Laboratory Assistant at Sanford Health: Join Our Team in Sioux Falls, SD

Sanford Health, a leading not-for-profit health system, is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Laboratory Assistant to join our team in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As a Laboratory Assistant, you will play a vital role in providing accurate and timely laboratory services to our patients. This position offers a consistent daytime schedule with no scheduled nights, holidays, or weekends, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. If you are passionate about laboratory science and providing exceptional patient care, we encourage you to apply.

Role Overview

The Laboratory Assistant is responsible for assisting in performing laboratory activities, preparing specimens, and ensuring the accuracy and quality of laboratory data. This role involves phlebotomy, collecting, preparing, and processing biological specimens. You will work alongside a knowledgeable and helpful lab team in a smaller clinic setting that values collaboration, quality patient care, and work-life balance. The clinic fosters a strong sense of team culture with regular potlucks and holiday gatherings. Limited on-call coverage is possible but infrequent, primarily during respiratory season, and shifts do not extend later than 9:00 p.m.

A Day in the Life of a Laboratory Assistant

Here’s what a typical day might look like for a Laboratory Assistant at Sanford Health:

• Morning: Arrive at the clinic and prepare the laboratory for the day’s activities. This includes ensuring that all equipment is functioning properly and that supplies are stocked.
• Phlebotomy: Perform phlebotomy procedures to collect blood specimens from patients. This requires a high level of skill and attention to detail to ensure patient comfort and safety.
• Specimen Processing: Receive and process various biological specimens, including blood, urine, and other bodily fluids. This involves accurately labeling specimens and preparing them for testing and analysis.
• Data Entry: Enter laboratory orders and results into the laboratory information system (LIS). This requires proficiency in data entry and computer skills.
• Quality Control: Assist with quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory data.
• Afternoon: Continue to collect and process specimens, enter data, and assist with other laboratory tasks as needed.
• Communication: Communicate with healthcare professionals and patients regarding laboratory orders, results, and other inquiries.
• End of Day: Clean and organize the laboratory, restock supplies, and prepare for the next day’s activities.

Why Sioux Falls, South Dakota?

Sioux Falls is a vibrant and growing city that offers a high quality of life. With a population of over 190,000, Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota and serves as a regional hub for healthcare, business, and culture. The city boasts a strong economy, excellent schools, and a low cost of living. Sioux Falls offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including parks, trails, and lakes. The city is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with museums, theaters, and music venues. Living in Sioux Falls provides a balance between urban amenities and a close-knit community feel.

Career Path for a Laboratory Assistant at Sanford Health

Sanford Health is committed to providing opportunities for professional growth and development. As a Laboratory Assistant, you can advance your career by pursuing additional training and certifications. Some potential career paths include:

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT): With an associate's degree and certification, you can perform a wider range of laboratory tests and procedures.
• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS): With a bachelor's degree and certification, you can perform complex laboratory tests and procedures, and supervise other laboratory staff.
• Phlebotomy Supervisor: Oversee the phlebotomy team and ensure that all procedures are performed accurately and efficiently.
• Laboratory Manager: Manage the overall operations of the laboratory, including staffing, budgeting, and quality control.

Salary and Benefits

The estimated annual salary range for a Laboratory Assistant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is $32,000 to $45,000. Actual salary may vary based on experience, education, and certifications. Sanford Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA)
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement or assistance
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee discounts on Sanford Health services
• Wellness programs

Sanford Health Culture

Sanford Health is committed to creating a culture of excellence, innovation, and compassion. We value our employees and provide a supportive and collaborative work environment. Sanford Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are dedicated to providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for the Laboratory Assistant position at Sanford Health, please visit our website at sanfordhealth.jobs. You can search for the position by job title or location. The online application process is quick and easy. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-673-0854 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the qualifications for the Laboratory Assistant position? A high school diploma or GED is preferred. Completion of a formal phlebotomy program, phlebotomy experience, and experience in a laboratory-related field are also preferred. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification may be required.
2. What are the responsibilities of a Laboratory Assistant? Responsibilities include phlebotomy, collecting, preparing, and processing biological specimens. You will also be responsible for entering laboratory orders and results, ensuring the accuracy and quality of laboratory data, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
3. What is the work schedule for a Laboratory Assistant? This position offers a consistent daytime schedule with no scheduled nights, holidays, or weekends.
4. Is this a union position? No, this is not a union position.
5. What is the department like? This position is in a smaller clinic setting with a knowledgeable and helpful lab team. The environment values collaboration, quality patient care, and work-life balance.
6. What is the on-call requirement for this position? Limited on-call coverage is possible but infrequent, primarily during respiratory season, and shifts do not extend later than 9:00 p.m.
7. What is the salary range for a Laboratory Assistant? The estimated annual salary range is $32,000 to $45,000. Actual salary may vary based on experience, education, and certifications.
8. What benefits does Sanford Health offer? Sanford Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, life insurance, disability insurance, and more.
9. How can I apply for the Laboratory Assistant position? You can apply online at sanfordhealth.jobs.
10. Who can I contact if I have questions about the application process? You can call 1-877-673-0854 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.