedures regarding attendance, vacation, holidays, sick leave, and leaves of absence. Uses the timekeeping applications efficiently and accurately. Adheres to dress code; appearance is neat and clean; wears name badge while on duty. Uses good customer service skills by relating to staff/healthcare providers, patients/residents, customers, and the general public courteously and diplomatically under all circumstances. Complies with all organizational policies and procedures. Participates in

CQI/QAPI

activities, NVHD Performance Improvement Initiatives, and Disaster Preparedness education/exercises, and completes duties as assigned in case of emergencies/ICS stand-up. Completes mandatory training promptly. Demonstrates the ability to make decisions, take appropriate action, and follow tasks through to completion. Effectively collaborates with peers and team members, using tactful, diplomatic communication techniques in potentially sensitive or emotionally charged situations. Demonstrates leadership responsibility and skills, including planning and completing duties with minimal direction from the supervisor when appropriate. Performs other duties as assigned, provided skills, abilities, and qualifications are appropriate and sufficient training is provided. Physical Demands The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Physical Demands Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and fingers, reach with hands and arms, and perform repetitive movements. Must have speech, vision, smell, touch, and hearing corrected to a functional range. Frequently lifts, pushes, and pulls up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Requires close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Mental Requirements Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out written, oral, and diagrammatic instructions. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and maintain accurate records. Ability to read, write, communicate clearly, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment. Work Environment Works primarily indoors in close collaboration with laboratory and healthcare personnel. Environment includes frequent interaction with patients, staff, and laboratory equipment. Noise level is generally moderate. Exposure Risks Exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, sharps, hazardous chemicals, cleaning agents, and potentially infectious specimens. Potential exposure to allergens, odors, and physical strain associated with laboratory and specimen collection activities. Exposure risks are minimized through adherence to established safety protocols and use of required personal protective equipment (PPE). Required Qualifications High School Diploma or equivalent. Current Washington State Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist (MA-P). Minimum two (2) years of laboratory experience preferred, ideally in a hospital, clinic, or healthcare setting. Ability to meet physical, clinical, and scheduling requirements of a laboratory environment. Basic computer knowledge, training, and/or experience. Essential Skills & Competencies Demonstrated ability to interact with patients, residents, visitors, providers, and staff in a courteous, professional, and compassionate manner. Knowledge of laboratory operations, specimen handling, and collection procedures. Sound technical skills, good judgment, and strong attention to detail. Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage competing demands. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Strong customer service orientation and commitment to patient-centered care. Proficiency with computer systems, electronic health records, laboratory information systems, Microsoft Office applications, and data entry. Ability to work collaboratively with laboratory staff, providers, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members. Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements. Demonstrated ability to follow policies, procedures, and safety standards. At North Valley Hospital District, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional, mission-driven care in the beautiful Okanogan Valley. As a Lab Aide, you'll play a vital role in supporting patient diagnosis and treatment by assisting with specimen collection, processing, and laboratory operations. This position offers the chance to work alongside skilled healthcare professionals in a collaborative environment where your attention to detail and commitment to quality make a difference every day. If you're looking for a rewarding opportunity to serve your community and grow in the healthcare field, we'd love to hear from you.