Medical Laboratory Technician

Description

Overall Nature and Purpose of Position: To perform all routine laboratory testing.

Job Functions:

• Rotates in different bench areas of the laboratory as assigned. Rotations include coverage on evenings and weekends as required.

• Assists with specimen computer entry and processing; is familiar with all computerized functions that are necessary to generate test results.

• Maintains clean work area.

• Orients new staff members and assists in the training of MLT students.

• Provide accurate and reproducible results of routine, complex, manual and automated testing as ordered by the clinician and Laboratory Manager.

• Utilizes critical thinking skills to interpret data and aid in the evaluation of test results and test systems.

• Report test results within established time guidelines by organizing, prioritizing and performing the assigned share of the testing workload.

• Demonstrate the technical and professional ability to do independent problem solving for patient samples, laboratory equipment and testing procedures.

• Recognizes normal and life-threatening results and follows protocol for notification of results to the clinician.

• Performs and understands quality control programs including evaluation of values, documentation of errors, corrective action, and the maintenance of records.

• Participates in Proficiency Testing, Continuing Education programs, Competency testing, orientation of new staff members and training of MLT students as assigned.

• Proficient operation of the LIS and other computer related programs. Keeps current with changes and upgrades to each system.

• Perform venipunctures and capillary sticks as required.

• Assist in the preparation of new procedures and reagent preparation.

• Provides excellent customer service to patients, families, providers and other staff members.

NOTE: The list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that your supervisor may deem necessary.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Greets all patients, visitors, physicians, and other staff members in a courteous, respectful and professional manner at all time. Responds to all patients with empathy and positive interpersonal skills at all times.
2. Reports for scheduled shift on time and prepared to assume responsibilities.

• Reports to work in proper uniform/attire.
• Leaves for meal break on time and returns on time.
• Varies work schedule to meet the needs of the department.
• Ensures the department manager has approved all scheduled overtime.
• Seek supervisor approval before working beyond scheduled hours that will result in overtime.
• Schedules all time off with supervisor’s approval.
• Strictly adheres to hospital attendance/tardiness policies 100% of the time.
• Performs all duties as assigned.
• Wears I.D. badge in a visible location at all times on hospital property.
• Protects I.D. and access badge and reports any issues or loss immediately to supervisor or to the Human Resource Department.

3. Attends and participates in meetings and is responsible for information communicated at meetings and in email.

• Attends all mandatory in service on a timely basis as scheduled.
• Participates as an active team member at staff meetings.
• Reads communications and acts upon in a positive and informative manner.

4. Identifies own educational needs and maintains appropriate skill level through educational opportunities.

5. Exercise a commitment to practicing behaviors that are in agreement with the spirit of cooperation and reflect the values described in the Code of Mutual Respect and Professionalism.

6. Assists all patients, family members, physicians, visitors, and employees in a professional and courteous manner.

• Extends special attention and sensitivity to all patients, visitors, physicians, and fellow employees.
• Actively promote diversity and inclusion across organization for both patients and coworkers while avoiding any language or actions considered to be discriminatory or derogatory regarding race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status.
• Assists in maintaining an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork with other departments and community partners.
• Demonstrates a genuine willingness to prevent or resolve inter-personal conflicts.
• Demonstrates the ability to participate in and/or implement team decisions.
• Adheres to HIPAA and all applicable privacy laws at all times, only sharing information on a “need to know” basis.

7. Follows Infection Control procedures at all times.

• Clinical Personnel: Strictly adheres to standard precautions by adhering to the usage of personal protective equipment when handling blood or body fluids.
• Non-Clinical Personnel: Washes hands and other skin surfaces with soap and water thoroughly and often in an effort to control spreading of germs within the department and facility.
• Adheres to isolation procedures at all times as applicable.

8. Adheres to the following environmental care standards.

• Demonstrates adequate knowledge of safety policies and procedures, the use of MSDS sheets, hazardous material procedures, and safety codes.
• Code Blue, Code Gray, Code Silver, Code Amber, Code Red, Code Orange, Rapid Response Team
• Demonstrates adequate knowledge of security issues, i.e. personal protection, protection of personal and hospital property.

9. Be familiar with and comply with the Mid-Valley Hospital & Clinic Personnel Handbook and Policies.

10. Be familiar with the collective bargaining agreement (Union Contract) of the UFCW 21 and Mid-Valley Hospital.

11. Demonstrates the ability to adapt to varied age-specific patient populations.

• Non-Clinical Personnel: This position has no responsibility for the assessment, treatment, or care of patients. However, the ability to communicate and interact with patients of all ages is required.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Education/Experience: The position of Medical Laboratory Technician requires an associates degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of twelve month’s internship in all laboratory departments or a Medical Laboratory Technician student that has successfully completed course work and internship rotation in assigned area.

Licenses/Certification: Current Medical Laboratory Technician (ASCP) licensure or Medical Laboratory Technician student must complete MLT (ASCP) licensure within one year after hire.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Proven skills in performance of routine lab testing of either general or a specific nature. Prior experience with computerization is preferred. Must complete laboratory check off skills in all areas assigned.

Speaking and listening skills are required to communicate with professional staff and physicians regarding technical aspects of the department, to direct work activities of the department in the absence of the manager, and to communicate with patients and personnel on all levels. Must be able to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and educational levels; i.e. patients, families, employees, physician; etc.

Physical/Sensory Demands: This position involves an equal amount of standing and sitting in the performance of routine duties. A minimum of lifting or carrying is required. Good manual dexterity, use of a computer keyboard, and use of a telephone is mandatory. Excellent hand/eye coordination and excellent vision and color discrimination are required.

Working Conditions: The employee will work in conditions where there is frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals and mechanical hazards. At times the noise level can be quite high and mental stress is increased with heavy workloads. Interruptions can be expected. There is also the continuous potential for exposure to infectious diseases due to the lab specimens being processed.

• Updates CPR skills every two years.

• Understands and complies with MVH safety procedures including code and evacuation procedures.

• Complies with MVH standards pertaining to the use of sick leave and unpaid absences due to medical reasons.

• Understands and follows all universal blood and body fluids precautions and associated engineering and work practice controls and personal protective equipment requirements.

• Must not pose a threat to the safety and health of self or others. Must accurately process patient specimens; specimen mix-ups or errors will result in inaccurate patient test results and the probable need to have specimens recollected from the patients.

WAGE AND COMPENSATION

$5,000 Sign on Bonus

Wage range $25.51 hr.- $44.66 hr. - DOE + Shift Differential 

Mid-Valley Hospital offers a benefit package. This includes accrued vacation time in the amount of .076923 vacation hours per hour worked. Accrued sick leave at an accrual of .04615 per hour, Life insurance and a profit-sharing plan. We also offer medical, dental and vision insurance plans. Employees can enroll in a 403(b) deferred compensation plan and/or a 457 deferred compensation plan.