Medical Laboratory Scientist

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Performs clinical laboratory testing in the following areas: blood banking, microbiology, serology, chemistry, hematology, coagulation, and urinalysis. Obtains or receives specimens, performs clinical laboratory procedures, preventive maintenance, and quality control. Interprets results as to accuracy, acceptability, and critical limits. Works independently, organizing work to meet established deadlines, records all data obtained, and maintains job competence. The position also involves effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Full-time, benefited position working 72 - 80 hours per two week pay period. Days of work are variable Sunday - Saturday and shifts include morning and evening rotations as well as nights as needed. Weekend work is every fourth weekend, and holiday work is every third or fourth. Night call is as needed 

JOB FUNCTIONS

• Collects and processes specimens according to laboratory policy.
• Performs clinical laboratory test procedures. Evaluates results and reports results to proper unit.
• Performs quality control as specified. Analyzes quality control data. Makes decisions regarding accepting/rejecting of patient results based on quality control data.
• Responsible for continually seeking ways to improve assess and improve quality.
• Operates technical instruments. Responsible for calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions.
• Provides appropriate laboratory services and care to the following age groups: infants, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. This care will be delivered in accordance with established standards of performance.
• Responsible for maintaining current knowledge of job.
• Responsible for maintaining interpersonal skills, initiative, and attitude.
• Adheres to hospital and department policies.
• Adhere to hospital/department exposure control policies and safety policies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.
• Works within the Standards of behavior written by JRMC employees.

1. PREPARATION AND TRAINING Medical Technologist/MLS/CLS: Baccalaureate Degree in Medical Technology or related science with 12 months of clinical education in an approved school of medical technology. Must be currently registered or eligible for registration as a MT/MLS/CLS(ASCP) or equivalent. Must currently hold or be eligible for ND Licensure. BLS certified for CPR. Position is required to attend Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training in the appropriate timeframe according to department orientation checklist. Medical Technologist (HEW) - successful completion of a qualifying exam offered by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
2. WORK EXPERIENCE: Six to 12 months in a hospital training program.
3. ATTENDANCE: Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility of each employee at JRMC. Employee are expected to report to work as scheduled, on time and prepared to start working. Employees are also expected to remain at work for their entire work schedule. 
4. ANALYTICAL ABILITY: Performs laboratory procedures, including instrument operation. Recognizes factors affecting measurement of test results. Recognizes results that are abnormal or deviate from those expected. Analyses quality control data, makes judgements concerning the results, and takes appropriate actions to maintain accuracy and precision of test results. Prioritizes workload.
5. INDEPENDENT JUDGEMENT: Performs a variety of tasks under minimal supervision that require independent judgement.
6. CONTACTS WITH OTHERS: Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Communicates regularly with patients, nursing personnel, physicians, and co-workers, frequently in critical situations.
7. SUPERVISING THE WORK OF OTHERS: May be responsible for the management of a particular department/instrument. Includes orientating personnel to new test procedures. Responsible for insuring proper procedures are performed for that particular department/instrument.
8. RESPONSIBILITY FOR WELFARE OF OTHERS: Frequently performs tasks that are critical to the care of patients. Minimizes exposure of others to bloodborne pathogens, bacteriologic agents, and hazardous chemicals.
9. MENTAL/VISUAL EFFORT: Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner. Must be able to read and comprehend laboratory procedure manuals. Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to assure that the major requirements of this position can be fully met. Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotion stability. Visual acuity and color perception required for performing routine procedures. Must be able to adapt to frequent changes in job duties covering a broad range of laboratory situations.
10. WORKING CONDITIONS: OSHA Job Classification - this position is defined as a Category I: Employee does have exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Maintains knowledge of and observes Standard Precautions. Participates in and complies with JRMC Safety Management Program. Practices aseptic techniques whenever appropriate. Exposed to unpleasant elements. Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances. Handles emergency or crisis situations. May be required to work in cramped spaces. Is subject to frequent interruptions. Works beyond normal working hours as necessary. Work rotation includes evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts. May be requested/required to work on shifts other than the one for which hired.
11. OTHER: Position requires the individual to provide a vehicle for transportation. Must hold a valid North Dakota Drivers License.
12. BACKGROUND CHECK: Background check is required.
13. PROMOTION: No formal line of promotion.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

• Standing 
• Walking 
• Sitting
• Hands and Finger Dexterity 
• Reaching with Hands and Arms 
• Climbing
• Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching/Crawling 
• Hearing/Listening 
• Tasting or Smelling
• Working Inside 
• Working Outside 
• Working in Extreme Heat 
• Working in Extreme Cold 
• Working with Hazardous Materials
• Noise
• Working in Dirt/Dust 

LIFTING / CARRYING / PUSHING / PULLING:

• Up to 10 pounds
• Up to 25 pounds
• Up to 50 pounds
• Up to 75 pounds
• Up to 100 pounds
• Over 100 pounds