Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, UWMC - Montlake Transfusion Services

Job Description The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Trainee/1 with the Transfusion Services Team at the University of Washington Medical Center – Montlake. The MLS Trainee/1 performs clinical laboratory tests used in the screening, diagnosing, and treating of pathological conditions. Testing is performed at a professional level and may include pretransfusion testing, routine and complex antibody identification, component preparation, unit confirmation testing, shipping and receiving, sample processing, information processing and quality control. This role may include delivery of blood products to the bedside and training of students and new employees. The MLS Trainee/1 may also participate in special projects as needed. Work schedule 100% FTE Monday – Friday with rotating weekends and holidays Evening shift 1500-2330 What you’ll contribute Technical Quality of Work Perform analysis of blood and blood products with accuracy and precision. Follow current procedures and guidelines for performing and documenting tests. Complete routine tasks without direct supervision. Work with attention to detail and critical review to avoid errors. Make critical judgments regarding acceptability of test results and donor compatibility for transfusion. Investigate and solve problems involving specimen collection or handling; report and document to assure quality and timeliness of patient results. Take appropriate action on critical, abnormal or unusual results. Follow hospital procedures for communication of critical results to the appropriate health care provider. Quantity of Work Complete patient and quality control procedures within defined time limits. Simultaneously coordinate multiple procedures with accuracy. Prioritize workload in response to STAT requests. Meet test completion deadlines through efficient workload organization. Teamwork / Enable Laboratory Operations Use work time appropriately. Work as a team member—show initiative and cooperation to maintain workflow. Communicate between team members to facilitate optimal patient care. Maintain awareness of lab needs and assist in completion of tasks such as heavy workload or special projects. Display flexibility adapting to new routines and work assignments. Share responsibility for emergency coverage, overtime, on‑call, and call‑back needs of the laboratory. Maintain a neat, clean and efficient work area including cleaning benches and equipment and replenishing supplies. Maintain awareness of supply stock and inform lead technologist before supplies are depleted. Quality Assurance Activities Perform and document daily quality control. Analyze QC data and make judgments concerning results. Institute and document corrective action when QC results exceed tolerance limits. Verify acceptability of QC prior to reporting patient values. Follow maintenance protocols for all instruments and document appropriately. Monitor QA indicators on instruments and institute corrective action as needed. Document other laboratory or specimen issues and problems appropriately. Instrumentation / Computer Skills Understand principles of operation for a variety of laboratory equipment, including those requiring interpretative knowledge such as multi‑parameter cell counters and automated coagulation analyzers. Maintain basic troubleshooting skills on all instruments; document problems and notify lead technologist or request assistance for instrument issues. Exhibit working knowledge of laboratory information system software. Teaching Skills Effectively teach and train medical technology students, new employees or others in theory and performance of laboratory testing. Complete necessary paperwork and training documents during daily interactions with trainees; review documents to ensure satisfactory progress. Provide adequate supervision of trainees when assigned. Verify performance of trainee prior to allowing trainee to report results. Provide feedback on trainee’s performance as required. Communication / Customer Service Represent the department professionally when interacting with other members of the healthcare team. Demonstrate good communication and conflict resolution skills. Communicate clearly, directly and on a timely basis appropriate information to customers and co‑workers, both orally and in writing. Maintain neat, legible and organized written documents with appropriate dates and initials. Job Knowledge / Professional Growth Maintain competency and keep job knowledge current. Attend in‑services and continuing education opportunities as available. Maintain Safe Working Habits Exercise knowledge of laboratory safety and proper precautions when dealing with biohazardous, radioactive, corrosive, explosive and/or flammable materials. Practice “Universal Precautions” at all times. Report hazards and unsafe practices to supervisor. Keep abreast of safety procedures including fire plan, disaster drills and evacuation routes. Know location of safety information and supplies and be able to access in response to queries or emergency situations. Participate in laboratory disaster preparedness drills. Perform Related Duties as Assigned Perform accurate analysis on CAP and other proficiency testing materials. Make and verify quality of reagents. Assist in development and/or evaluation of new procedures and instruments as assigned. Perform special projects and related duties as assigned. May be required to perform venipunctures. May be required to prepare and process samples for transport and/or testing or respond to trauma codes or deliver blood to the bedside. What you’ll need Requirements for an MLS Trainee Accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or equivalent education/experience. Eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Scientist or categorical certification examination from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) within 18 months from date of hire. Failure to attain the certification within 18 months may result in a recommendation for termination. Requirements for an MLS 1 Accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or equivalent education/experience. Current medical laboratory scientist certification with the ASCP or equivalent certifying organization or certification with a specialty organization appropriate to the laboratory division. One year of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee. Up to one year of on‑the‑job experience performing clinical testing in a Medical Laboratory Science Program externship may count toward the experience requirement. Desired qualifications Two years’ experience in all aspects of pretransfusion testing in an acute care environment. Automation experience preferred. What we offer $3,000 - $5,000 recruitment incentive for eligible new employees joining UW Medicine. Relocation incentive for eligible new employees. Vacation time and sick time off that accrue monthly, including 12 paid holidays. State Employee Tuition Exemption Program covering up to 6 credits of qualifying coursework per quarter at the University of Washington or other participating colleges. Fully subsidized public transit pass (U‑PASS) that covers multiple forms of public transportation in the region. Excellent health, dental, disability, retirement and other plan options. Compensation, Benefits and Position Details Pay Range Minimum: $37.70 hourly Pay Range Maximum: $55.62 hourly Other Compensation: – Benefits: For information about benefits for this position, visit Shift: Evening Shift (United States of America) Temporary or Regular?: This is a regular position FTE (Full‑Time Equivalent): 100.00% Union/Bargaining Unit: SEIU Local 925 Healthcare Prof/Lab Tech Commitment to Workplace Equity The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law. #J-18808-Ljbffr