Medical Laboratory Scientist

Description

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Performs clinical laboratory testing in the following areas: blood banking, microbiology, serology, chemistry, hematology, coagulation, and urinalysis. Obtains or receives specimens, performs clinical laboratory procedures, preventive maintenance, and quality control. Interprets results as to accuracy, acceptability, and critical limits. Works independently, organizing work to meet established deadlines, records all data obtained, and maintains job competence. The position also involves effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Full-time, benefited position working 72 hours per two week pay period. Days of work are variable Sunday - Saturday and shifts include morning and evening rotations as well as nights as needed. Weekend work is every fourth weekend, and holiday work is every third or fourth. Night call is as needed

JOB FUNCTIONS

• Collects and processes specimens according to laboratory policy.
• Has computer skills to use Lab information System for processing results, running analyzers and reporting results.
• Performs clinical laboratory test procedures. Evaluates results and reports results to proper unit.
• Performs quality control as specified. Analyzes quality control data. Makes decisions regarding accepting/rejecting of patient results based on quality control data.
• Responsible for continually seeking ways to assess and improve quality.
• Operates technical instruments. Responsible for calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions.
• Provides appropriate laboratory services and care to the following age groups: infants, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. This care will be delivered in accordance with established standards of performance.
• Responsible for maintaining current knowledge of job.
• Responsible for maintaining interpersonal skills, initiative, and attitude.
• Adheres to hospital and department policies.
• Adhere to hospital/department exposure control policies and safety policies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.
• Works within the Standards of behavior written by JRMC employees.

Requirements

1. Preparation and Training - Medical Technologist/MLS/CLS - Baccalaureate Degree in Medical Technology or related science with 12 months of clinical education in an approved school of medical technology. Must be currently registered or eligible for registration as a MT/MLS/CLS(ASCP) or equivalent. Must currently hold or be eligible for ND Licensure. BLS certified for CPR. Position is required to attend Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training in the appropriate timeframe according to department orientation checklist. Medical Technologist (HEW) - successful completion of a qualifying exam offered by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Medical Lab Technician - Associate’s degree from an accredited 2-year college. Must be currently registered or eligible for registration as an MLT(ASCP) or equivalent. Must currently hold or be eligible for ND Licensure. BLS certified for CPR. Position is required to attend Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training in the appropriate timeframe according to department orientation checklist.
2. Work Experience - Six to 12 months in a hospital training program.
3. Attendance - Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility of each employee at JRMC. Employees are expected to report to work as scheduled, on time and prepared to start working. Employees are also expected to remain at work for their entire work schedule.
4. Analytical Ability - Performs laboratory procedures, including instrument operation. Recognizes factors affecting measurement of test results. Recognizes results that are abnormal or deviate from those expected. Analyses quality control data, makes judgements concerning the results, and takes appropriate actions to maintain accuracy and precision of test results. Prioritizes workload.
5. Independent Judgement - Performs a variety of tasks under minimal supervision that require independent judgement.
6. Contact with Others - Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Communicates regularly with patients, nursing personnel, physicians, and co-workers, frequently in critical situations.
7. Supervising the Work of Others - May be responsible for the management of a particular department/instrument. Includes orientating personnel to new test procedures. Responsible for ensuring proper procedures are performed for that particular department/instrument.
8. Responsibility for Welfare of Others - Frequently performs tasks that are critical to the care of patients. Minimizes exposure of others to bloodborne pathogens, bacteriologic agents, and hazardous chemicals.
9. Mental / Visual Effort - Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner. Must be able to read and comprehend laboratory procedure manuals. Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to assure that the major requirements of this position can be fully met. Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotion stability. Visual acuity and color perception required for performing routine procedures. Must be able to adapt to frequent changes in job duties covering a broad range of laboratory situations.
10. Working Conditions - OSHA Job Classification - this position is defined as a Category I: Employee does have exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Maintains knowledge of and observes Standard Precautions. Participates in and complies with JRMC Safety Management Program. Practices aseptic techniques whenever appropriate. Exposed to unpleasant elements. Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances. Handles emergency or crisis situations. May be required to work in cramped spaces. Is subject to frequent interruptions. Works beyond normal working hours as necessary. Work rotation includes evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts. May be requested/required to work on shifts other than the one for which hired.
11. Physical & Sensory - Effort Position requires moderate physical effort including standing at workstations, frequent movement between departments, handling of laboratory instruments, reagents, supplies and biological specimens. Duties include repetitive pipetting, sample preparation, equipment operation and lifting of materials and supplies. Position also requires high sensory effort, particularly sustained visual concentration for examining specimens under microscopes, interpreting test results and reading measurements from laboratory instruments. Attention to detail is essential to detect changes in reactions or cell morphology. Requires mental focus to ensure accuracy, recognize abnormalities, and respond promptly to alerts or unexpected findings.
12. Promotion - No formal line of promotion
13. Background Check - A comprehensive background check and drug screening will be conducted as a condition of employment for this role.
14. Drug Screen - A urine drug screening is required for all positions and must be completed within 30 days of the date of hire.
15. Other - Position requires the individual to provide a vehicle for transportation. Must hold a valid North Dakota Driver’s License.
16. Physical Requirement - These are physical requirements of the position that may be performed as part of daily duties. Inability to meet one or more of these physical requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for reasonable accommodation, JRMC may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates and the proposed accommodation.

Employee Requirements:

• Visual Observation - Continuously
• Standing - Continuously
• Walking - Frequently
• Sitting - Frequently
• Hands and Finger Dexterity - Continuously
• Reaching with Hands and Arms - Continuously
• Climbing - Occasionally
• Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching/Crawling - Occasionally
• Hearing/Listening - Continuously
• Tasting or Smelling - OccasionallyWorking Inside - Continuously
• Working Outside- Rarely
• Working in Extreme Heat - Never
• Working in Extreme Cold - Never
• Working with Hazardous Materials - Frequently
• Noise - Continuously
• Working in Dirt/Dust
• Driving - Occasionally

Lifting / Carrying / Pushing / Pulling:

• Up to 10 pounds - Frequently
• Up to 25 pounds - Frequently
• Up to 50 pounds - Occasionally
• Up to 75 pounds - Rarely
• Up to 100 pounds - Never
• Over 100 pounds - Never