Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Boardman

Thank you for considering a career at Mercy Health

SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

A Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) Medical Technologist (MT) performs high to moderately complex testing as defined by CLIA CFR 42 on body fluids, cells and products; collects and processes biological specimens for analysis; integrates and relates data generated by the various clinical laboratory departments while making judgments regarding possible discrepancies; confirming abnormal results; verifying quality control procedures; developing solutions to problems concerning the generation of laboratory data; maintains accuracy and precision; performs preventive and corrective maintenance of  equipment and instruments as well as identifying appropriate sources for repairs; evaluates new techniques, instruments and procedures; applies principles of troubleshooting, analytical thinking to evaluate processes; applies principles of educational clinical methodologies; recognizes and acts upon individual needs for continuing education.  Displays professionalism in accordance with the Mercy Health Philosophy and mission; demonstrates the Mercy Health values and competencies in the role as a member of the shared lab services health care team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

Baccalaureate Degree, Medical Technology (BSMT)

Effective, January 1, 2015, certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent must be completed within or by the end of the first calendar year of employment based on the employee’s official hire date.  If certification is not completed by the end of the first year of the official hire date, employment is terminated. 

EXPERIENCE:

A new graduate or a Medical Technologist from another hospital is given an orientation of approximately two (2-3) months to acquaint him/herself with methods, hospital, policies, procedures, etc.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Has in depth knowledge of specialized field of medical technology.  Must possess broad working knowledge of general lab testing, and/or learn a specialized area as assigned.  Must analyze and interpret complex information and determine a course of action based on general guidelines.  May modify existing forms, procedures or methods as needed.  May use highly sophisticated equipment requiring extensive training.  Must possess manual dexterities to centrifuge and separate specimens; pipette solutions, mix, shake, or layer reagents and specimens; read and be able to differentiate on the basis; read test results by use of colorimeters, spectrophotometers, electronic counts, etc.  Compute data, record and report results through proper channels.  Must be proficient on the laboratory and hospital computer system.

· PROBLEM SOLVING/DECISION MAKING:

Assignments are often diverse.  Makes decisions based on policy, technical knowledge. general principles and facts, or on consultation if needed with pathologist, manager.  May adapt standard principles to changed/new conditions.  Solutions generally based on past precedent with some risk taking involved in new approaches.  Resolve complex clinical problems in highly complex testing areas.  Job requires judgment to adapt existing knowledge base to new situations, projects and new test methodologies.  Must be able to make sound decisions based on abstract data.  Is required to follow through on problems to arrive at a solution/decision and report outcomes through appropriated channels.  Exercises independent judgment for analyzing problems, reporting Q.C. oversight of highly complex tests.

· SCOPE OF IMPACT/ACCOUNTABILITY:

     Is responsible for work area and may be asked to be in charge of lab section(s) as assigned.  Accountability and decisions made directly impact operation of work area.  Has direct accountability for accuracy of test results, method performance.  Provides information regularly to clinical decision-making processes.  May be accountable for determining testing personnel resource allocation in work areas by consulting with team or peers or management.  Level of decision making, and testing responsibility may directly impact quality of patient outcomes.  Is accountable to ensure all functions performed comply to regulatory and Q.C. standards and is responsible to analyze/interpret clinical data and report results to physician.

· INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION:

     Conveys basic facts, interprets information, some complex.  Provides team leadership by training/teaching others, responds to non-routine inquiries from others who may not be knowledgeable in subject area, requires understanding of other expectations/perspectives to collaborate and reach consensus on solutions.  Requires sensitivity and tact to present/discuss confidential information.  Interacts daily with nursing staff/physicians, maintains excellent telephone and verbal communication skills.  Maintains excellent written communication skills to write protocols and procedures for testing.

 PRINCIPAL JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1.  Per CLIA CFR 42, performs qualitative/quantitative analysis of body fluids and other appropriate specimens by following established laboratory policies, protocols and test procedures.  Works as assigned in multiple functional clinical areas, maintaining multiple clinical skills.

