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Complex Specimen Processor Jobs in Hattiesburg, MS

... and specimen handling. * Provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently, which may ... Provides and modifies care to complex patients and coordinates care with the interprofessional team ...

... and specimen handling. * Provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently, which may ... Provides and modifies care to complex patients and coordinates care with the interprofessional team ...

... and specimen handling. * Provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently, which may ... Provides and modifies care to complex patients and coordinates care with the interprofessional team ...

... and specimen handling. * Provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently, which may ... Provides and modifies care to complex patients and coordinates care with the interprofessional team ...

... and specimen handling. * Provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently, which may ... Provides and modifies care to complex patients and coordinates care with the interprofessional team ...

... and specimen handling. * Provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently, which may ... Provides and modifies care to complex patients and coordinates care with the interprofessional team ...

... and specimen handling. * Provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently, which may ... Provides and modifies care for complex patients and coordinates care with the interprofessional ...

... and specimen handling. * Provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently, which may ... Provides and modifies care to complex patients and coordinates care with the interprofessional team ...

... and specimen handling. * Provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently, which may ... Provides and modifies care to complex patients and coordinates care with the interprofessional team ...

... and specimen handling. * Provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently, which may ... Provides and modifies care to complex patients and coordinates care with the interprofessional team ...

... and specimen handling. * Provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently, which may ... Provides and modifies care to complex patients and coordinates care with the interprofessional team ...

... and specimen handling. * Provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently, which may ... Provides and modifies care to complex patients and coordinates care with the interprofessional team ...

... and specimen handling. * Provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently, which may ... Provides and modifies care to complex patients and coordinates care with the interprofessional team ...

... and specimen handling. * Provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently, which may ... Provides and modifies care for complex patients and coordinates care with the interprofessional ...

... and specimen handling. * Provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently, which may ... Provides and modifies care for complex patients and coordinates care with the interprofessional ...

Complex Specimen Processor information

See Hattiesburg, MS salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do complex specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for complex specimen processor in Hattiesburg, MS is $17.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a complex specimen processor?

Complex Specimen Processors are laboratory professionals responsible for receiving, handling, and preparing biological samples—such as blood, tissue, or urine—for analysis and testing. They ensure that specimens are properly labeled, sorted, and processed according to strict protocols, often working with more challenging or specialized samples that require extra attention to detail. Their work is crucial for accurate diagnostic results and supports the efficiency and safety of the laboratory environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a complex specimen processor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Complex Specimen Processor, you need strong attention to detail, basic laboratory knowledge, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring experience in a clinical or laboratory setting. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen tracking software, and standard lab equipment is essential. Excellent organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure specimen integrity, accurate processing, and timely workflow, which are critical for reliable laboratory results and patient care.

What are some common challenges faced by complex specimen processors, and how can they be addressed?

Complex Specimen Processors often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, ensuring precise labeling, and maintaining strict chain-of-custody procedures. To address these challenges, it is essential to stay organized, double-check specimen identification, and follow standardized protocols meticulously. Working closely with laboratory technicians and communicating effectively with team members can help prevent errors and ensure timely processing. Additionally, staying up-to-date with laboratory information systems and safety procedures can further streamline workflow and support accuracy.

What is the difference between Complex Specimen Processor vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectComplex Specimen ProcessorMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, specialized training, certification often preferredAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology, certification required
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, processing specimensLaboratory, performing tests and analyzing samples
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing and processing complex specimens, ensuring sample integrityPerforming tests, analyzing results, maintaining lab equipment

While both roles work in laboratory environments, Complex Specimen Processors focus on preparing and processing complex specimens, often requiring specialized training. Medical Laboratory Technicians perform a broader range of testing and analysis, with formal education and certification. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in medical labs.

How do I become a complex specimen processor?

To become a complex specimen processor, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in laboratory procedures and specimen handling. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and sometimes certification in phlebotomy or laboratory technology, depending on the employer's requirements.

What skills do you need to be a complex specimen processor?

A complex specimen processor needs strong attention to detail, good organizational skills, and the ability to follow precise protocols. Knowledge of laboratory procedures, familiarity with medical terminology, and proficiency with laboratory equipment are also important. Often, certifications in phlebotomy or laboratory technology are preferred, and the role may require working in a fast-paced environment with strict safety standards.

What job categories do people searching Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Hattiesburg, MS look for?

