Medical Lab Scientist

Job Code: LA3380

PRN Shifts

 

 ABOUT US

We are welcoming a new era in healthcare where achieving good health is just the beginning. At UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper, we believe in caring for the whole person by getting to know – and making connections with – our patients. By combining the talent and expertise of our people, the breadth of capabilities across our system, and our commitment to helping our communities get better and stay healthy, we are improving the patient experience.

As a UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper team member, you will have a voice in patient care decisions, support the most advanced medical technologies and feel a strong sense of satisfaction from making a difference in people’s lives every day.

 JOB TYPE 

Classification: Nonexempt

Supervises Positions: No

 

JOB SUMMARY Performs patient and Quality Control (QC) testing, develops skills and maintains competency in assigned laboratory areas.

Patient tests and Quality Control (QC) material tests are preformed and results reported in accordance with departmental policy. Error rate is consistent with established departmental standards. Critical values are reported and documented per medical laboratory policy. Clinical correlation of results with other known patient parameters is incorporated in result verification per department procedure. Workload is prioritized and managed to meet expected Turn-Around-Time (TAT). Competence is maintained, and new skills are added as technologies change.

Maintains proper inventories and correctly uses supplies and reagents.

Inventory needs are communicated in a timely manner.  Reagents are received, stored and quality is verified properly prior to use following departmental policies.  Reagents and supplies are utilized according to manufacturer &/or procedural instructions.  Disposal of reagents and supplies is in accordance with safety guidelines.

Monitors equipment performance, diagnoses malfunctions, and makes repairs or initiates service requests.

Routine instrument maintenance is performed and documented on a scheduled basis, consistent with departmental policy.  Instrument malfunctions are recognized and trouble-shooting procedures are initiated in a timely manner.  Manufacturer’s Technical Service is contacted for resolution as needed to maintain workflow and to schedule repairs.  Processes required for instrument re-entry into use are performed.

Ensures a smooth transition to the next shift.

Be present at your assigned workstation at your assigned time. Workstations are restocked with supplies to maintain a consistent workflow. Unresolved problems, including pending log, problems, critical values are communicated to the appropriate person(s).

Demonstrates knowledge of quality, safety and compliance programs.

Quality issues are reported to a supervisor in a timely manner.  Suggestions for Process Improvement are submitted for review on a routine basis.  Compliance guidelines are applied to all testing and reporting activities.  Laboratory operations are conducted to ensure a safe working environment at all times.

Investigates, documents and resolves routine problems or complaints.

Problems are resolved with proper consultation and follow-up documentation.  Customer complaints are handled professionally and in a timely manner.  Unresolved problems are communicated to the appropriate person(s).

ORGANIZATIONAL DUTIES: 

Communicates appropriately using good interpersonal skills.

Positive, professional demeanor is projected through verbal and non-verbal communications. Information for patients and staff is delivered in a manner that is supportive, timely and understandable. Interpersonal conflicts are resolved using appropriate methods and organizational resources, including but not limited to Employee Relations Services and Faculty Employee Assistance Program. Diverse perspectives are acknowledged; language and behaviors are modeled that build inclusiveness in the work environment. Ideas and suggestions are clearly communicated. Clarification of communication is requested when appropriate.

Serves, manages and supports internal and external customers. 

Privacy is maintained at all times for patient and employee information. Actions are initiated to meet or exceed customer/co-workers expectations in delivering service by implementing the I Make the Difference philosophy (Ownership begins with me; Greet customers by making eye contact and smiling; Provide positive, professional and prompt responses, e.g. helping visitors find their way; Close every interaction with – Is there anything else I can do for you?). Appropriate resources throughout the Organization are used consistently to meet customer needs. Relationships with staff in other work areas are fostered to meet internal and external customer needs. Positive working relationships with peers, management and customers are maintained at all times. Organizational Mission and Values of Accountability, Stewardship, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect and Excellence are evident in behaviors. 

 Participates in performance improvement activities.

Participation in Performance Improvement activities and initiatives is on-going. Initiative is demonstrated to proactively diagnose and resolve problems. Change is met with positive, supportive behavior.

 Participates as a team member and is accountable for own work responsibilities. 

Time off is scheduled to avoid disrupting workflow. Help is offered to others to solve problems and complete tasks to facilitate communication and positive team dynamics. Productive work habits are consistently displayed. Accountability for actions and decisions is demonstrated in daily work. Feedback is solicited and accepted in a positive manner.

Patient Care: Shows a commitment to provide the highest level of patient care.

Collects, labels, and prepares specimens for testing. Maintains required documentation for all lab procedures. Processes requisitions for testing. Prepares and distributes reports.

Safety: Adheres to all workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices.

Performs quality control testing to assure accuracy of patient testing. Performs equipment maintenance and troubleshooting. Practices safety policies to maintain a safe working environment. Performs all duties to satisfy regulations in preparation for inspections.

Teamwork: Cooperates within a team to achieve goals and deliverables.

Provides information and consultation to requestors. Recognizes interdependencies with other areas and supports other staff as needed. Shares and initiates regular and professional communication with co-workers. Participates in regular staff meetings.

Technical Competence: Uses knowledge that is acquired through training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job.

Performs competency and proficiency testing to assure maintenance of skills. Completes educational activities to continually improve skills and assists consultants. Participates in improvement of methods and processes.

The incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned.

 QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree - from an accredited college or university in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or chemical, physical or biological science or equivalent. Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Science program.

OR

Bachelor’s Degree to include 35 semester hours comprised of Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Math AND 1 year fulltime experience in Blood Bank, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Hematology.

OR

Bachelor’s Degree to include 30 semester hours in Biology and Chemistry AND 1 year fulltime experience in categorical exam area

Experience:

1 year of experience preferred not required Technologist/Scientist  Cert from ASCP or AMT-MT Required 

Licensure:

(BB, C, H, MT/MLS, M, MB) Required

Additional Skills/Requirements Required:

New graduates must obtain certification within 12months of hire. Failure to do so may result in termination of employment. All individuals who are newly certified ASCP beginning January 1, 2004 must participate and maintain ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) through the Certification Maintenance Program (CMP). All individuals who are newly certified AMT beginning January 1, 2006 must participate and maintain AMT Certification Continuation Program (CCP). Knowledge of current medical terminology to perform full range of laboratory tests. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and testing to perform quality control checks and troubleshooting of instrumentation. Knowledge of medical terminology to communicate with medical staff regarding laboratory procedures and results. Skill in performing a full range of laboratory tests. Skill in anticipating and reacting calmly to emergency situations. Skill in developing and maintaining department quality assurance. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, hospital staff and the public. Ability to read and understand information about instrumentation in laboratory field. Ability to follow written protocols. Ability to work independently. Ability to communicate clearly. 

Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred: 

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Demand Code: Code, Title

Work Function/Activity:  

OTHER

May require the use of safety equipment, such as HEPA mask, for infection prevention: Yes On call responsibilities as directed: Yes Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed: Yes