Microbiology Technician

Microbiology Technician

Microbiology Technician / Microbiology Laboratory Technician in HCA Healthcare Lab Service Line perform both routine and stat clinical microbiology and/or serology testing under the guidance of a Medical Technologist and the direction of a Laboratory Supervisor, Manager, or Director. The ideal candidate will execute duties in accordance with established written procedures and regulatory requirements, demonstrating a solid understanding of laboratory medicine's theoretical concepts to ensure accurate and timely results. This role supports the department in achieving its goals related to service, quality, regulatory compliance, financial performance, patient satisfaction, a healthy work environment, and the seamless integration of intra- and inter-departmental activities.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Ensure timely and compliant specimen processing and testing, adhering strictly to department policies, procedures, and accrediting agency requirements.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of laboratory quality control and quality assurance management, in accordance with accreditation and regulatory standards.
• Actively contribute to Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for peers and customers, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Perform specimen processing and testing, including moderate and high complexity testing, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Execute non-technical duties such as specimen processing, storage, discard, and submission of samples for referral testing as required, maintaining meticulous records.
• Conduct and document preventive maintenance on equipment according to the department schedule, ensuring optimal performance.
• Troubleshoot and take appropriate corrective actions to resolve and/or escalate issues promptly, minimizing disruptions and ensuring accurate results.
• Adhere to department policies regarding quality control and quality assurance in laboratory testing and equipment performance, including running controls, performing maintenance, documenting findings, evaluating information, identifying outliers, and escalating unresolved issues to department leadership.
• Provide valuable input into the design of workflows, systems, and processes, as well as the evaluation and selection of new methods, instrumentation, and technology.
• Assist in the orientation, training, and competency documentation of department personnel as requested, contributing to a well-trained and capable team.
• Participate in accreditation inspections, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.
• Perform duties of a Complex Specimen Processor as required, demonstrating versatility and adaptability.
• Engage in department-related projects and perform other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall success of the laboratory.
• Communicate emergency and/or critical value test results to physicians or nurses via telephone, ensuring timely and accurate information dissemination.
• Follow safety policies and procedures meticulously, maintaining a safe working environment.
• Protect sensitive and confidential information by actively participating in the Privacy & Security Awareness program, upholding patient confidentiality.
• Adhere to company policies and standards regarding security, ensuring data protection and integrity.
• Complete assigned courses and training on an annual basis, maintaining professional competence and staying current with industry standards.
• Remain available to work during disasters, supporting the continuity of critical laboratory services.
• Demonstrate proficiency with information system computer functions relevant to job duties, ensuring efficient data management.
• Organize and perform work according to the section procedure manual, ensuring clarity and consistency for all personnel.
• Analyze proficiency testing samples according to instructions and complete them within the allowable time frame, demonstrating competence and accuracy.
• Utilize sound judgment to appropriately seek guidance from medical technologists, supervisors, department head, and medical director in the review and interpretation of clinical laboratory data, ensuring accurate and informed decision-making.
• Consistently complete all required records/documentation pertaining to patient results, maintaining thorough and accurate records.
• Perform stat procedures, timed studies, and routine tests within established turnaround time targets, ensuring timely results for patient care.
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritize tasks effectively and plan for the completion of remaining duties, optimizing workflow and productivity.
• Review pending logs (OSR) and result logs, resolving any outstanding workload or communicating to staff relief, ensuring efficient workflow management.
• Perform quality control procedures per protocol and complete necessary documentation, ensuring accuracy and reliability of results.
• Take pertinent corrective action when patient, control, standard, calibration, and/or proficiency results are not within appropriate guidelines, maintaining quality standards.
• Assist the supervisor in meeting department regulatory agency requirements, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.
• Operate equipment correctly and perform periodic maintenance according to schedule, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
• Utilize reagents and supplies appropriately, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.
• Maintain education and development appropriate for the position, staying current with industry advancements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (This position requires the following minimum requirements)

• Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory methods, with a strong understanding of microbiology and infectious disease processes, correlating disease states and results for accurate diagnoses.
• Solid understanding of laboratory accreditation and regulatory compliance requirements, ensuring adherence to industry standards.
• Excellent communication skills, facilitating effective interaction with colleagues and healthcare professionals.
• Effective teamwork abilities, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Proven ability to train others, contributing to the development of a skilled and knowledgeable team.
• Ability to assimilate and analyze information, recommending appropriate actions to be taken for optimal outcomes.
• Effective and proactive problem-solving and decision-making skills, ensuring timely and accurate resolutions.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work efficiently, managing multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to view work situations from a broad context, understanding the interdependent nature of work processes and the impact of decisions on other components of the organization.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Word, facilitating efficient documentation and communication.
• Demonstrated ability to set a positive example, inspiring and motivating colleagues.
• Ability to interact with co-workers in a team environment, promoting a harmonious and cooperative working atmosphere.
• Demonstrated excellent customer service practices in all interactions, ensuring patient satisfaction and positive relationships.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all personnel to exchange accurate and timely technical information, facilitating informed decision-making.

Experience & Education:

• Completion of an official U.S. military medical laboratory procedures training course of at least 50 weeks duration and having held the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory Technician) or
• Associate's Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, Biomedical Science, Biology, Chemistry or related science field required.
• Individuals who were previously qualified under CLIA and serving as testing personnel in a CLIA-certified laboratory as of December 28, 2024, and have done so continuously since December 28, 2024 are considered qualified.

Certification/License:

• National Certification as a Medical Technician or equivalent is required. Non-certified individuals must obtain certification within one year of hire.
• State license where required (CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MT, NV, NY, ND, RI, TN, WV)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
• Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
• Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
• Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
• Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
• Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

HCA Healthcare Laboratory Services is a full-service provider of clinical laboratory and anatomic pathology services, providing hospitals, physicians, and clients with timely diagnostic information for patient care. Our infrastructure includes a fully automated esoteric core laboratory in Fort Lauderdale, a histology and microbiology operation in Largo, Florida, and