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JOB SUMMARY
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) works under the supervision of the Section Supervisor. Under General supervision, contributes to the quality of patient diagnosis and treatment by performing technical and complex laboratory analysis in one or more sections of the Laboratory. Recognizes deviations from expected results, analyzes problems and modifies procedures to eliminate technical problems. Serves as a resource person for other hospital staff by answering questions and solving problems for peers and others. May be asked to assume the responsibility of a Section Supervisor in their absence. Performs other laboratory duties as assigned.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES
1. Assists physicians in the diagnosis of disease and treatment of patients by performing technical and complex laboratory tests, following established laboratory procedures. May work in more than one of the following areas: Arterial Blood Gases, Chemistry, Bench Chemistry, Blood Bank, Hematology, Histology, Microbiology, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and
Urinalysis.
2. Performs quality control procedures and documents the test results.
3. Takes appropriate actions to correct out of control results and documents the actions taken.
4. Serves as a resource for others: answers questions, resolves technical irregularities, and correlates new procedures.
5. May be asked to supervise personnel and technical operations in a laboratory section in the absence of an on site supervisor.
6. Performs instrument checks and preventative maintenance on laboratory instruments and makes minor repairs if needed. Documents all work performed and actions taken.
7. Reports normal and abnormal test results as established by Pathology and Hospital procedures.
8. Uses the Laboratory computers to edit, inquire, receive specimens, enter test results, and print results.
9. Receives patient specimens and prepares them for analysis; also collects certain specimens.
10. Adheres to the established Hospital safety standards by following safety procedures and reports any unsafe conditions immediately to the supervisor or department head.
11. Applies the Hospital’s Policies and Procedures regarding guest relations.
12. Performs other duties as assigned or required.
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA: QUALITY OF WORK
QUALITY:
Performs and reports laboratory tests according to established procedure to provide precise, accurate and consistent results. Investigates questionable or erroneous test values and informs supervisor.
Employee consistently performs quality control, records results, and documents corrective actions, when appropriate, to ensure test results are accurate.
Employee performs instrument function, maintenance and calibration procedures when necessary to minimize instrument down time. Employee performs preventive maintenance according to the laboratory protocol or as assigned. Employee is able to troubleshoot instruments and documents actions taken.
JOB KNOWLEDGE:
Employee participates in the proficiency-testing program in order to comply with HCFA, CAP, and STATE regulations.
Employee reads and signs all procedures annually and documents review by signing the review sheet.
Employee demonstrates an awareness of changes in policies and procedures and helps implement those changes. Documentation is complete.
Employee helps provide an organized and efficient laboratory operation by utilizing the Laboratory computer to receive specimens, edit, inquire, enter test results, and print reports.
DEPENDABILITY:
Assumes responsibility for own actions, including follow-up and completion of tasks in an effective and timely manner.
Fulfills departmental and Hospital responsibilities including: attending staff meetings as appropriate, reading all meeting minutes and posted communications, participating in departmental performance improvement activities, attending all Hospital and department-specific required inservices, and maintaining an active role in problem solving and resolution.
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA: PRODUCTIVITY/USE OF TIME
INITIATIVE:
Demonstrates motivation and ambition on the job, adapts to and supports change, independently seeks unassigned work without impacting quality, is flexible, thinks along original lines, questions old methods and offers suggestions for improvement of procedures.
JUDGEMENT:
Prioritizes work effectively, utilizes logic and makes sound decisions in choosing a particular course of action. Is able to identify problems based on factual information and knows when to refer issues to a superior.
PRODUCTIVITY:
Routine and STAT tests are completed within the time frame established by Laboratory and Hospital Policy and Procedure and in a time frame that will provide physicians with the information they need to provide good patient care. Assigned projects are completed within the time frame agreed upon by the employee and the supervisor.
Employee is capable of working in assigned area, and functions well in all sections assigned in order to maintain laboratory flexibility and efficiency.
ATTENDANCE:
Assumes responsibility for attendance and punctuality in order to promote the efficient operation of the Hospital and essential components of solid employee performance. Poor attendance and tardiness disrupt productivity and make it difficult to function effectively. Each employee shall be responsible for being present at the correct time each day. (See Attendance APM for further details.)
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA: INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS/ TEAMWORK
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Demonstrates a willingness to be cooperative and assist others whenever possible, utilizes positive interpersonal skills, is courteous and behaves in a professional manner at all times.
