POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN) Program Director, the Laboratory Assistant provides instructional support services for faculty and students of the RN Program; assists in preparing and setting up laboratory exercises, demonstrations, instructional materials, and supplies; assists students and faculty in the use and operation of equipment and materials related to the RN Program.
 
RESPONSIBILITY:
Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern; exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.

FUNCTIONS:

• Assists in preparing and setting up laboratory exercises, demonstrations, and instructional materials; monitors laboratory environment; organizes, arranges, stocks, and distributes materials, equipment, and supplies
• Provides instructional support services for the RN Program; assists in instructional demonstrations  of  procedures  and  techniques;  explains  related  principles,  practices,  procedures, methods, materials, terminology, tools, and equipment to students
• Operates, demonstrates use of, and maintains various laboratory equipment and materials, including lab solutions, live and preserved specimens, and dissecting equipment
• Prepares and sterilizes instruments and solutions
• Cleans and ensures proper storage of laboratory equipment; ensures laboratory and work areas are in clean and orderly condition
• Maintains accurate logs, reports, and records of work performed and materials and equipment used
• Monitors, orders, receives, stores, and maintains adequate inventory levels of supplies and equipment as directed
• Assists in training of student workers
• Submits work orders for maintenance and repair of equipment and facilities
• Learns  and  applies  emerging technologies  and,  as  necessary,  to  perform duties  in  an  efficient, organized, and timely manner
• Performs other related duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS AND EDUCATION:

Knowledge of:

• Terminology, techniques, equipment, materials, principles, theories, practices, and procedures related to the Registered Nursing program
• Basic  methods  and  procedures  for  preparing  course  materials  and  laboratory  exercises  and demonstrations used in biological sciences courses
• Set-up, operation, demonstration, and maintenance of various tools and equipment used in a biological sciences laboratory
• Methods, practices, and techniques of student learning and instruction
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work
• Record keeping principles and procedures
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, students, and staff, including individuals of various ages, disabilities, various socio-economic and ethnic groups

Skills & Abilities to: 

• Learn principles, practices, procedures, methods, materials, tools, terminology, and equipment related to the Registered Nursing  program
• Assist  students and  faculty in  the  use  and  operation  of  equipment  and  materials related  to the Registered Nursing program
• Create an engaging and positive learning environment in a laboratory or other learning environments
• Learn and demonstrate proper use and maintenance of equipment, materials, and supplies used in the Registered Nursing program
• Interpret, apply, and explain applicable policies, rules, and regulations related to areas of responsibility
• Establish and maintain filing, record keeping, and tracking systems
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software applications programs
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing
• Understand scope of authority in making independent decisions
• Review situations accurately and determine appropriate course of action using judgment according to established policies and procedures
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Demonstrate a professional role model for students
• Demonstrate integrity and progressive self-improvement

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
 
Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from a regionally accredited college in biology or related field and one (1) year of experience working in a classroom, laboratory, or similar setting.