Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Description

Position Title

Clinical Laboratory Scientist DEPARTMENT: Laboratory EMPLOYEE REPORTS TO: Director of Lab Services SUPERVISES: N/A FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time, Part-time or Per Diem DESCRIPTION OF POSITION This job description is a record of the essential functions of the listed job. The job description provides the employee, CEO, Human Resources, applicants, and other agencies with a clear understanding of the job, where it fits into the organization, and the skill and work requirements in relation to other jobs. Jobs are always changing to some degree and the existence of the approved job description is not intended to limit normal change and growth. The facility will make reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals who are capable of performing the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. POPULATION SERVED The position involves direct and indirect patient care for a population of patients ages 18 and older. Age specific experience and/or special training and/or expertise is required to serve this population.

Position Summary

The Clinical Laboratory scientist performs a variety of laboratory tests, which may be complex and involve numerous steps and techniques. Tests may be performed in hematology, urinalysis, transfusion service, chemistry, coagulation, serology, and microbiology. Professional application of the principles, theories and techniques of laboratory science are used to produce reliable test results, which aid the physician in diagnosis and treatment. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist will need to exercise professional judgment and perform in a professional manner. The Laboratory Scientists are accountable for accurate results employing proper use of Quality Control materials. They must recognize the interdependency of tests and the conditions that may affect the results. They are expected to correct their own errors. They must maintain and make small repairs and adjustments to a variety of complex instruments. They may be responsible for the work of others in the absence of a supervisor. They are required to continually update their knowledge. They must comply with all applicable law and regulation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Specimen collection and processing: Phlebotomy skills. Venipuncture/finger stick. Prepare specimens for pathology Prepare samples for daily workload and for reference lab. Clerical Procedures: Read and record temperatures of various instruments, refrigerators and incubators. Help with daily inventory and replenishment of blood bank. Inventory and request supplies and reagents for ordering. Perform and record quality control data in all departments. Be adept in the procedures involved with charges, charts, logging tests or patients in and out, mailing specimens, receiving reports, and other duties of a clerical nature. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care and/or services appropriate to the age of the patients served in his/her assigned area. The skills and knowledge needed to provide such care may be gained through education, training or experience. Technical Detail: Perform routine and special tests in chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, transfusion service and serology. Set up, read, subculture, identify, and report microbiology cultures. Perform quality control procedures for media and VI TEK panels. Perform and record daily, weekly and monthly preventative maintenance on instruments. Be able to trouble shoot and solve procedure and instrument malfunctions. Maintain a neat and clean work area. Perform as a generalist technologist and be adept in moving from department to department in order to complete workload. Assume responsibility for reporting tests results to appropriate personnel

Requirements

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS California State Licensure. Must be able to perform complex analysis, which require a definite network of steps and variables. Must have an in-depth knowledge of techniques, principles and instruments. Must be able to recognize problems, identify their cause, create alternatives and determine solutions. Must possess good communication skills. Must be responsible for own work and decisions and must be able to supervise and teach others. Must be able to evaluate procedures and instrumentation DEMANDS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WORK, EQUIPMENT USAGE, AND WORK ENVIRONMENT PERCENTAGE OF WORK TIME 1-33% 34-66% 67-100% Standing/Walking -67-100% Sitting -1-33% Twisting -1-33% Lifting/Carrying -1-33% Pushing/Pulling -1-33% Climbing (Ascending/descending) -1-33% Bending/Stooping -1-33% Using arm muscles frequently or for extended periods. -34-66% Using leg muscles frequently or for extended periods. -1-33% Using back muscles frequently or for extended periods. -1-33% LIFTING REQUIREMENTS — Individuals in patient care positions are required to lift a patient with or without assistance. 2-10 Pounds -1-33% 11-20 Pounds -1-33% 21-30 Pounds -1-33% 31-40 Pounds -1-33% 41-50 Pounds -1-33% 51 Pounds or More -1-33% WORKING ENVIRONMENT Working in hot, cold, wet surroundings -1-33% Working outdoors -1-33% Working with or near chemicals -67-100% Working near radiation sources -1-33% Potential exposure to communicable diseases -1-33% Working with hazardous waste materials -34-66% Utilizing essential upgraded or adaptive equipment as industry standards require -67-100% Using hand tools -67-100% Potential for cuts and bruises -1-33% EXCHANGE OF IDEAS Ability to express or exchange ideas. -67-100% Ability to understand communication of others with or without adaptive devices. -67-100% Ability to perform secondary math. -67-100% Ability to read at a secondary level -67-100% WORKPLACE BEHAVIORS RESULTS ORIENTATION — Meets current objectives and positions the organization for future growth. Completes daily tasks and assignments and processes large volumes of work associated with the operation of the department. SOCIAL SENSITIVITY - Builds positive relationships based on respect for others. Demonstrates a helpful, positive attitude. Maintains effective communication with peers, medical staff, patients, visitors, and families. QUALITY OUTCOMES — Meets and exceeds expectations of internal and external customers. All organizational and departmental standards regarding quality of performance are met. Demonstrates a strong commitment to confidentiality. Participates in quality improvement programs as directed. SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT - Demonstrates an awareness of and adherence to safety and legal requirements established at the facility with an emphasis on maintaining a safe environment for all persons working in the facility. Accident/lnjury Reporting — Reports any accidents, injuries, and unsafe equipment and conditions to supervisor by the end of the shift and reports any pre-existing conditions as identified by the ADA. Unsafe Conditions — Immediately reports and corrects, if possible, unsafe conditions or equipment. Workplace Standards — Compiles with relevant regulations, standards and policies governing safe workplace environment (OSHA, Accreditation, etc.) Safety Techniques — Maintains current knowledge of all aspects of the facility's safety program by attending safety-related training as mandated upon hire and thereafter as required by facility. Modified Work — Accepts modified work assignments after receiving the physician's release to return to work following an accident] injury. Follows Prescribed/Recommended Treatment — Follows the prescribed/recommended treatment given by treating physician(s) after an accident/injury. EDUCATION — Participates in required in service and educational programs on an ongoing basis. ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY - Follows all facility guidelines outlining standards of attendance and punctuality. Responsible for reporting to and completing work at assigned times. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS Universal precautions will be observed in order to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials. All blood or other potentially infectious materials will be considered infectious regardless of the status. The categories shown below are designed to communicate the risk of exposure for this particular position. Category I Tasks involve light contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or mucous membranes. Department procedures define and require use of minimum protective measures to perform the task. Category Il Tasks involve no contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or mucous membranes; however, employment may require performing unplanned Category I task. Appropriate protective measures are readily available. Category Ill Tasks of employment involve no contact with moist body substance, nonintact skin or mucous membranes. The employee must have the ability to perform essential functions without posing a "direct threat" in the workplace.