At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Are you interested in taking the next steps in your career within the laboratory environment?

Are you motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment?

If so, the Clinical Lab Assistant I opportunity at Northwestern Memorial Hospital may be the perfect fit for you! Central Specimen Receiving is a non-testing area of our laboratory where we handle specimen processing. There are a variety of different benches, or work areas, within the department that our staff are trained to as follows:

• Tube Station Bench
• Window Bench
• Breakdown Bench
• Registration/Order Entry Bench
• Courier Bench (only open on 1st & 2nd shift)
• Processing Bench

We encourage you to apply for consideration if you are interested in pursuing a career in the laboratory!

The Clinical Lab Assistant I reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. 

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the main lab staff, other ancillary departments, departments, nurses and providers to ensure excellent patient care. 

• Receives specimens into the laboratory information system. 

• Inputs and retrieves lab results in laboratory or hospital computer system. 

•  Register specimen dropoffs (e.g. Home health) in LIS assuring accurate data entry. 

• Distributes specimens to the appropriate testing area. 

• Identifies and solves problems utilizing appropriate resources with the assistance of a supervisor, manager, pathologist and/or coworkers when appropriate. 

• Accurately performs waived testing under the direction of CLS as applicable  

• Ensures appropriate sample type received for testing ordered, including appropriate container, volume. 

• Communicates specimen rejections, critical/notifiable results to appropriate clinical personnel and completes required documentation. 

• May review/record refrigerator temperature(s) and QC/QA records. Areas of concern are recorded through the Corrective Action Log and reported to maintenance for repair. 

• Adheres to lab procedures with following up on outstanding orders including time-sensitive draws/charges   

• Pull AP slides for second opinion requests and log material back into Epic when material is returned 

• Answers phone calls to the laboratory and triages appropriately 

• Coordinates courier pickups as needed. 

Department Specific: 

• May perform phlebotomy and other lab specimen collections per age related standards as required 

Required: 

• High School Diploma 

Preferred: 

• 1 year of experience in a general lab, specimen processing or phlebotomy department  

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.