Medical Laboratory Scientist-Part Time Days

Description This is a part time position 20 hours per week located at Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital. The schedule is 6:30a to 3pm with every third weekend rotation. The Medical Laboratory Scientist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. A Medical Laboratory Scientist performs test procedures in a clinical laboratory and conveys the results to the physician or designee in an accurate and timely manner for the purpose of patient diagnosis and treatment. Responsibilities Perform all aspects of pre-analytic workflow appropriate for the specific laboratory section to ensure orders are entered correctly, specimens collected are appropriate for the test ordered and are correctly processed/transported. Verify orders where necessary. Verify non-patient information (e.g., collection time) according to established protocol. Handle unresolved orders, troubleshoot where needed. Verify with physicians and/or nurses prior to laboratory information system (LIS) order entry to resolve unclear, duplicate or otherwise ambiguous orders. Verify specimens for add-on tests are available and acceptable and generate add-on test orders. Recognize when fraud and abuse compliance issues require adjustments to the test order. Verify specimens are correctly and completely labeled upon receipt; evaluate specimens for appropriateness and take necessary corrective action; appropriately document unacceptable specimens and provide proper notifications as needed. Prioritize specimen processing based on established priorities. Aliquot specimens according to established protocols. Perform all aspects of analytical testing appropriate for the specific laboratory section, following established written protocols and standard operating procedures (SOP). Perform preventive maintenance on instruments/equipment in a timely fashion according to defined schedule. Verify reagents and supplies meet defined acceptability criteria upon receipt and prior to use; take action to ensure unacceptable items are removed from use. Ensure that sufficient reagents and supplies necessary for test performance are available; notify senior staff when minimum inventory level is encountered. Perform and record all necessary quality control (QC) required for test system performance. Evaluate QC results and take necessary corrective actions according to established protocol. Perform any necessary pre‑test specimen preparation according to protocols (e.g., microbiology plating, cell cultures, filtering, extraction, separation, elution, absorption, etc.). Transfer or ship specimens to approved testing locations according to SOPs. Prioritize testing based on assignment or established priorities, complete testing within defined turn‑around‑times (TAT). Recognize the need for and follow any age‑specific protocols. Respond effectively to changes in the workflow by coordinating a simultaneous series of tests when needed or adjusting work to incorporate STAT tests or fluctuations in work volume. Monitor daily workflow and priorities to assure meeting service levels. Review results for completeness, correctness, and consistency within defined test system. Evaluate test results/reactions and provide accurate interpretations as appropriate to include correlation with, and integration of, other patient data as necessary. Perform visual interpretation/identifications as appropriate. Recognize unusual test results/interpretations and complete indicated reflex testing or other follow‑up actions. Follow established notification protocols for critical values, phone/fax/e‑mail results requests, abnormalities. Recognize test system performance problems and take necessary corrective actions. Recognize when unresolved problems need to be escalated and take necessary follow‑up action. Print pending logs and follow‑up to ensure pending tests are completed or cancelled when appropriate. Store specimens and related materials (blood, slides, tissues, etc.) according to protocols for location and duration. Retrieve specimen and related materials when needed. Perform all aspects of the post‑analytical workflow appropriate for the specific laboratory section to ensure accurate results are reported within established time frames, specimens are retained appropriately, test results and/or current status are available upon inquiry, and billed charges are correct for testing performed. Verify results according to procedure. Perform computer functions necessary for releasing results. Generate written reports according to established protocol. Review electronic or printed reports when applicable, recognize problems and escalates according to protocol. Correct erroneous reports and amend reports according to procedure. Respond to requests for information according to established protocol for confidentiality and release of information. Recognize when unresolved inquiries need to be escalated and take action. Store documents and records according to established protocol. Perform billing and/or enter credits for tests and services when applicable. Recognize billing problems and escalates accordingly. Follow written standard operating procedures (SOP). Operate instruments/equipment according to protocol. Use computers according to established protocol; follow downtime procedures as required. Perform required quality system responsibilities. Meet proficiency and competency standards of the department. Participate in the training of new employees and students. Perform operational review of new SOPs. Participate in new test development, validations and implementation. Attend at least one personal development session per year. Perform other duties as assigned, or as needed, to ensure continued quality operations. Follow all required safety procedures, use personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for tasks performed. Maintain cleans and organized work area. Answer telephone when needed, using NM telephone etiquette. Maintain patient confidentiality including protected health information (PHI). Assist patients, visitors and other contacts whenever need occurs. Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Allied Health qualifying the applicant to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), or equivalent certification examination. License/Certification and Regulatory Agency: General MLS or MT (ASCP) Certification or eligible. Categorical BB, C, H or M (ASCP) Certification or eligible. If hired after 1/19/2025 must be ASCP certified (or equivalent certification) within one year of employment. Equal Opportunity Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status. Background Check Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. Benefits We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well‑being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more. Sign‑on Bonus Eligibility Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign‑on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family. #J-18808-Ljbffr Northwestern Medicine