Our Microbiology/Urinalysis/Molecular Department currently has an opening for a (Casual/PRN) Medical Laboratory Technician, or MLS student with sufficient laboratory experience.
Casual, Weekend position . T wo weekends per month and rotating holiday coverage. Position could also include periodic days during the week, if possible. Training will occur on dayshift for 4-8 weeks.
This position's responsibilities include: Accessioning specimens/lab orders, PCR testing (GeneXpert and Film Array), Urinalysis testing, Specimen plating, processing positive and blood cultures.
Performance of analytical procedures, using manual and automated methods, and through a variety of clinical laboratory methodologies (e.g., manual/visual plate-reading, microscopy, analyzer, rapid-test, etc.). In this function, must be able to perform all required calibration, quality control, statistical calculations and other process control and mathematical functions. Associate must also be able to understand concepts such as linearity, and standard deviation, as it applies to the performance of analytical testing in a clinical laboratory. Specific procedures performed depend upon the associate's specific assignment, for example, identifies bacteriological organisms in Microbiology, or performs analysis of potassium in Chemistry.
Orders, accessions, statuses and reports results of tests performed on patient specimens, monitoring a variety of critical clinical issues, such as patient identifiers, specimen quality, order appropriateness, etc. In this function, must be able to read and understand a variety of written material such as specimen requisitions, worksheets, patient identification, specimen requirements, etc., whether performing this task manually (e.g., on paper) or through the use of an information system. Must be able to check and verify information such as patient identification, lot numbers, expiration dates, etc., and act appropriately.
Uses, calibrates and performs troubleshooting and maintenance on laboratory equipment following established procedures, and as assigned by supervisor. Must be able to take responsibility for laboratory equipment performance, as demonstrated by interactions with technical representatives for instrument maintenance, both preventive and repair; must be able to successfully perform start-up and shut-down of complex analytical equipment.
If specifically trained and assigned to specimen collection, collects specimens from patients and others or assists, e.g. in assisting physicians at bone marrow aspirate collections. Such collections may take place in a variety of environments. Such collections may require entering patient isolation rooms, whereby, associate must follow appropriate infection control procedures.
Transports specimens as assigned, for example, from Operating Room, following appropriate procedures
Reviews technical and administrative procedures as assigned. The medical lab technician is responsible for staying informed about section changes, procedure changes and updates, etc. Reviews questions about procedures with section supervisor or designee as needed, informing supervisor when confusion about instructions or procedures exists.
Handles supply and inventory issues as required/assigned, identifying key technical parameters, such as lot numbers, storage requirements, etc. as required for performance of laboratory procedures. Follows laboratory section inventory procedures (e.g., recording date received, condition when received, checking order forms, invoices, etc.) Retrieves supplies, equipment from storage areas as needed.
Answers telephone as assigned; in this function, interacts routinely with a variety of individuals, including physicians, and other clinical staff, patients and their families, inspectors, vendors, etc. Must be able to demonstrate good customer service, for example, answering telephone promptly, referring calls appropriately, etc.
Follows all laboratory and hospital safety policies (including, but not limited to chemical safety, e.g., the laboratory's Chemical Hygiene Plan, infection control policies, etc.). Must be able to perform functions using personal protective equipment and barrier protection, such as disposable gloves, laboratory goats, shields, goggles, etc. Must be able to handle a variety of hazardous materials, such as chemicals and pathogenic organisms.
Trains others as assigned (e.g., students, residents, new employees, etc.).
Participates in department and hospital quality and improvement programs.
Job Requirements
Associate's degree or CLIA compliant science credits. Preferred: 2 years of formal study in Clinical Laboratory Science.
Minimum of three (3) months - six (6) months experience required.
Ability to work in a team environment, strong communication skills and experience with position responsibilities.
Preferred: Experience with Sunquest LIS, Bactec, GeneXpert, IRIS, Film Array and Urinalysis (Iris).