The top searched job categories for Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Hattiesburg, MS are:

Infographic showing various Complex Specimen Processor job openings in Hattiesburg, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,148 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
The Surgery staff nurse reports to the Patient Care Coordinator and the Patient Care Manager of Surgery. Surgery staff nurses must be detail-oriented, flexible, able to juggle multiple priorities without missing a beat, adept with technical skills, and team players, and must possess excellent communication skills. They must be able to think critically in a fast-paced and challenging environment. This person must be able to function in a variety of specialties, such as neurology, orthopedics, general, gynecology, urology, robotics, plastics, dental, maxillofacial, and ENT. The ideal candidate will have a strong sense of urgency and accountability, with a notable pride in self and drive for excellence.
Performance Expectations:
Items considered essential functions of the job are listed below.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles.
  • Provides for exceptional patient and coworker experiences by following our standards of practice of always using positive language.
  • Demonstrates independence and exercises sound judgment in interactions with physicians and the interprofessional care team.
  • Promotes a positive work environment with the OR team.
  • Collaborates with all members of the OR team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent information in a comprehensive manner.
  • Exhibits open and professional communication.
  • Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates the nursing care of patients undergoing surgical intervention.
  • Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served
  • Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development
  • Possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs
  • Provides the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures with a focus on surgical counts, prepping, timeouts, and specimen handling.
  • Provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently, which may include patients with varied and complex needs.
  • Demonstrates clinical competence when providing care, using technology, administering medications, performing procedures and managing emergencies, acting as a patient and family advocate in order to monitor and maintain patient rights.
  • Uses therapeutic communication, which includes active listening and teaching, to establish a relationship with patients, families, and interprofessional health care team to collaborate on a plan of care.
  • Contributes to teamwork by awareness of overall unit acuity, consistently offering assistance, and responding positively to requests for assistance.
  • Collaborates to foster healthy relationships in the work environment.
  • Seeks guidance from and offers guidance to interprofessional healthcare team.
  • Advocates on the patient and/or family behalf to identify and resolve clinical and ethical concerns, utilizing appropriate resources.
  • Provides and modifies care to complex patients and coordinates care with the interprofessional team based on evaluation of the patient's condition, supported by accurate documentation.
  • Improves quality and safety, through peer-to-peer accountability, reporting near misses, and collaborating with the interprofessional healthcare team.
  • Able to set up and troubleshoot Operating Room equipment, including but not limited to: electrocautery, bipolar devices, suctions, drills, video equipment, lasers, microscopes, headlights, surgical lights, OR tables, and Robotic.
  • Able to use patient positioning devices in a variety of required ways using a full range of positioning devices inclusive of but not limited to: yellow fin stirrups, candy cane stirrups, Jackson Frames, peg boards, bean bags, kidney rests, and fracture tables.
  • Assists anesthesia personnel as needed throughout the procedure but especially during induction and emergence.
  • Able to tolerate high and low temperature ranges set to accommodate desired patient outcomes.
  • Able to tolerate physically demanding tasks of moving equipment and patients utilizing safety measures for you, coworkers, and /or patients.
  • Able to properly label and process specimens collected from the field.
  • Able to safely scrub, gown and glove, maintain the sterile field, and hold retractors or heart as needed.
  • Displays self-motivation to independently manage time effectively, timely document care, minimize incidental overtime and prioritize daily tasks.
  • Provides input into the unit resource utilization, including unit capital and operational budget needs.
  • Manages the overall nursing care in the operating room to help maintain a safe and comfortable environment
  • Anticipate needs of sterile team and anesthesiologist and respond quickly and efficiently as needs arise.
  • Remain attentive to the progress of the surgical procedure and needs of individual team members by watching and listening, giving Nurse Manager adequate notification of delays, conflicts, problems, etc. Communicate with ancillary departments as necessary.
  • Accurately completes all Intra-Op Documentation including all supply and implant charges.
  • Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates the nursing care of patients undergoing surgical intervention.
  • Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.
  • Implements measures to prevent exposure to infection pathogens and communicable conditions; and to promote a safe and confidential environment for the patient and staff
  • Adhere to the OR policies for Attire and Attendance
  • Behaviors and interactions demonstrate a positive attitude, personal initiative and motivation to achieve the goals of the department.
  • Champions the development and growth of safety culture.
  • Demonstrates organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills.
  • Participates in all competencies planned for the job role prior to deadlines.
  • Complies with the Surgical Services policy.
  • Follows the policies in the Employee Handbook.
  • The spreading of rumors and gossip creates unnecessary turmoil, weakens working relationships, and is contrary to the spirit of the hospital and is prohibited.
  • Uses "We Care" philosophy in daily communication
  • Works assigned shift and responds when called upon for additional or emergency services.
  • Required appropriate use of department's communication app.
  • This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Education/Skills
  • Graduate of a recognized non-online RN program required.

Work Experience:
  • Experience as OR RN preferred but not required.
  • Preferred experience in acute care setting

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE
  • Licensed RN able to practice within the State of MS

Additional Certification/Licensure - obtained based on the required timeframe below
  • Basic Life Support

Within 30 Days of Employment
Required
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Within 90 Days of Employment
Required
  • Pediatric Advance Life Support

Within 90 Days of Employment
Preferred
  • NIH Stroke Scale

Within 90 Days of Employment
Required
  • Telemetry Nurse Education

Within 90 Days of Employment
Required
Mental Demands:
Ability to perform as a team member, cooperate with others, follow directions precisely, demonstrate initiative, set priorities, and function under stress.