2.  Operates automated and computerized instrumentation to perform requested test procedures; performs maintenance and troubleshooting procedures on equipment to assure optimal instrumentation function at all times.

3.  Performs quality control as established by policy to assure the accuracy of all test results generated; documents quality control on appropriated records to verify correct instrument and test performance.

4.  Establishes and maintains specimen’s integrity for proper identification and analytical requirements; performs specimen processing and dispatching as needed.

5.  Correlates each specimen with the appropriate test result by direct computer entry or by documentation on appropriate worksheets or instrument printouts; releases test results to nursing units or physicians by computer, phone, or written report.

5.1 Visually compares results printed on instrument printouts with results displayed on CRT, analyzes data for delta deviations, acts on data to interpret next steps.

6.  Works productively and efficiently to provide accurate test results abiding with the error rate policy; organizes workload to honor requests in order of priority as established by laboratory policy and protocol.

7.  Calls all test results exceeding the critical values established by laboratory policy to the physician or nursing unit and documents the critical test result notification.

7.1 Must be able to communicate via telephone to notify primary care personnel of critical value results and/or specimen problems.  Follows through with problems by investigating, documenting, acting upon decision, and reporting outcome to supervisor.

8. Demonstrates technical knowledge of analytical methodologies and responds to inquiries regarding specimen requirements and departmental protocol.  Demonstrates skill at MH communication competencies by consistent sound clinical decision making.

9.  Performs phlebotomy/donor draw duties as required; follows departmental procedures for specimen collection and for specimen and patient identification; performs venipuncture and capillary puncture; demonstrates knowledge of specimen collection techniques and equipment.  Collects other non-invasive specimens as required/assigned.

10.  Records workload performed and other statistics; documents quality control, QA troubleshooting, and problems as per protocol; participates in the collection and compilation of data for statistical reporting.

11.  Participates in laboratory continuing education programs when schedule permits; assumes personnel responsibility for continual professional development and knowledge enrichment.  Participates in required safety and competency programs.  Is accountable to maintain competency skills, completes testing within assigned time frame required competency testing.

12.  Assist in the orientation/training of personnel and/or students - MT’s, MLT’s, Phlebotomists, Residents, Externs or as assigned.

13.  Complies with all established hospital lab laboratory safety and infection control procedures.

14.  Demonstrates a high level of mental and emotional tolerance and even temperament when dealing with people; using tact, sensitivity, sound judgment and professional attitude with relating with staff members.

15.  When requested, demonstrates the ability to present self in a professional manner and reach out to the community; assist in the community service programs as required; assists in promoting the public relations efforts of the institution.

16.  Respects, at all times, the confidentiality of patient records and uses complete discretion when discussing patient matters.

17.  Completes all assigned procedures during shift and regularly uses time efficiently to departmental advantage.

18.  Rounds to units and/or interacts with other department personnel as assigned to assess laboratory services, troubleshoot processes, act as service representative for clinical issues.

19.  Assumes coordination/oversight of functional department operations as assigned or during the absence of the section supervisor/coordinator.

20.  Recognizes deviation from expected results.  Analyzes and corrects results using scientific principles.

21.  Helps evaluate new techniques and procedures in terms of personnel and space requirements.  Performs method comparisons, writes and revises technical procedures.

22.  Performs special projects as assigned, is change oriented and willing to learn news techniques and new functions.  Demonstrates willingness to work on special projects, long and short term.  Willingly accepts responsibilities for functional oversight of equipment and/or Q.C./clinical processes, demonstrates accountability for/proficiency on assigned areas of responsibility. 

23.  Performs proficiency surveys meeting all requirements of performance and reporting as defined by the College of American Pathologists survey program and CLIA.

