Clinical Lab Scientist II

West Tennessee Healthcare•Jackson, MS

13d

About The Position

The Clinical Lab Scientist II performs and reports assigned routine and special laboratory tests promptly, efficiently, and accurately in a designated laboratory area. The position works under the direct supervision of the manager, supervisor, or coordinator responsible for the assigned shift. The role requires a Clinical Laboratory Science degree and certification as a technologist through ASCP or an equivalent organization. Incumbents may be subject to overtime and call-back as designated by the hospital. The scientist evaluates, analyzes, interprets, records, and reports test results; identifies and addresses issues affecting test performance or results; prepares reagents, quality control materials, and calibrators; and operates, calibrates, checks, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instruments and equipment. The role also supports instrument evaluation, maintenance protocols, policies and procedures, supply management, student instruction, and new employee orientation. The scientist may obtain patient specimens and contributes to the department’s work climate and team effort. RCRA hazardous-waste management certification will be provided to staff assigned to handle specified hazardous waste. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from a NACCLS-approved program or equivalent, MT/CLS (ASCP) certification or equivalent, and a Tennessee state license within six months of hire. Tennessee licensure must be maintained through at least 12 continuing-education hours annually. The role involves communication with nursing personnel, physicians, office staff, and patients, and requires knowledge of patient needs across the lifespan, from neonates through geriatric patients. The scientist may check technical personnel’s work, instruct MLT students and new personnel, and serve as lead technician in a designated section as needed.

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 by completing at least 12 continuing-education hours annually.
Possess sufficient knowledge through education, training, and/or experience to perform technical duties.
Acquire knowledge of hospital and departmental policies and procedures through approximately three 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 from physicians and office staff occasionally.
Interpersonal skills to obtain specimens from patients and perform special laboratory skills on an occasional basis.
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 age-specific needs for patients from neonate through geriatric.
Ability to check the work of technical personnel in the assigned area.

Responsibilities

Perform and determine the accuracy of routine and special laboratory tests in designated sections.
Evaluate and report test results according to test or section procedures.
Perform, calculate, analyze, interpret, and record valid results.
Identify problems that may affect test performance or results, take immediate corrective action, report problems to supervisory personnel, 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 in evaluating new instruments and establishing maintenance protocols with supervisor and pathologist approval.
Assist in reviewing and writing assigned policies, procedures, and preventive-maintenance manuals and keep them current.
Inventory, recommend, order, 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.
Contribute to a positive work climate and the department’s overall team effort.
Perform related responsibilities as required or directed.
Check the work of technical personnel in the assigned area.
Instruct MLT students and new personnel.
Serve as lead technician in a designated section as needed.
Handle specified hazardous waste in the hazardous-waste drum collection area if assigned.