Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Generalist

Laboratory Scientist

Executes procedures in assigned areas of the Laboratory to deliver accurate results in a timely manner. Maintains competence to perform pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic procedures on biological specimens to aid health care providers in the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and prevention of disease. Performs a variety of basic and complex Laboratory procedures, including phlebotomy, specimen processing, quality control, quality assurance, and waived, moderate or high complexity testing (as classified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments - CLIA). If assigned to the Transfusion Service, performs moderate or high complexity testing and other duties such as blood inventory management, blood product preparation, and issuing blood products for transfusion. Adheres to all local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies and procedures to ensure patient privacy and maintain the highest level of safety and reliability in testing.

Job Accountabilities

PRE-ANALYTIC, ANALYTIC AND POST-ANALYTIC WORK:

• Performs procedures to complete test order entry, specimen collection and specimen processing/handling.
• Performs analyses of biological specimens using automated and manual test methods of waived moderate or high complexity (per CLIA definition), producing test results necessary for the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and prevention of disease.
• Performs post-analytic procedures, including interpretation, releasing, reporting results; amending/correcting results, responding to inquiries, and specimen storage and retrieval. Recognizes when patient results require additional action prior to reporting (e.g. delta checks and critical values), taking action appropriately.

EQUIPMENT:

• Calibrates and adjusts laboratory equipment according to requirements and manufacturer's guidelines, including providing regular preventive maintenance (where automated methods are used) of analytical equipment and performing minor adjustments and repairs.

QUALITY ASSURANCE:

• Scope of QA duties and tasks includes maintaining a safe and orderly work area, inventory management, quality control, proficiency testing, record keeping, privacy, security and confidentiality, and continual process improvement. Recognizes when test systems are not functioning within control, taking action appropriately.

JOB KNOWLEDGE & CRITICAL THINKING:

• Maintains up-to-date operational information and job knowledge; effectively applies information, job knowledge and critical thinking to make sound decisions and solve problems within scope of job responsibilities; escalates problems appropriately if outside of job scope.
• Completes competency assessment activities as assigned.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT:

• Contributes to the satisfaction of internal and external customers by responding to and resolving - inquiries, complaints, and problems; or by escalating appropriately if problem is outside of job scope.

TRANSFUSION SERVICE:

• If assigned to the Transfusion Service, performs various duties
• Manages blood product inventory, maintaining adequate working and safety stock.
• Performs pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic procedures for moderate and high complexity testing.
• Prepares and issues blood products for transfusion.

COMPLIANCE:

• Adheres to applicable laws, regulations, codes, accreditation standards, policies, processes and procedures.

EDUCATION:

• [Equivalent experience will be accepted in lieu of the required degree or diploma] Bachelor's: degree in biology or related science

CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE:

• CLSL-CA Licensed Clinical Lab Scientist.

TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:

• 2 years recent relevant experience.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Demonstrated knowledge and technical competence in routine specimen collection, preparation, testing applications, laboratory operations, and quality assurance in one or more assigned clinical specialty areas; examples: Chemistry, Special Chemistry, Hematology/Coagulation, Urinalysis and Transfusion Service.
• Ability to accurately, precisely, and reliably perform job duties and assigned tasks.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and problem solving relevant to assigned duties.
• Ability to compassionately and effectively interact with patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, values, beliefs and behaviors

Workflow Management Ability to appropriately respond to:

• Fluctuations in volume.
• Unexpected situations or problems such as equipment or information systems failure.
• Shift-to-Shift hand-offs.
• STAT test orders.
• Specimen integrity issues.
• Regular review of pending logs, priority assignments, etc.

Ability to follow standard practices, processes, and procedures in sequence. Knowledge of applicable local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures aimed at ensuring the privacy and safety of patients.

Job Shift: Days

Schedule: Full Time

Shift Hours: 8

Days of the Week: Monday - Friday

Weekend Requirements: None

Benefits: Yes

Unions: No

Position Status: Non-Exempt

Weekly Hours: 40

Employee Status: Regular

Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Pay Range is $68.50 to $85.62 / hour

The compensation range may vary based on the geographic location where the position is filled. Total compensation considers multiple factors, including, but not limited to a candidate's experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is only one component of Sutter Health's comprehensive total rewards program.