Your best bet in any job is to leverage your network--and in this case you have an established working relationship with someone on the inside! You certainly should reach out and ask for help. These types of connections are often the best way to get any job.
As for the two year issue, framing is critical. I would personally present it as (1) I loved working here with you before, (2) I'd like to spend at least another year or two here as I develop my career goals, and (3) do you think there's anything here I could do, maybe in phlebotomy or ___? This is asking for help without helping, addresses the 1-2 year issue as a positive (or at least hides it in a s--t sandwich), and asks for help without asking.