MLT OR MT/MLS - PRN

Medical Technologist (MT)

MAIN FUNCTION:

Utilizes independent judgement for the collection, processing, and performing both routine and complex laboratory tests using a variety of techniques, instrumentation, and equipment in order to assist the physician in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Exercises professional judgement in order to prioritize and evaluate varying test requests efficiently. Medical Technologists are able to recognize interdependency of tests and has knowledge of physiological conditions affecting test results which are used by the physician to determine the presence, extent, and possibly the cause of disease.

Care will be provided to patients of the following age categories: neonate, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Administrative Director, Laboratory

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or Medical Technology from an accredited institution (or the equivalent experience in a laboratory as deemed appropriate by ASCP and CLIA criteria.)
• Board eligible or Board Certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent registry such as AMT or NAACLS.
• No written disciplinary action within the last 12 months.

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Prior work experience in a clinical laboratory setting including recent experience in multiple disciplines.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Employee in this position may be exposed to blood, body fluids and/or airborne pathogens and is required to wear personal protective equipment.
• Employees in this position must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, turn, crouch, and bend as necessary to complete laboratory tasks.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS: All expectations detailed below are considered ADA (American Disabilities Act) essential.

Leadership

• Embraces teamwork by adhering to standards of good laboratory practice
• Accepts and responds to change productively, while maintaining a positive attitude
• Demonstrates appropriate workplace behavior and competence in job duties
• Demonstrates basic conflict resolution skills
• Completes all assignments and competence requirements on time

Communication

• Maintains awareness of verbal / non verbal communication in interactions with staff, other departments, physicians, patients and families
• Addresses patient and family of patient (if present) in an appropriate manner for patient's age and level of understanding. Explains procedure and uses appropriate communication to reassure patient.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and professionalism in all communication interactions: written, verbal, electronic and digital
• Collaborates and communicates effectively with all members of the health care team
• Demonstrates basic ability to initiate and manage crucial conversations
• Demonstrates acceptance of supervisory authority, guidance and instruction.
• Follows appropriate chain of command.
• Reports critical information for physician or caregiver as indicated by policy and within acceptable timeframes
• Facilitates communication between staff members
• Writes and prepares standard operating procedures for approval by the medical laboratory director.
• Interacts with students in a positive, productive manner
• Participates in lab meetings / team collaboration

Duties:

• Work habits are consistently adjusted to accommodate multiple responsibilities and are prioritized and completed in an independent and timely manner.
• Effectively utilizes time management and organizational skills.
• Follows all hospital policies and procedures as well as all laboratory policies and procedures including but not limited to: specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting and maintaining records of patient results.
• Demonstrates competence in the collection of samples from the following age groups:
  • Neonates (birth through 28 days)
  • Infants (29 days through 12 months)
  • Pediatrics (1 year through 11 years)
  • Adolescents (12 years through 18 years)
  • Adults (19 years through 64 years)
  • Geriatrics (65 years and older)
• Consistently uses appropriate personal protective equipment follows safety policies.
• Seeks assistance of other staff members as needed
• Assesses each situation and adjusts specimen collection approach appropriately
• Selects appropriate specimen type (venous, capillary) based on age and test requirements
• Successfully collects samples by venous, capillary, or heel-stick using the proper and established protocols.
• Routes specimens to appropriate area or department of the lab or reference lab, following established procedures for processing and handling of specimens.
• Documents and monitors results of quality control testing and notes trends, shifts and variation from expected QC performance. Trouble-shoots testing procedures in which QC is not in control and corrects problems.
• Performs testing on patient samples in one or more areas of the lab:
  • according to established procedures
  • accurately with attention to detail
  • efficiently in terms of time and supplies
  • with special attention to STAT and urgent requests
• Evaluates the validity of patient test results before reporting by:
  • evaluating QC performance
  • comparing to previous test results
  • correlating results with patient diagnosis and age-related values
  • re-checking highly abnormal or clinically inconsistent results
• Documents patient testing and reporting of results appropriately in the LIS and manual logs
• Performs and documents instrument function checks, maintenance and repairs according to schedule and corrects as needed any problems which may be evidenced by those function checks
• Performs and documents calibration of instruments in area of responsibility according to schedule or as deemed appropriate according to QC indicators and the results of patient testing
• Documents all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the Laboratory's established performance specifications.
• Monitors proper labeling and dating of reagents to ensure accurate testing of patient samples
• Monitors proper inventory of reagents and supplies. Notifies proper person of supplies that are low or depleted. Stocks products upon receipt of shipment to ensure sensitive reagents are stored in proper environment.
• Works in areas / departments of the lab as assigned, according to the needs of the schedule or according to the shift being worked. Maintains flexibility in scheduling and availability for meeting the Laboratory’s needs.
• Responsible for reporting any problems, irregularities, concerns or even opportunities for improvement, to the director or supervisors. These could be safety, patient care, compliance, or technical in nature.
• Is capable of performing the responsibilities of General Supervisor (under CLIA) when assigned by the Medical Director and/or Laboratory Director. This includes, but is not limited to the following: selects or recommends test methodology that is appropriate for the clinical use of the test results; performs verification of test procedures performed and establishment of the laboratory's test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and test system; identifies training need, continuing education, and competencies of trained personnel; writes standard operating procedures such as on quality controls.
• Other duties as assigned by management team.