Medical/Laboratory Assistant

Position Summary

The Medical Assistant / Laboratory Assistant - Phlebotomy and Infection Prevention supports medically fragile pediatric residents through safe specimen collection, infection-prevention support, clinical assistance, and regulatory-compliance activities.

This position performs pediatric venipuncture, capillary blood collection, and other assigned specimen-collection procedures within the employee's verified competency, active Nevada credential, facility policies, authorized provider orders, and required supervision.

The position also assists the Infection Preventionist with audits, surveillance, PointClickCare documentation, infection-control records, supply monitoring, scanning and filing, and front-desk coverage as assigned.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong clinical skills, attention to detail, professionalism, adaptability, and a commitment to maintaining a safe, sanitary, and family-centered pediatric care environment.

Essential Functions

Phlebotomy and Clinical Support

• Performs specimen collection consistent with physician orders, scope of practice, and facility policy;
• Prepares, labels, processes, and documents laboratory specimens;
• Performs basic clinical support duties as assigned and within competency.

Infection Prevention & Control Support

• Assists the Infection Preventionist with surveillance, audits, documentation, and infection prevention activities;
• Maintains required infection prevention records and data;
• Reinforce infection prevention practices with staff in accordance with facility policies and procedures;
• Monitor residents during and after specimen collection and promptly report unsuccessful attempts, adverse reactions, or other concerns to the licensed nurse;
• Obtain vital signs and provide other basic clinical support only when trained, competent, assigned, and working under the direction of a licensed nurse.

Resident & Family Interaction

• Communicates professionally with residents, families, providers, and interdisciplinary staff;
• Reports concerns through appropriate channels.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintains required competencies and certifications;
• Participates in education, quality improvement, and survey readiness;
• Performs other related duties within training and scope of practice.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required;
• Successful completion of a Medical Assistant program or equivalent healthcare training program required.

Certification / Licensure

• Current and unrestricted State of Nevada Laboratory Assistant license or certification authorizing specimen collection and phlebotomy;
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification including infant, child, and adult CPR, AED use, and choking rescue;
• National phlebotomy certification from an organization accepted by the State of Nevada, when required for Nevada credentialing;
• Medical Assistant certification or registration, such as CMA, RMA, CCMA, or NCMA, preferred.

Experience

• Previous phlebotomy experience required;
• Pediatric phlebotomy experience strongly preferred;
• Experience working with infants, children, medically complex residents, individuals with developmental disabilities, or difficult venous access strongly preferred;
• Experience in skilled nursing, long-term care, infection prevention, laboratory services, or healthcare support preferred;
• PointClickCare, electronic health record, front-desk, scanning, filing, or administrative experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of venipuncture, capillary collection, specimen labeling, processing, storage, packaging, and courier-release requirements;
• Knowledge of Standard Precautions, transmission-based precautions, hand hygiene, PPE, sharps safety, and bloodborne-pathogen requirements;
• Ability to safely and compassionately perform pediatric specimen collection;
• Ability to recognize and promptly report resident changes or adverse reactions;
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation accuracy;
• Ability to collect and report audit data objectively;
• Effective verbal and written communication skills;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries;
• Ability to work independently within assigned responsibilities while recognizing when licensed clinical judgment is required;
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing clinical and administrative needs.

Technical Skills

• Ability to use computers, mobile devices, electronic health records, scanners, printers, telephones, spreadsheets, and standard office software.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Frequent standing and walking throughout the shift (up to 12 hours);
• Frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, and reaching;
• Lift up to 50 pounds independently;
• Lift or move more than 100 pounds with assistance or mechanical equipment;
• Ability to assist with transferring or repositioning residents;
• Ability to respond quickly to resident needs or emergencies;
• Frequent repetitive motions;
• Ability to safely lift and transfer pediatric residents; stand and walk for extended periods; bend, kneel, squat, and reach frequently; respond quickly to emergencies; perform extended grooming tasks; perform laundry handling, stocking supplies, and cleaning equipment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily in patient care areas including patient rooms, nursing stations, and common areas;
• Employees may encounter emotionally distressed residents or family members;
• The position may require evening, weekend, holiday, or overtime work;
• Employees may be exposed to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and hazardous substances.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Silver State Pediatric Skilled Nursing Facility is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, Nevada state, or local law.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. The employer reserves the right to modify job duties as necessary. Employment is at-will unless otherwise specified by written agreement.