24. Maintains adequate inventory of assigned supplies by counting stock, ordering replacements, monitoring shipments.

25.  Participates in quality assurance and quality improvement activities.

26.  Works a flexible schedule based on operational needs.  Works in clinical sections, shifts, holidays as assigned.

27.  Answers telephone calls in a courteous helpful manner, using first name as identification at all times.  Maintains accurate phone logs documenting calls.  Answers all calls within five rings; determines the nature of all calls prior to transferring them to the appropriate laboratory sections or personnel; gives laboratory reports to patient care facilities which do not have access to the hospital computer system.  Handles appropriately all problem telephone calls.  Documents actions on QA, reports to management or coordinator any unresolved issues.

28.  Performs and utilizes all laboratory computer functions accurately as per protocols.

29.  Displays effective communications by maintaining good listening skills and being courteous and discrete with personnel, physicians and patients.  Maintains confidentiality of records at all times.

30.  Works productively and efficiently; completes assigned tasks and willingly helps others as needed.  Functions as a team player and works with peers in an effective manner.  Organizes workload to honor requests in order of priority as established by laboratory policy and protocol.

31.  Legibly and accurately completes all required documentation.  Completes/documents accurately on QA forms all out of the ordinary situations, follows through on problems in a responsible manner.

32.  Works in a fast paced, situational environment and is change adaptable.  May be assigned to a project or work area as deemed necessary.  Works in a multi-site environment and may be assigned to any IDN site lab/draw site/test site/work area as needed.

33.  Maintains acceptable competency skills in assigned work areas.  Completes studies, and all assigned competency testing within expected timeframe.

34.  Maintains an acceptable error rate (quality performance criteria) as defined by section policy.

35.  Works as a team member in the shared lab services environment, in a cooperative, consensus building environment; prioritizes time and goals to align with lab goals, is helpful and cooperative, gives suggestions for improvement.

36. All other duties as assigned.

CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

In keeping with MH Laboratories ongoing commitment to both promote and ensure continued learning and competency of Medical Technologists, a minimum of twelve (12) continuing education units (CEUs) per year must be completed.  Continuing education within all Laboratory related disciplines such as blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, etc or in other related Laboratory subjects such as safety, quality control, and quality assurance are essential. As an employee of MH Laboratories, at least minimum CEUs will be provided at no cost to the employee.  Participation in CAP inspections, medical or professional webinars or presentations, hospital required learning programs, etc. also qualify as continuing education.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Occasional – 1 to 33% of workday

Frequent – 34 – 66% of workday

Constant – 67 – 100% of workday

Not at all – 0% of workday

Occasional

Sitting, Unilateral Vertical Reach 36-72”, lift 0-20#, 6-36” from floor; lift 0-20#, 36-48” from floor; climbing stairs; operating machines (2 hand(s)).

Frequent

Unilateral Horizontal Reach 0-18”; push/pull 100’, 19ft.lbs.

Constant

Standing, walking: 2.3 mph, 0 incline; bilateral fine motor manipulation; functional near, far, color vision aided or unaided; functional hearing aid or unaided; functional verbal communication skills; working overtime as assigned to meet operational/patient care demands.

Not at All

Hold 200# patient sideling while doing procedure x 2 min; roll 200# patient away/toward self; transfer 105# person chair-chair 5x/hr. with gait belt; bed-cart transfer with 200# person and assist of one with sheet; lift 0- ___# 6-36” from floor; lift 0- ___# 6-72” from floor; climbing ladders, working from heights, crawling, kneeling, running, operating machines: (2 foot/feet).

Category II Job Classification – MH employees who have jobs with tasks that rarely involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues and have no contact with used sharps.

Job Hazard Risks:

Lifting

Infectious Disease Exposure

Hazard Materials Exposure (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical)

Workplace Violence Potential

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

Mercy Health is an equal opportunity employer.

We’ll also reward your hard work with:

• Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental and vision plans
• Prescription drug coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance w/AD&D
• An employer-matched 403(b) for those who qualify.
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance
• And much more

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Work Shift:

Department:

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you’d like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for  Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com