Medical Laboratory Technician

Klickitat Valley Health is seeking a casual MLT to join our Laboratory team. This position offers varied shifts.

Klickitat Valley Health is a rural, critical-access hospital in scenic Goldendale, Washington, only two hours from Portland along the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge. KVH offers emergency and acute inpatient care, as well as full ancillary services, including General Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory, Respiratory Therapy, PT/OT, Behavioral Health, Dental, Pain Management, Optometry, and Hospice. The hospital also owns a busy, well-established primary clinic on the hospital campus. Inpatient care is managed 24/7 by hospitalist staff. KVH employs over 300 staff.

General Summary :

The Medical Lab Technician serves patients by performing a variety of clinical tests, including complex analysis of microscopic, immunologic, biologic, bacteriologic, hematologic, and chemical tests and reporting results to the physician/provider for use in diagnosis, treatment, and/or monitoring treatment of disease. The MLT may also work in conjunction with health care providers and other staff by answering phones, responding to information requests, and performing other duties assigned by the Laboratory Manager or Medical Director. The MT/MLT demonstrates excellence in customer service during interactions with employees, managers/supervisors, patients, patient family members, customers, vendors, and others, and works collaboratively with colleagues and departments throughout the organization to provide optimal care services in a professional, ethical, and knowledgeable manner. Maintains a safe, clean, and organized work environment. The MT/MLT is aware of potential exposure to internal and external hazardous materials, including, but not limited to, blood and blood-borne pathogens, infectious/communicable diseases, potential physical injury, and patient care.

Casual positions are not eligible for benefits. This position is eligible for a casual differential.

Minimum Education, Training & Experience (includes licenses or certifications):

Safety Sensitive per WA SB5123: Yes

Education / Licensure:

Medical Technologist

• For MLT- Two-year Diploma degree in Medical Technology or the life science field preferred.
• Certification through ASCP, AMT, NCA, or equivalent certifying agency required.
• Current Washington State Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist certification required.
• BLS certification required within 90 days of hire.

Experience:

• Minimum six (6) months' Laboratory work experience preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES (but not limited to):

• Performs a variety of complex test analyses in all areas of the lab as assigned (hematology, immunohematology, immunology, bacteriology, microscopy, microbiology, routine chemistry, therapeutic drug monitoring, serology, blood bank, urinalysis, etc.) according to established laboratory protocols and procedures.
• Processes specimens utilizing protocols and technical knowledge.
• Calibrate, standardize, and maintain instruments in accordance with established procedures.
• Performs quality control, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting protocols to ensure proper functioning of instruments, reagents, and procedures.
• May prepare cultures of tissue samples
• Validates and reports results of tests performed to the physician/provider as requested/ordered in a timely manner and/or according to the times indicated in the policy and collection manual.
• Verifies test requisitions by comparing information with other patient records and/or the Laboratory Information System; resolving discrepancies or bringing them to the attention of the Laboratory Manager. Verifies patient identification through the use of two separate identifiers (name, DOB, MRN, account number).
• Enters orders for laboratory testing and patient or specimen information into the Laboratory Information System.
• Collect blood specimens from the patient according to policy and procedures.
• Dispose of contaminated sharps in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
• Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and/or hospital policy and procedure.
• Maintains specimen integrity by using aseptic technique, following department procedures, and observing isolation procedures.
• Maintains quality results and participates in quality assurance activities by following department procedures and testing schedule; recording results in the appropriate quality control log, identifying and reporting needed changes, etc.
• Maintains laboratory supply inventory, assists the manager with placing supply orders, and conserves resources by using equipment and supplies as needed, consistent with department policy and procedures.
• Maintains a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations, i.e., exposure control, infection control, universal precautions, chemical hygiene standards, etc.
• Resolves unusual test orders by contacting the physician, pathologist, nursing station, or reference laboratory; referring unresolved orders back to the originator for further clarification; notifying the Laboratory Manager of unresolved orders.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.
• Serves and protects the hospital community by adhering to professional standards, hospital policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local requirements.
• Enhances the laboratory department and hospital reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and novel processes; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Performs other duties as assigned.