Laboratory Assistant - Clark Clinic - Sanford Health

Role Overview

The Laboratory Assistant at Sanford Health's Clark Clinic plays a crucial role in supporting laboratory operations. This full-time position involves a variety of tasks, including phlebotomy, specimen collection, processing, and data entry. The Laboratory Assistant ensures the accuracy and quality of laboratory data while working in a safe and professional environment. This role is ideal for individuals with a strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a passion for contributing to patient care.

A Day in the Life

As a Laboratory Assistant, your day will be dynamic and varied. Here's a glimpse of what you might expect: * **Phlebotomy:** Performing venipuncture to collect blood specimens from patients, ensuring their comfort and safety. * **Specimen Processing:** Receiving and processing various biological specimens, such as blood, urine, and swabs, according to established protocols. * **Data Entry:** Accurately entering laboratory orders and results into the laboratory information system (LIS). * **Quality Control:** Adhering to strict quality control measures to maintain the accuracy and reliability of laboratory data. * **Equipment Maintenance:** Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, such as centrifuges and microscopes. * **Inventory Management:** Assisting with inventory management and ordering of laboratory supplies. * **Customer Service:** Providing excellent customer service to patients and healthcare professionals, addressing their inquiries and concerns. * **Safety Compliance:** Following safety protocols and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. * **Collaboration:** Working collaboratively with other laboratory staff to ensure efficient workflow and timely processing of specimens.

Why Clark, South Dakota?

Clark, South Dakota, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to essential amenities. Here are some reasons why Clark is a great place to live and work: * **Community:** Experience a close-knit community where neighbors support each other and local events bring people together. * **Cost of Living:** Enjoy a lower cost of living compared to larger cities, making it easier to achieve financial stability. * **Outdoor Recreation:** Take advantage of the abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, and hiking. * **Quality of Life:** Benefit from a slower pace of life, reduced traffic, and a focus on community well-being. * **Accessibility:** Clark's central location provides easy access to larger cities like Watertown and Sioux Falls for additional shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Career Path

Sanford Health is committed to employee growth and development. The Laboratory Assistant position can serve as a stepping stone to various career paths within the laboratory and healthcare system. Potential career advancement opportunities include: * **Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT):** With additional education and certification, Laboratory Assistants can advance to become MLTs, performing a wider range of laboratory tests and analyses. * **Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS):** Further education and certification can lead to a career as an MLS, conducting complex laboratory procedures and interpreting results. * **Laboratory Supervisor:** Experienced Laboratory Assistants with strong leadership skills may advance to supervisory roles, overseeing laboratory operations and staff. * **Phlebotomy Supervisor/Lead:** Oversee and train other phlebotomists, ensuring quality and efficiency in specimen collection. * **Specialized Laboratory Roles:** Opportunities may arise in specialized areas of the laboratory, such as microbiology, hematology, or chemistry. Sanford Health provides resources and support for employees to pursue their career goals, including tuition reimbursement, professional development programs, and mentorship opportunities.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for the Laboratory Assistant position at the Clark Clinic is competitively based on experience and qualifications. While the exact salary is not disclosed, the expected range for similar positions in the region is $32,000 to $48,000 annually. In addition to a competitive salary, Sanford Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: * **Health Insurance:** Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to meet your healthcare needs. * **Paid Time Off (PTO):** Generous PTO accrual for vacation, sick leave, and holidays. * **Retirement Plan:** Retirement plan with employer matching contributions to help you save for the future. * **Life Insurance and Disability Coverage:** Life insurance and disability coverage to protect you and your family. * **Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA):** Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses. * **Employee Assistance Program (EAP):** Confidential counseling and support services through the Employee Assistance Program. * **Tuition Reimbursement:** Tuition reimbursement program to support your continuing education and professional development. * **Employee Discounts:** Employee discounts on Sanford Health services and products. * **Wellness Programs:** Wellness programs to promote employee health and well-being.

Sanford Health Culture

Sanford Health is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment for all employees. Here are some aspects of the Sanford Health culture: * **Commitment to Patient Care:** A strong focus on providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients. * **Teamwork and Collaboration:** A collaborative work environment where employees work together to achieve common goals. * **Employee Development:** Opportunities for professional growth and development through training programs, mentorship, and career advancement. * **Diversity and Inclusion:** A commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. * **Community Involvement:** A tradition of giving back to the community through volunteerism and charitable initiatives. * **Innovation:** A culture of innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging employees to share ideas and find new ways to improve processes and outcomes.

How to Apply

To apply for the Laboratory Assistant position at Sanford Health's Clark Clinic, please follow these steps: 1. Visit the Sanford Health Careers website. 2. Search for the Laboratory Assistant position in Clark, South Dakota. 3. Review the job description and qualifications. 4. Click on the "Apply Now" button. 5. Create an account or log in to your existing account. 6. Complete the online application form, providing your personal information, education, work experience, and skills. 7. Upload your resume and cover letter. 8. Answer any supplemental questions. 9. Submit your application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q1: What are the essential job duties of a Laboratory Assistant?** *A1: Primary duties include phlebotomy, specimen processing, data entry, maintaining lab equipment, and ensuring data accuracy.* **Q2: What qualifications are necessary for this position?** *A2: A high school diploma/GED is preferred, and completion of a phlebotomy program or related experience is highly desirable. BLS certification may be required.* **Q3: Is prior experience required for this role?** *A3: While not mandatory, phlebotomy experience and/or experience in a laboratory setting are preferred.* **Q4: What career growth opportunities are available within Sanford Health?** *A4: Sanford Health promotes career development, offering opportunities to advance to roles like Medical Laboratory Technician, Scientist, Supervisor, and specialized positions.* **Q5: What benefits does Sanford Health provide to its employees?** *A5: Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, life insurance, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, and employee discounts.* **Q6: How is the work environment at Sanford Health?** *A6: Sanford Health cultivates a patient-focused environment that values teamwork, diversity, inclusion, and community engagement.* **Q7: What does the application process involve?** *A7: Apply via the Sanford Health Careers site; search for the position in Clark, SD; then complete and submit the online application.* **Q8: What is the salary range for this position?** *A8: While the specific salary is not disclosed, the expected range for similar positions in the region is $32,000 to $48,000 annually, based on experience.* **Q9: Is there a sign-on bonus available for this position?** *A9: The job posting indicates a sign-on bonus may be available.* **Q10: What skills are important for success in this role?** *A10: Key skills include proficiency in phlebotomy, meticulous attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the capacity to work effectively within a team.* We encourage you to apply and join the Sanford Health team in Clark, South Dakota!