Clinical Lab Scientist

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Bargaining Unit: EAP

Rate of Pay: $60.51/hour + DOE + Shift Differential

Summary: Under the direction of Clinical Laboratory management staff and in accordance with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards; performs clinical laboratory functions in a timely manner following specified policies, procedures and protocols. On a 24x7 basis performs analysis on blood, body fluids, tissues and other material from patients/clients to provide data for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• As defined by delegation from the medical director for the duties of the "general supervisor" and in accordance with CLIA-88, State of California and the State of Nevada regulations performs the following:
• Consistently complies with all applicable Tahoe Forest Health System and Clinical Laboratory policies and procedures. Evaluates and solves problems or notifies management of all unresolved operational problems.
• Performs complex analytical tests and procedures, recognizes deviation from expected results, and takes appropriate action to maintain accuracy and precision. Ensures data is entered into the LIS (laboratory information system) in a timely manner.
• Effectively communicates with nursing, physicians and other ancillary staff to ensure effective patient preparation, collection and specimen handling. Significant errors or deviation from established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are reported within the Clinical Laboratory through the Continuous Service Improvement (CSI) process or through the Tahoe Forest Health System "RLDatix" risk management system
• Recognizes factors that affect measurements and results, analyzes Quality Control (QC) data, makes judgments concerning the results, and takes appropriate action to maintain accuracy and precision.
• Recognizes abnormal test results and answers inquiries about them, the methodology, specificity, and sensitivity; answers questions about specific factors that can influence test results.
• Operates and maintains instrument/equipment, recognizes equipment malfunction, troubleshoots and repairs as necessary. Notifies clinical departments in a timely manner when equipment/instruments are down and testing may be delayed. Takes appropriate actions to activate backup activities when appropriate to ensure safe patient care.
• When confronted with operational issues, acts as the "Medicare Supervisor"/ "General Supervisor" per CLIA-88 regulations in the absence of laboratory management staff. "TFHS CLS/"Medicare Supervisor" Responsibilities available in department.
• Maintains current knowledge related to patient safety and laboratory safety requirements. Observes and ensures the health and safety requirements for patients and employees both within and outside of the clinical laboratory environment are achieved.
• Consistently contributes to process improvement activities within and outside of the Clinical Laboratory using "lean principles" and Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve Control (DMAIC) approach to enhance operations. Helps evaluate new techniques and procedures in terms of space and personnel requirements, method comparison, cost analysis, and the establishment of reference intervals; writes, revises and/or reviews technical procedures.
• Some support tasks will be required at times to ensure effective laboratory operations including but not limited to telephone attendance, clerical duties, inventory management, customer service activities, specimen collection, sample handling and special procedures. Training and mentoring new personnel may be assigned.
• Scheduling of hours may be changed as necessary to meet the needs of laboratory operations. The ability to work standby and take call back is required to cover situations when no staff is routinely scheduled or schedule is vacant.
• Demonstrates System Values in performance and behavior. Understands "Just Culture" utilization at TFHS.
• Complies with System policies and procedures.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Education/Experience: Bachelor's Degree or higher in a health science related discipline or has fulfilled military requirements to acquire a CA CLS license.

1-2 years relevant experience

Required Licenses/Certifications: California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) or Nevada Clinical Laboratory Technologist-General Supervisor License.

Other Experience/Qualifications: Required license based on worksite state. Functionally knowledgeable of the principles, practices and procedures in a hospital based clinical laboratory environment.

• California Clinical Laboratory Scientist and/or Nevada Clinical Laboratory Technologist- General Supervisor license.
• Functionally knowledgeable of the principles, practices and procedures in a hospital based clinical laboratory environment.

Preferred: Concurrent dual licensure in California and Nevada. Operations experience in the areas of chemistry, hematology, serology, coagulation, transfusion, parasitology and microbiology. Three (3) years of experience as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist. Previous experience in a hospital laboratory setting. Microbiology, Phlebotomy and EKG experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.