Medical Laboratory Scientist

Pay Range: $31.25-$48.86 Hourly Wage offered depends on job-related experience, knowledge, and skills. HOURS: Tues-Fri 9pm-7am JOB SUMMARY: The Medical Laboratory Scientist assays samples of body fluids and substances under indirect supervision to provide data to use in the treatment and diagnosis of patients. Areas of accountability will include, but are not limited to, the following disciplines: transfusion services, chemistry, coagulation, hematology, microbiology, immunology, molecular diagnostics, toxicology and urinalysis. QUALIFICATIONS: Must have earned a doctoral, master's, or bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical or biological science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution. Experience: Must demonstrate proficiency in Heme, Chem, UA, BB, Manual kit testing and some Micro. License/Registration: Must have ASCP or equivalent certification. The Medical Laboratory Scientist must be certified within six months of hire. Must also have a Medical Assistant - Phlebotomist certification in the State of Washington; any exceptions to this requirement can be made by the Laboratory Services Director. Color Blindness Test: Must be able to pass a color blindness test. Test will be conducted as part of the new employee orientation process. Population Served: Neonatal, Pediatric, Adolescent, Young Adult, Middle Age, and Elderly. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Meeting the qualifications listed above, one is characterized as "Testing Personnel" as defined by CLIA. Responsibilities will include: Planning and Prioritizing Organize and prioritize laboratory requests to accommodate stated turn around times and time sensitive samples. Monitor supply for volume and expiration dates and reorder prior to running out completely. Information Gathering Be able to use critical thinking in order to assure optimal systems and instrument operation to achieve acceptable test results. Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications. Ensure that test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly. May research new methodologies. Decision-Making Take the initiative to repeat suspect results and problem solve to achieve quality when performing assays. Exercise independent judgment and critical thinking to formulate plan(s) of action for situations not addressed in standard operating procedures. Communication Communicate with all customers (i.e. patients, providers) and peers (within the laboratory and hospital-wide) in a positive, respectful manner, while maintaining excellent customer service that embraces the culture of this organization. Strive to complete all communication loops and ensure complete hand-offs. Willing to be a technical resource to resolve problems and answer questions from customers and/or peers in-person, by telephone or electronic communication. Stay current on all policy and procedural updates within the hospital and laboratory via all means of communication. Technical Proficiency Adherence to all department policies and procedures including, but not limited to, specimen handling and processing, quality control and maintenance, test analyses, reporting and maintaining all testing records. Exercise independent judgment to monitor, control and assess test conditions, specimen quality, chemical and biologic reactions, and instrument function. Possess the ability to identify atypical situations and to correlate quantitative, biochemical, physiologic and morphologic data to verify the validity of test results. Teamwork Demonstrate the value of teamwork on a consistent basis and appreciate the contributions of others. Learn to oversee one or more departments in the laboratory to include updating procedure manuals, reviewing methodology, tracking quality control and evaluating statistical data with the oversight of the Laboratory Leadership. Demonstrate flexibility in scheduling to assist others in vacation requests or sick leave. Quality Adhere to quality control policies and procedures, including instrument and procedural calibrations, maintenance performance, and documentation of all activities. Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results, correct the problems encountered and/or notify the Laboratory Leadership. Identify areas to be considered for improvement. Participate in/leads performance improvement studies and execution of performance improvement plans. May participate in QA activities, method evaluation, teaching/training, point-of-care testing and new procedure implementation. Ensure all reagents/ test kits are appropriately labeled with received dates, open dates and expiration dates. Outcomes and Professional Requirements Follow all CAP, CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA guidelines as described in their respective guidelines. Participate in the proficiency testing program. Participate in government or regulatory agency inspections. Actively participate in inspection readiness. Personal Education Maintain all certifications, licensures, and/or continuing education required by Pullman Regional Hospital for employment. Maintain competence required for this position by participating in continuing education and training programs when available. Attend meetings and necessary additional training/educational meetings. Work Effectiveness Maintains the general appearance of the department. Laboratory areas and equipment are kept clean, neat, well organized and in good repair. Reliability Adhere to the attendance policy of Pullman Regional Hospital. Strive to complete assignments and requests on time. Perform other duties and accept responsibilities as assigned. Education of Others Approach others in the spirit of education. Communicate directly with those involved to resolve issues while focusing on the situation, not the person. Creating a Safe Work Environment Be compliant and adhere to all safety and PPE requirements of the hospital and laboratory. Participate in all applicable safety training sessions. Identify safety concerns and actively seek to resolve these issues. Perform all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors. Stewardship Assumes the willingness to be accountable for the well-being of the larger organization by operating in service, rather than in control, of those around us. Ethical Conduct Consistently communicates and collaborates with colleagues about decisions which involve legal and ethical issues. Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices. Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the organization, as well as the focus statement of the department. Additional Functions After 1 year of clinical experience, one is characterized as a "General Supervisor" as defined by CLIA. Additional responsibilities may include: Oversee/teach new employees and training personnel Oversee/teach students enrolled in medical technology programs during their clinical rotations. After 2 years of clinical experience, one is characterized as a "Technical Consultant" as defined by CLIA. Additional responsibilities may include: Verification of test procedures performed and establishment of the laboratory's test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and test system. Establishing a quality control program appropriate for the testing performed and establishing the parameters for acceptable levels of analytic performance and ensuring that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process from the initial receipt of the specimen, through sample analysis and reporting of test results. Participate and evaluate the competency of testing personnel Participate in the continual development of the competency program PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Sitting: 15%. Standing/Walking: 85%. Occasional lifting of supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. Occasional carrying of lab phlebotomy tray weighing up to 5 pounds. Occasional pushing/pulling of equipment. Occasional climbing of stairs to reach other levels of the building (elevators are available). Frequent stooping/bending to collect patient blood samples or to access supplies. Occasional kneeling/crouching to collect patient blood samples or to access supplies. Constant noise and visual contact for all aspect of patient care. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Location: Inside. Constant exposure to wet conditions from hand washing and solutions. Frequent exposure to noise to cause distractions from laboratory equipment and employees. Constant exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals from laboratory reagents. Constant exposure to biohazardous materials from patient specimens. Occasional exposure to fumes from staining materials. Constant exposure to odors from laboratory reagents and body fluids. We believe Pullman Regional Hospital is extraordinary. We are an independent, patient and employee-focused, award-winning organization with a unique, collaborative and inclusive culture. On a daily basis, our 600+ employees serve patients and communities through Pullman Regional Hospital, the Foundation, and our growing network of clinics. We are one of the largest employers in Pullman, WA, and a community leader in healthcare activities. Together, we continue to raise the bar of expectation for quality healthcare and the patient experience. In this way, the extraordinary for all others becomes the expected at Pullman Regional. Our greatest asset is our people. That's why we hire passionate people who are aligned with our mission to nurture and facilitate a healthier quality of life for our region. If you have a passion for health and healing, enjoy helping people, and want to work for an organization that values a growth mindset, we can't wait to meet you.