Medical Laboratory Assistant (Casual)
Multi Functional Core Lab - Whistler Health Centre / Pemberton Health Centre
Whistler, BC / Pemberton, BC
Within the context of a client and family centered care model and in accordance with established vision and values of the organization, this position works under general supervision to perform duties related to blood collection and specimen processing. Receives patients for testing, collects blood specimens using venipuncture and skin puncture, prepares specimens for analysis and forwards to referral laboratories or other areas. Performs routine electrocardiogram testing where required. Utilizes the Laboratory Information systems and related database system/s to enter data, generate blood collection lists and reports, etc. Answers telephones, files and distributes materials as required.
What you’ll do
- Receive patients and examines test requisition/s to confirm patient demographics are current, checks for physician's signature, enters demographics into Laboratory Information system, prints label indicating patient information such as referring physician, name and test and affixes to requisition. Explains procedure for collection of laboratory specimens and responds to routine inquiries.
- Greet, identify and prepare patients for specified tests; collects blood specimens by performing venipuncture and skin puncture in accordance with established procedures, labels specimens with required information and ensures safe disposal of sharps and other material as required. Performs routine lab tests such as urine tests for protein and/or glucose using colour coded dip sticks.
- Prepare specimens such as blood and urine for analysis. Checks specimen identification against requisition, identifies whether additional tests or special testing is required. Separates serum or plasma from cells by centrifugation and prepares blood films by spreading blood specimen onto slide. Forwards to Technologist for analysis.
- Receive specimens, spins down and splits specimens into different containers, sorts and labels for testing, logs data into a computerized database and batches specimens in order of established priorities for distribution to applicable area. Stores analyzed specimens and discards outdated specimens as directed in accordance with established facility procedures.
- Arrange for the shipment of specimens to referral laboratories. Completes forms, packages specimens in accordance with safe procedures and regulations outlined in the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act. Contacts courier, air transport or alternate carriers.
- Perform routine electrocardiogram testing where required; explains procedure to patient, attaches electrodes to patient and operates electrocardiograph in accordance with established procedures. Checks results for normal/abnormal readings, monitors and documents data such as position of patient, physical reactions and number of leads used to assist physician in interpreting data.
- Answer telephones, takes and relays messages, pages laboratory and medical staff as required, relays test results, slots patients into available appointments and makes arrangements for patient testing. Responds to general enquiries from patients, nursing wards or external facilities or refers calls of a specific nature to appropriate personnel.
- Key a variety of data into computerized databases/on-line systems such as billing information and laboratory results; prints off various reports, labels, blood collection lists, etc. as required. Sorts, files and distributes laboratory reports upon request.
- Maintain work area by methods such as cleaning blood collection baskets, wiping down counters/work benches with disinfectant, identifies depleting stock and notifies supervisor for order placements.
- Maintain sufficient levels of stationery supplies according to predetermined levels; identifies depleted items, completes internal requisitions to order replacement items, verifies receipt of items by comparing order to purchase order and stocks shelves.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
What you bring
Qualifications
- Grade 12, successful completion of a recognized Lab Assistant training program plus one year's recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Ability to type 25 wpm.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within health care settings. This involves familiarity and understanding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within Pre-Post Analysis - Lions Gate Hospital Labs contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - BC Human Rights Code, BC Anti-racism Act and how they intersect across the health care system.
Core Competencies
- Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety.
- Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).
Skills & Knowledge
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to deal with others effectively.
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
- Ability to organize work.
- Ability to operate related equipment.
- Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and/or continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
- Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.
What we bring
Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
- Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
- Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
- Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
- Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
- PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
- Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.
Job Type: Casual (Casual is defined as on call with no guaranteed hours. Shifts can be called out via short call (1-5 hours of notice) or pre-booked).
Wage: $30.15 / Hour +13% in lieu
Location: Whistler Health Centre - 4380 Lorimer Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 1A7, Pemberton Health Centre - 1403 Portage Rd, Pemberton, BC V0N 2L0
Closing Date: Applications Accepted until position is filled
Hours of Work: 08:15-16:15/08:30-16:30 (Monday, Wednesday-Friday) Shifts scheduled in Whistler or Pemberton Health Centre
Requisition #: 194509E
What we do
Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services (PLMS) provides laboratory testing at 31 sites across the lower mainland and central coast of BC, including acute care hospital laboratories and specialty laboratories.
PLMS is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).
PHSA and PLMS are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.
Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services
PHSA is committed to equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently marginalized groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.
One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya'kula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at [email protected].
Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and marginalization faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and self-determination of Indigenous communities. PHSA must uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents such as including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.
