Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) - Micro

Job Summary

Performs clinical laboratory testing in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner and in accordance with state, federal and other regulatory requirements. Performs maintenance, quality control, and quality assurance following manufacturer's recommendations and departmental policies and procedures. Prioritizes workload and demonstrates flexibility to meet customer and departmental needs. Actively participates in process improvement to enhance turn-around times and quality of test results. Utilizes informed decision making and troubleshooting skills in daily work. Effectively communicates and demonstrates good customer service throughout the health system to include nursing staff, physicians, patients, co-workers, and other SJH customers and employees.

Essential Functions

Department Direction

Demonstrates competency in all applicable technical areas of the laboratory according to the current written procedures and regulatory standards. Demonstrates sound decision making and troubleshooting skills. Follows appropriate protocol for investigating and checking abnormal or unexpected results for accuracy. Operates and maintains laboratory equipment according to manufacturers' recommendations, departmental policies, and procedures. Performs and records QC per department policy. Participates in all analytical and preanalytical duties including venipuncture as needed, and answers technical questions and problems related to specimen collection, processing, and sample integrity as needed.

Personal Leadership

Demonstrates teamwork in all areas of the Laboratory. Uses communication tools effectively and with positive intent, including Service Complaint reports, event reports, Team Discussion, email, etc. Exhibits appropriate use of written communication in result comments and notes. Demonstrates consistent independent judgement under fluctuating workload pressure and stress. Reports results of STAT, ASAP, timed tests, and critical results within the allotted turn-around times.

Organizational Responsibilities

Participates in proficiency testing as required by policy. Completes CAP compliant competencies as appropriate, educational assignments and other assigned duties in a timely manner. Uses appropriate PPE and observes other safety practices in accordance with SJH and departmental policies. Is knowledgeable about specimen requirements, specimen rejection criteria, and procedures for both onsite and reference lab testing. Documents problem specimens in log. Ensures integrity of specimen prior to performing tests.

Effective Communication and Problem Solving

Checks pending lists and reconciles incomplete work-lists in a timely manner. Communicates status of incomplete work-lists to co-workers, especially at the change of shift. Accepts and shares responsibility for completing assigned clinical and non-clinical duties (order review and correction, supervisory review, faxing results, etc.). bench and Clerical work completed in a timely cooperative manner. Minimizes non-productive time seeking our work and/or performing activities that will enhance department productivity and personal knowledge.

Job Requirements

M inimum Education

Required : Completed educational requirements for American Society for Clinical Pathology National certification of MLS(ASCP)cm or AMT Medical Technologist. Must provide proof, either through a diploma or transcript, of completed degree

Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) or related field

M inimum Work Experience

Preferred: 2 or more years as a Laboratory Scientist, Technician or comparable role.

Required Licenses: AMT MTor MLS(ASCP)cm within 1 year of hire.

Functional Demands

W orking Conditions

Exposure to infectious and caustic agents; working in a small, closed area; subject to high stress. Must be on-site at the St. John's Health campus or other facilities to fulfill the responsibilities of this role.

P hysical Requirements

Intermittent sitting and computer use. 80% of shift standing or walking. Ability to lift 15 pounds. Bending and reaching required. Manual dexterity essential.

Direct Reports: NA

Reports to: Manager Clinical Laboratory

I nternal and External Contacts: Patients. pathologists, all hospital staff, physicians and their office personnel, airlines and courier services, reference laboratories and vendors.

L eadership Capabilities

Attention to Detail
• Completes tasks in a way that ensures there are no errors
• Methodically and patiently reviews work to identify any mistakes or discrepancies
• Creates and stores documentation in a way that is thorough and easy to access

Initiative
• Doesn't wait for others to tell him/her what to do; sees a problem or opportunity and immediately starts
moving to address it
• Finds his/her own motivation for completing work and accomplishing goals

Problem Solving
• Uses logic and methods to solve problems with effective solutions
• Can see hidden problems
• Looks beyond the obvious and doesn't stop at the first answers

Process Improvement
• Is committed to continuous improvement through empowerment and management by data
• Creates a learning environment leading to the most efficient and effective work processes