Medical Technologist, PRN

                                               JOB DESCRIPTION
 
Job Title:   Medical Technologist PRN                                                        
Job Code:   550061 
Immediate Supervisor:  Laboratory Manager                                                  Status:  Non-Exempt                                      
 
DEPARTMENT FUNCTION/JOB OVERVIEW
 
Responsible for the collection and testing of specimens using established and approved procedures.  Responsible for the communication of test results to other laboratory personnel, and patient care units using verbal, written or computer communication in a prompt, professional manner.  Contributes to the overall efficiency of the laboratory by answering the phone, assisting with the completion of all necessary paper work, and assisting other staff as needed.  Responsible for the reviewing of all lab work within 24 hours and is available to assist staff with quality control, quality assurance and instrument troubleshooting.  Requires broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision.  Work will be performed in an ethical and legal manner following organizational policies, processes, protocols and procedures. Responsible for quality service delivery and internal/external customer relations for Madonna as a whole, including upholding the mission and values for the department and facility.

 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
 
(INFORMATION)

1. Uses the electronic information system for ordering, reporting of laboratory tests and results.
2. Ensures and maintains inventory of supplies used in the laboratory.
3. Maintains the day-to-day operation of the quality control program to include:
4. Analyzes results, directs corrective action when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications and maintains records according to established regulations and standards.
5. Ensures that patient test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is properly functioning.
6. Maintains the day-to-day operation of the quality assurance program to include:
7. Proficiency Testing:  Responsible for the receipt and handling of proficiency samples, monitors the performance of testing, conducts testing and ensures that results are sent within the time frame mandated by the proficiency testing challenge.  Maintains proficiency testing records to meet regulations.
8. Laboratory Instrumentation:  Ensures that quality instrument performance is maintained, reviews maintenance records, performs maintenance and directs instrument troubleshooting in the event of a performance failure.  Maintains maintenance and instrument logs to meet regulations.
9. Laboratory Testing:  Reviews all lab work with 24 hours of testing.  Ensures that established limits for turn-around-times are maintained, that critical values are reported appropriately, and that manual differentials containing blast cells are reviewed per policy.  Maintains review records to meet regulations.
10. Laboratory Errors:  Responsible for the documentation of error, the correction of error and the appropriate notification of corrected results.  Maintains original and corrected reports to meet regulations.
11. Assists with the development and ongoing maintenance of Laboratory policies and procedures to meet regulatory and community standards.
12. Maintains laboratory records according to regulations.
13. Maintains confidentiality of all laboratory information according to laboratory regulations and Madonna standards.
14. Verifies proper specimen, test, and patient identification and takes the necessary action to correct errors.
15. Works with the Laboratory Manager to ensure all regulations are met to pass various inspections by oversight agencies.
    (PEOPLE)
    
16. Assists with training and orientation of staff.
17. As directed by the Laboratory Manager, is available on site, by telephone or electronic consultation to resolve problems in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Laboratory Director or Laboratory Manager.
18. Participates in the instruction of employees in in-service and continuing education programs.
19. Participates in department meetings and committee activities at a department and facility level.
20. Collaborates with all internal and external customers and upholds Madonna's Mission and Values.
21. Answers questions, gives direction and guidance to other laboratory personnel and internal and external customers.
22. Communicates patient care information in a confidential manner.
23. Maintains communication with the direct supervisor, other department staff and models professional conduct in all settings.
24. Follows instruction from supervisor to perform other functions as assigned in order to achieve the goals of the facility.
    (THINGS)
25. Participates in the evaluation of new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of personnel, equipment, space, method comparison, and cost analysis.
26. Collects, processes, evaluates, and solves problems related to analysis of biological specimens.
27. Is available to staff to assist and recommend troubleshooting procedures for instrument, quality control, and patient analysis problems.
28. Performs laboratory testing of biological specimens on specific laboratory instrumentation requiring visual acuity and manual dexterity.
29. Rotates stock of reagents and test kits to maintain currency and continuity of lot numbers.
30. Problem solves malfunction of laboratory instruments, orders necessary parts and coordinates repair and notification.
31. Determines when backup instrumentation is necessary and acts accordingly.
32. Maintains a clean and orderly environment according to safety standards and laboratory image guidelines.
33. Uses time wisely and contributes to the efficiency of the laboratory and Madonna.
34. Responds to request for PRN hours in a timely manner by answering phone or e-mail messages.  Fulfils requests by working when needed.
35. Operates and tends to various non-medical machines such as; but not limited to, copier, FAX, wireless phone.
36. Ensures cleanliness of equipment and environment.
37. Maintain and ensure a safe environment for the department. Handles and operates all necessary equipment and performs required duties according to established safety standards to maintain compliance with regulations and prevent injury.
    
    PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
38. Requires sufficient sight to see and read labels, reports and computer screen.
39. Requires sufficient sight to accurately recognize different frequencies in the visible spectrum as colors in order to correctly read and interpret test results.
40. Requires sufficient hearing and speaking to communicate instructions by phone or in person.
41. Requires sufficient manual dexterity and mental concentration to conduct testing procedures accurately.
42. Ability to walk or stand from 6 to 10 hours a day.
43. Ability to do repetitive bending/reaching and sitting.
44. Ability to do constant repetitive motion, using hands, fingers, and wrists to perform testing, venipuncture, and urine drug screen collections.
45. Ability to lift 10-35 pounds of supply material.
46. Continuous exposure to biological, mechanical, and electrical hazards.
47. Daily contact with disease, odors and infectious waste.
48. Requires emotional stamina to handle unexpected and stressful deadlines and patient situations in a therapeutic manner.
49. Ability to make decisions independently to problem solve quality control, quality assurance problems and to review laboratory data within 24 hours.
    
    QUALIFICATIONS (Education/training and/or Experience)
     
    Bachelors of Science degree in laboratory science with a current MT(ASCP), MLS (ASCP) CM, or MT(AMT), in good standing, required.  Minimum of one-year training and/or experience in a high complexity lab preferred.  Must meet the CLIA requirements for General Supervisor and Testing Personnel in a moderate to high complexity laboratory.  New student hires must obtain certification within 4 months post graduation.  
     
    Background checks are conducted.  When specific authorization forms are requested so that full background and history can be obtained, employees/applicants must sign the form(s) requested.