Clinical Lab Scientist II

West Tennessee Healthcare•Jackson, MS

About The Position

Responsible for performing and reporting assigned laboratory tests promptly, efficiently, and accurately in an assigned laboratory area. The role requires a Clinical Laboratory Science degree and certification by ASCP or equivalent as a Technologist. The position works under the direct supervision of the manager, supervisor, or coordinator responsible for the assigned shift. Incumbents are subject to overtime and call-back as designated by the hospital. The Clinical Lab Scientist performs routine and special tests, evaluates and reports results, maintains laboratory instruments and records, and takes corrective action when test performance or results are affected. The role also supports quality control, inventory and supplies, policy and procedure updates, instrument evaluation, and training of students and new personnel. Patient specimens are obtained as required. Staff assigned hazardous-waste handling will receive RCRA Hazardous Waste Management for Generators Certification. The role serves patients from neonates through geriatric age and contributes to the department’s work climate and team effort. The employee must obtain a Tennessee state license within six months of hire and maintain it through the continuing education required by the state, at no fewer than 12 CE hours annually.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from a NACCLS-approved program or equivalent.
MT/CLS (ASCP) certification or equivalent.
Obtain a Tennessee state license within six months of hire.
Maintain Tennessee licensure through state-required continuing education, with at least 12 CE hours annually.
Knowledge and ability to perform technical duties through education, training, and/or experience.
Knowledge of hospital and departmental policies and procedures, normally acquired through 3 months to one year of on-the-job training and orientation.
Communication and verbal skills to schedule procedures, report results, and obtain patient information from nursing personnel frequently and physicians and office staff occasionally.
Interpersonal skills to obtain patient specimens and perform special laboratory skills occasionally.
Ability to perform assigned duties within a work group and contribute to a positive work environment.
Knowledge of growth and development across the lifespan and ability to assess patient-status data and interpret information needed to address age-specific needs, for patients from neonate through geriatric age.
Ability to check work of technical personnel in the assigned area.

Responsibilities

Perform and determine the accuracy of routine and special laboratory tests in designated laboratory sections.
Evaluate and report test results according to test and section procedures.
Perform, calculate, analyze, interpret, and record valid results.
Identify issues that may affect test performance or results, take immediate corrective action, report issues to supervisors, and assist in resolving them.
Prepare reagents, quality control materials, and calibrators according to established criteria; evaluate quality-control results and take corrective action when indicated.
Operate, calibrate, perform checks on, and maintain clinical laboratory instruments and equipment.
Document preventive maintenance, troubleshoot assigned instruments, and take appropriate steps to resolve malfunctions.
Assist with evaluation of new instruments and development of maintenance protocols with supervisor and pathologist approval.
Assist with reviewing and writing assigned policies, procedures, and preventive-maintenance manuals, and keep them current.
Inventory, recommend and submit orders for, receive, and store supplies for the assigned area.
Instruct students and assist with orientation and evaluation of new personnel as assigned.
Obtain patient specimens for laboratory procedures.
Check the work of technical personnel in the assigned area, instruct MLT students and new personnel, and serve as lead technician in a designated section as needed.
Complete related responsibilities as required or directed.
Contribute to a positive work climate and the department’s overall team effort.