Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1 - Transfusion Services

Job Description

Who we’re looking for:

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Trainee/1 with the Transfusion Services Team at the University of Washington Medical Center – Montlake. 

The MLS Trainee/1 performs clinical laboratory tests used in the screening, diagnosing, and treating of pathological conditions. Testing is performed at a professional level and may include all facets of pretransfusion testing using both automated and manual methods, routine and complex antibody identification, component preparation, unit confirmation testing, shipping and receiving units and tissue, and sample processing, information processing, and quality control. This role may include delivery and facilitation of blood products to the bedside. The MLS Trainee/1 trains students and new employees in the performance of such testing. The role may also be participating in special projects as needed.

Work schedule:

• 100% FTE
• Monday to Friday, rotating weekends and holidays
• Evening Shift 1500-2330

What you’ll contribute:

Technical Quality of Work
Perform analysis of blood and blood products with accuracy and precision in the transfusion service laboratories.  

• Follow current established procedures and guidelines for performing and documenting tests.
• Complete routine tasks without direct supervision.
• Work with attention to detail and with critical review to avoid errors. 
• Use job knowledge to make critical judgments regarding the acceptability of test results and donor compatibility for transfusion.
• Investigate and solve problems involving specimen collection or handling; follow procedures for reporting and documenting to assure quality and timeliness of patient results.
• Take appropriate action on critical, abnormal or unusual results.
• Follow hospital procedures for communication of critical results to the appropriate health care provider.

Quantity of Work

• Complete patient and quality control procedures within defined time limits.
• Simultaneously coordinate multiple procedures with accuracy.
• Prioritize workload in response to STAT requests.
• Meet test completion deadlines through efficient workload organization.

Teamwork/Enable Laboratory Operations

• Use work time appropriately.
• Work as a team member - show initiative and cooperation to maintain workflow. 
• Communicate between team members to facilitate optimal patient care.
• Maintain awareness of needs within the lab, such as heavy workload on benches or special projects to be completed and assist in the completion of those tasks.
• Display flexibility in adapting to new routines and modifications of work assignments and schedule.
• Share responsibility for emergency coverage, overtime, on-call and call-back needs of the laboratory.
• Maintain a neat, clean and efficient work area including cleaning benches and equipment and replenishing supplies.
• Maintain awareness of supply stock and inform lead technologist before supplies are depleted.

Quality Assurance Activities

• Perform and document daily quality control. 
• Analyze QC data and make judgments concerning results. 
• Institute and document corrective action when QC results exceed tolerance limits.
• Verify acceptability of QC prior to reporting any patient values.
• Follow maintenance protocols for all instruments and document appropriately.
• Monitor QA indicators on instruments and institute corrective action as needed.
• Document other laboratory or specimen issues and problems appropriately.

Instrumentation/Computer Skills

• Understand principles of operation for a variety of laboratory equipment, including equipment requiring interpretative knowledge such as multi-parameter cell counters and automated coagulation analyzers.
• Maintain basic troubleshooting skills on all instruments.  Appropriately document problems and notify lead technologist and/or request assistance for instrument issues.
• Exhibit working knowledge of laboratory information system software.

Teaching Skills

• Effectively teach and train medical technology students, new employees or others in theory and performance of laboratory testing.
• Complete necessary paperwork and training documents during daily interactions with trainees. Review training documents to ensure trainee makes satisfactory progress towards completion of training requirements.
• Provide adequate supervision of trainees when assigned. 
• Verify performance of trainee prior to allowing trainee to report results.
• Provide feedback on trainee's performance as required.

Communication/Customer Service

• Represent the department professionally when interacting with other members of the healthcare team, including other divisions of the laboratory.
• Demonstrate good communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Communicate clearly, directly and on a timely basis appropriate information to customers and co-workers, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain neat, legible and organized written work documents with appropriate dates and initials.
• undefinedJob Knowledge/Professional Growth Maintain competency and keep job knowledge current.Attend in-services and continuing education opportunities as available. Maintain Safe Working HabitsExercise knowledge of laboratory safety and proper precautions when dealing with biohazardous, radioactive, corrosive, explosive and/or flammable materials.Practice "Universal Precautions" at all times.Report hazards and unsafe practices to supervisor.Keep abreast of safety procedures including fire plan, disaster drills, evacuation routes, etc.Know location of safety information and supplies and be able to access in response to queries or emergency situations.Participate in laboratory disaster preparedness drills. Perform Related Duties as Assigned Perform accurate analysis on CAP and other proficiency testing materials.Make and verify quality of reagents.Assist in development and/or evaluation of new procedures and instruments as assigned.Perform special projects and related duties as assigned.May be required to perform venipunctures.May be required to prepare and process samples for transport and/or testing or respond to trauma codes or deliver blood to the bedside. What you’ll need:Requirements for an MLS Trainee:Accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science OR equivalent education/experience ANDEligible to take the Medical Laboratory Scientist or categorical certification examination from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) within 18 months from date of hire. Failure to attain the certification within 18 months of date of hire may result in a recommendation for termination. Requirements for an MLS 1:Accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science OR equivalent education/experience ANDCurrent Medical Laboratory Scientist certification with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent certifying organization OR certification with specialty organization appropriate to the laboratory division ANDOne (1) year of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee. Up to one (1) year of on-the-job experience performing clinical testing in a Medical Laboratory Science Program externship may count toward the experience requirement. Desired qualifications:Two (2) years’ experience in all aspects of pretransfusion testing in an acute care environment.Automation experience preferred.undefinedWhat we offer:Vacation time and sick time off that accrue monthly, including 12 paid holidays.State Employee Tuition Exemption Program covering up to 6 credits of qualifying coursework per quarter at the University of Washington or other participating colleges or universities.Fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS) that covers multiple forms of public transportation in the region.Excellent healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.Lots of free fantastic fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes offered through the Whole U.And much more! About the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology:A regional resource for clinical laboratory services required for innovative patient care, research and educational programs, the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at UW Medicine combines the sophisticated testing and informatics capabilities of fully accredited laboratories with the resources of an academic institution in its delivery of clinical and anatomic pathology services. Recognized for excellence in clinical training, world-class research initiatives, and a commitment to community service, we serve labs and medical facilities both nationally and internationally. Please visit our website to learn more about our department. About UW Medicine:UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists and other health professionals.
  
  All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that include Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.  Become part of our team. Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.  

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$38.46 hourly

Pay Range Maximum:

$56.73 hourly

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

Permanent Evening Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

SEIU Local 925 Healthcare Prof/Lab Tech

ABOUT UW MEDICINE – WHERE YOUR IMPACT GOES FURTHER 

UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists and other health professionals. 

All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that includes: Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.