Summary

The incumbent performs duties under the supervision of medical laboratory scientists and technical supervisors. Collects, processes and analyzes human clinical specimens using established, approved, medical laboratory methods. Testing methods used may be waived, moderately complex or highly complex as defined by CLIA. Proficient with use of laboratory analytical equipment. Performs preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and minor repair of complex instruments. Performs and interprets quality control procedures to ensure high degree of result accuracy and precision. Interprets analytical data and correlates to patient’s clinical condition. Other required abilities include entering and retrieving data from Laboratory Information System, excellent communication skills, interaction with the public and medical/nursing personnel, making decisions under pressure, handling multiple priorities, and managing stress appropriately.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.

• Performs medical laboratory procedures under supervision in one or more laboratory disciplines (clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, transfusion medicine) and specimen processing with a high degree of proficiency and understanding.

• Proficient with laboratory analytical equipment. Recognizes deviations from expected results and analyzes and corrects problems. Performs basic troubleshooting of instrument problems. Initiates vendor tech support as required.

• Recognizes abnormal and critical laboratory results and follows established protocols for result verification and notification of physician.

• Correlates patient results with established reference ranges and available patient medical information. Recognizes, investigates, and resolves discrepancies.

• Answers inquiries about test results, methodology, and specific factors that may influence test results.

• Helps evaluate new equipment and procedures by participating in method validation, method comparison, establishing reference values, and personnel and space requirements.

• Uses technical knowledge and critical thinking ability to investigate laboratory discrepancies, determine courses of action and resolve problems to ensure high level of clinical accuracy.

• Familiar with and follows CLIA, DNV, and CAP accreditation standards as they apply to operation of a clinical laboratory

• Analyzes quality control materials, interprets data and makes judgments concerning appropriate action to maintain accuracy and precision.

• Consistently assures the release of accurate results through sample and result verification and properly follows all policies and procedures.

• Participates in proficiency surveys by organizing specimens, entering orders, making assignments to other staff, testing PT specimens, and recording results.

• Participates in all required safety education programs.

• Maintains work area and equipment in the condition required by department standards and can describe his or her responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety, and specific job‑related hazards

• Recognizes, reports, documents and seeks appropriate intervention for signs of complication or significant change in patient status (critical values, delta checks, unusual results, etc.).

• Meets or exceeds the laboratory standards for Stat turnaround times. Pulls pending lists frequently throughout the shift and follows up on outstanding specimens

• Uses sound judgment to make decisions which may affect patient results. Works with clinicians, patients, and nursing staff to resolve issues.

• Other duties as consistent with this role.

  Job Requirements

  Job Knowledge and Skills

• Work may involve testing procedures which require high degree of theoretical knowledge and technical expertise, including practical knowledge of quality control and quality assurance as they relate to Laboratory Medicine. Position requires exercise of independent judgment under supervision

• Demonstrates information technology skills: effective and appropriate use of information technology hardware and software including email, word-processing, spreadsheets, and document control. Demonstrates proficiency with technologies common to operation of department analyzers and associated computer systems (HIS and LIS) used in the transfer of orders, monitoring, recording, and reporting of results.

  Education and Experience

• Earned Associates Degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or closely related field or equivalent education and experience as defined by CLIA-88 standards strongly preferred

• National certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician by ASCP or equivalent preferred

  An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

  Working Conditions/Physical Demands

  Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with this position that involves a combination of sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching. Occasional lifting/carrying up to 25 lbs. Some stress related to high level of responsibility for quality care.

  Americans with Disabilities Statement

  Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Covenant Health reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

  Standard of Business Conduct

  Every St Joseph Hospital employee is required to abide by the Standards of Conduct and to report any activity that appears to violate the Standards of Conduct.

  Covenant Health Mission Statement

  We are a Catholic health ministry, providing healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities.

  Our Core Values:

  Compassion

  We show respect, caring and sensitivity towards all, honoring the dignity of each person, especially the poor, vulnerable and suffering.

  Integrity

  We promote justice and ethical behavior, and responsibly steward our human, financial and environmental resources.

  Collaboration

  We work in partnership, dialogue and shared purpose to create healthy communities.

  Excellence

  We deliver all services with the highest level of quality, while seeking creative innovation.

  We are an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, protected veteran status, national origin, genetic information or any other legally protected status.