Is anyone a medical lab assistant for the NHS?

[Meltinthemiddle]

Thinking of applying for a job. Currently work in childcare but want a change but have no experience or training in lab work. It's a band 2 post. What's it like as a job? Any advice for applying would be great.

I did about 15 years ago in the histopathology lab, staining and checking slides, it was quite varied work, very busy, I only have relevant O levels in biology and maths but I think that I got the job because of my many years experience as a lab tech rather than qualifications. I would apply though because it it is the sort job you can learn. Other lab jobs to consider that don't need a lot of experience are QC technician jobs in places like food manufacturing, when I did this sort of job people were taken on with no experience as the pay is generally not that good but it will give you a bit of lab experience.

Thank you. It doesn't ask for experience or qualifications just an eye for detail, knowledge of health and safety. Plus good literacy and maths. Did you find it stressful or boring?

It was a while ago but it wasn't boring, I was constantly on the go, I was only there about 9 months as it was maternity cover. There was different jobs to do in the lab and I also delivered samples to other labs within the hospital, it was very much working as a team, the only stressful thing was trying to get a parking place in the morning as I started at 9:30 and always had to arrive before 9 to get a space, hospitable car parking is really bad. I would definitely apply as I probably needed experience as it was a maternity cover job that I did so had to get straight on with it.

Thank you! I may see if I can do a visit before of covid safe etc.

Good luck anyway if you apply

I'm currently an MLA! Have been so for just over 2 1/2 years and it's...okay. Pay isn't wonderful for what we do and I'm looking to move on, just because I am getting bored and feel I deserve more pay frankly. But, if you want a job where you just do your hours and go home, never worrying about it or stressing then it's perfect. I've only stayed this long really because the people I work with are lovely. It is definitely also a good job for getting into the NHS and then moving on.

I had no experience when I started and it's relatively easy but lots of stuff to take in. In terms of what we do it's just checking in of incoming samples, labelling them and booking in, manning the reception window. We also spend time in the lab helping the BMS's which makes it a bit more interesting sometimes.

Feel free to ask any Qs or PM if you want more info, good luck!

Ah thank you! I'm definitely trying to get into the NHS and it pays alot better then my childcare job. And to go to work and come home and switch off would be amazing! This is the job description.

Yep that's the same as mine and actually not far away from me! Derriford is bigger than us so may actually more interesting.

@jiskoot

Yep that's the same as mine and actually not far away from me! Derriford is bigger than us so may actually more interesting.

Thank you I will apply and if I get an interview I may message you of that's OK 😬 🤞. Can I ask are you still working for the NHS? Just wondering if it can lead to other careers inside.

I'm hoping to get a lab job. Doing health
Care science at uni

Oh wow well done you!!

Yea feel free to PM me if you need to, no worries. I am still there, looking for band 3 or 4 in my hospital but not much around, it's definitely a good way to get into the NHS and gives you some experience of dealing with patients, albeit mostly indirectly, but the medical terminology you learn will also help getting into other departments. Def go for it!