Laboratory Technical Specialist

Laboratory Technical Specialist

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Variable Shifts

Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System is a 170-bed hospital serving an eight-county region in East Tennessee's Lakeway Area. The facility includes more than 20 emergency suites, advanced laboratories, radiology, and therapy services, and a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence for mammograms, biopsies, and nurse navigation. The Women's Center features six modern labor and delivery suites and a secure nursery for newborn care. With state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated team, Morristown-Hamblen provides exceptional, patient-focused care close to home. To meet the needs of our growing community, we continue to develop services, attract new physicians, and embrace innovation, all to promote an improved quality of life.

Responsible for technical and scientific oversight of his/her specialty or section within the laboratory. Provides guidance in problem-solving and troubleshooting in organization, implementation, and technical performance of diagnostic procedures within the section. Must also meet job requirements of either the Medical Technologist or Laboratory Technologist.

Responsibilities

• Selects test methodology appropriate for the clinical use of test results. These decisions are made in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager and Medical Director.
• Prepares documentation for discipline or commendation for review by Lab Manager.
• Verifies test procedures performed and establishes the test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and system.
• Enrolls and participates in an approved proficiency testing program commensurate with the services offered. Maintains proficiency testing records and ensures that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
• In conjunction with Laboratory Manager and Medical Director, establishes a quality control program appropriate for the tests performed and establishes the parameters for acceptable levels of analytic performance. Ensures that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process.
• Implements and adheres to the Laboratory quality control policies, documents all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performance. Reviews and evaluates data on a routine basis. Prepares monthly QC report for pathologist review. Performs correlation and comparison studies.
• Ensures that patient results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly.
• Identifies training needs and assures that each individual performing tests receives appropriate, regular in-service training.
• Resolves technical problems and ensures that remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications, and documents all actions. Operates, maintains and troubleshoots department equipment.
• Evaluates the competency of all testing personnel and assures that competency is maintained, including direct observation, monitoring of test results, review of intermediate records, assessment of test performance and problem-solving skills, etc.
• Oversees and assists with the training of all employees and students in respective departments.
• Performs all responsibilities of testing personnel in his/her section as required.
• Composes new procedures and, performs annual review/revision of sections technical procedural manuals. Has Laboratory Medical Director approve changes.
• Provides clinical consultation and/or evaluation pertaining to interpretation and clinical evaluation of laboratory tests and procedures.
• Ensures an adequate inventory of supplies and reagents necessary for timely performance of all required testing.
• Performs review and interpretation for tests sent to reference laboratories.
• Prepares and submits new test formats, and changes to existing tests to the LIS specialist.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education: None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.

Minimum Experience: None

Licensure Requirement: Must have and maintain Tennessee State Medical Technologist licensure.