Job Summary

 

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 Hospital and Laboratory Information Systems, 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.
• Respects and maintains confidentiality of patient data (HIPAA).
• Performs medical laboratory procedures in one or more laboratory sections (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 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, specificity, and sensitivity; answers questions about specific factors that can influence test results.
• Helps evaluate new techniques and procedures in terms of method validation, method comparison, cost analysis, establishing reference values, and personnel and space requirements.   Writes and revises technical procedures.
• 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 all CLIA, DNV, and CAP accreditation standards as they apply to operation of a clinical laboratory.
• Familiar with and consistently follows lab quality control protocols.
• 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.
• 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
• Demonstrates ability to organize work during heavy workload situations to expedite patients’ results.
• 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: (education and experience/preferred and required)

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 with minimum degree of supervision
• 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 Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or closely related field or equivalent education and experience as defined by CLIA standards strongly preferred
• National certification in Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology 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. Lifting/carrying frequently up to 35 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds.  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.

Applicants, employees and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information (including family medical history).