Medical Technologist

Medical Technologist

The Medical Technologist performs testing on patient specimens for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes and reports the results. Responsibilities also include performing quality control procedures and instrumentation maintenance. The technologist assists the laboratory manager in maintaining an efficient and effective laboratory operation. The position requires exercise of independent judgment and discretion.

Location and Work Days: Primary location: Grand Rapids working 4 (10 hr) shifts with Tuesdays off.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs assigned technical assays according to established procedures and report tests after verifying the validity of patient results prior to reporting.
• Prepares specimens for analysis and performs testing maintaining the highest level of quality and the most efficient use of resources.
• Maintains all equipment according to maintenance schedule and records function checks. Takes remedial action when indicated.
• Performs and records quality control and proficiency tests. Takes appropriate corrective action when QC fails.
• Properly collect patient specimens including patient preparation, labeling, handling and transportation.
• Maintain knowledge of current developments in the laboratory field by attending job related seminars or by reading appropriate journals and publications.
• Communicates and interacts with peers and other departments in a manner that is viewed as having a positive effect on patient services and CHC staff morale. Interacts effectively with patients/family members and demonstrates sensitivity in regards to cultural diversity, age specific needs and confidentiality.
• Function as a team member by expanding her responsibilities as directed by management to facilitate optimal workflow within the cancer center.

This employee has access to medical records daily. The parts of the medical record needed to perform the job are as follows: Lab Information System, Entire Chart/Electronic Medical Record (EMR), Electronic Billing System.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor of Science degree and successful completion of medical technologist internship. Must pass registry exam and have current certification. Must be ASCP (American Society of Clinical Pathologists) certified or equivalent.
• Experience: Two years of related work experience preferred.
• Other: Knowledge of various chemistry and hematology instrumentation required. Experience using laboratory information system(LIS) is required. Must be able to perform mathematical calculations. Must be able to distinguish all colors of the spectrum. Knowledge of microscope usage a must. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Must be able to prioritize and organize workload. Must be able to tolerate standing 90% of the workday. Must be able to work effectively and efficiently under tight deadlines, high volumes and multiple interruptions. Good phlebotomy skills required. Maintenance of yearly competencies required. Must have effective written and verbal communication skills in order to deal with various personality types of physicians, staff and patients. Required to follow all CLIA laboratory regulations.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Education/Experience: Two years of related work experience preferred. Excellent people skills a plus. Self motivated employee with willingness to accept and make changes.

Work Environment: High stress, stat based, clinical laboratory work environment. Exposure to blood / body fluids and a variety of infectious diseases. Occasional exposure to toxic or irritating chemicals and noxious odors. Exposed to a variety of personality types. Challenging patient population for performing venipunctures. Approximately 90% of time spent standing and/or walking.