COMMUNICATION:
Utilizes fundamental tools essential for effective communication (verbal, non-verbal and written) and interaction as follows:
Listening: Utilizes methods which enable a person to clearly understand what another person is saying. Methods include ways of responding so that each person feels their problems and feelings have been understood.
Assertiveness: Utilizes verbal and non-verbal behaviors which maintain respect, satisfy needs, and defend rights without dominating, manipulating, abusing or controlling others.
Conflict Resolution: Utilizes methods which enable dealing with the emotional turbulence that typically accompanies conflict.
Collaborative Problem Solving: Utilizes methods to resolve conflicting needs and lead to a satisfying resolution.
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA: PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY
SAFETY:
Follows safe work practices, takes an active interest in preventing injury or illness and promoting a safe and healthful environment for self and others, and complies with Hospital and governmental safety regulations concerning, but not limited to, the following:
1. Safety Manual
2. Universal Precautions/Infection Control Plan
3. Fire Safety Plan (Code Red)
4. Emergency Preparedness Plan
5. Patient and Employee Instrument and Equipment Guidelines
6. Hazard Communication Program (MSDS sheets, etc.)
7. Employee Injury & Illness Prevention Program (including proper body mechanics) 8. Security Programs-
Facility Access Plan
Infant Security Plan
Parking and Traffic Regulations
Computer Access
9. Back Injury Prevention Program
10. Medical Emergency Plan (Code Blue)
11. General Safety Rules and Regulations
12. Employee Injury/Exposure Reporting
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
Demonstrates professionalism on the job as evidenced by:
1. Making an effort to answer questions and solve problems for peers and others.
2. Making an effort to contain costs in the use of supplies and reagents.
3. Assisting in the teaching and orientation of personnel.
4. Exhibiting a positive response to the organization, job and others.
5. Supporting changes necessary to the mission and goals of the Hospital.
6. Meeting professional dress code according to Hospital Policy. Lab coats and/or uniforms are worn and kept clean.
7. Demonstrates professionalism by keeping up on new developments in laboratory medicine and sharing the information with others and making suggestions to management.
8. Cooperates with and assists technicians by verifying results, reading gram stains and urine microscopics, helping them troubleshoot instruments or procedures and other duties as needed.
Employee completed 12 State approved continuing education classes in order to maintain their CLS license.
Employee, with the aid of evaluator, identifies goals for professional growth, and develops a plan to achieve these goals. (PLAN is evaluated by the employee’s evaluator)
COMPLIANCE:
Promotes the Hospital’s mission to deliver healthcare with a spirit of caring for the community at large in keeping with the theme of “Neighbors Who Care”.
Assumes personal responsibility to comply with all Federal, State and local laws governing business conduct; conducts business in an ethical and trustworthy manner; and displays the qualities and characteristics of a professional at all times when dealing with patients, visitors, physicians, volunteers and fellow employees.
AGE APPROPRIATE STANDARD
Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Possesses the ability to understand data reflective of the patient’s status in order to provide appropriate information and care relative to the patient’s age.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS :
1. Education: Work requires knowledge generally acquired through a Baccalaureate Degree in Medical Technology, Chemistry, Biology or equivalent.
2. Licensure: A California Clinical Laboratory Scientist License/ASCP required. Current BLS/Healthcare status as per American heart Association standards preferred.
3. Experience: At least one year of experience as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist is required. Experience must be within the last five years.
4. Essential Technical/Motor Skills: Finger and manual dexterity to manipulate slides, specimens, microscopes, etc. Ability to concentrate for long periods of time in the performance of tests. Knowledge of test procedures, equipment set up and operation of laboratory.
5. Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with patients, public, co-workers and medical staff required. Ability to maintain calm during periods of heavy workload. Leadership ability.
6. Essential Physical Requirements: See attached “Physical Requirements Sheet”
7. Essential Mental Abilities: Strong analytical aptitude and ability to apply theoretical knowledge to evaluate test procedures, equipment operation and troubleshooting, and result evaluations in determining that clinical laboratory tests accurately validate the patient’s diagnosis or condition.
8. Essential Sensory Requirements: Must be able to hear, see, verbally communicate, and have tactile sense.
9. Performance Improvement: Assumes active role in the department’s Continuous Performance Improvement Program. Develops, implements and assesses Continuous Performance Improvement efforts as assigned.
Salary Range: $64.50 - $80.74
Kindred Communications is boutique direct-hire placement headhunting firm with a focus on diversity and inclusion tech placement. We strive to diversify the workforce once placement at a time.