Clinical Laboratory Scientist PD Variable

AHMC Healthcare•Monterey Park, CA

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist assists in operating the hospital clinical laboratory by overseeing and performing routine and STAT testing in Hematology, Chemistry, Blood Bank, and Microbiology. The CLS is responsible for result accuracy and appropriate documentation of patient, quality control, and maintenance data. The role consults with nursing and medical staff as needed, monitors section functions, and assists with developing and revising policies and procedures.

Requirements

A valid, current Clinical Laboratory Technologist license issued by the State of California Department of Health Services.
BCLS card from the American Heart Association within 90 days of hire.
Ability to converse well in English because of contact with physicians, nurses, and patients.
Good manual dexterity.
Ability to work well under supervision and in stressful situations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Verify patient name and medical record number before collecting specimens or performing tests; reject unsuitable specimens and document the reasons.
Perform and document calibration, quality control, and preventive maintenance procedures to validate instrument and testing accuracy and precision.
Report instrument problems and document actions taken to resolve instrument or reagent issues.
Perform shift start-up and shutdown procedures and follow laboratory policies when operating instruments and performing tests.
Compare current test results with previous results and resolve or verify differences before verifying results.
Respond to abnormal values and instrument flags according to laboratory policy; refer abnormal results to a pathologist or supervisor as required.
Perform proficiency testing within department guidelines and monitor quality control, trends, and related issues.
Complete testing in a timely manner, accommodate STAT orders, and report STAT results within one hour or less.
Provide age-appropriate care and instructions to pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients or their guardians.
Attend in-service programs, maintain required in-service hours, and provide verification of attendance.
Assist with training another employee when requested.
Perform daily, weekly, and monthly preventive maintenance on instruments.
Help develop and maintain laboratory policies and procedures; review and sign applicable manuals annually and communication logs regularly.
Use the laboratory information system to verify orders and receive specimens accurately, and document critical-result calls in the LIS.
Dispose of hazardous materials in designated containers and follow hospital and department precautions for HIV, HBV, and hazardous substances.
Maintain adequate supplies and communicate concerns or problems to appropriate personnel in a timely manner.
Seek guidance as needed and respond to schedule changes related to admissions, STAT, emergency, outpatient, and timed testing.
Batch testing when possible to reduce testing costs.
Operate within budgetary guidelines and staffing needs when functioning as lead technologist.
Assist coworkers with daily tasks and special projects, and complete assigned work accurately and within established time frames.
Complete work carried over from the previous shift within a reasonable time, locate specimens, resolve problems, and check pending work throughout and at the end of the shift.
Ensure adequate time is available to update policies, procedures, quality control procedures, and preventive maintenance manuals.
Return promptly from errands and breaks, and inform the immediate supervisor if a rest or meal period is missed.
Perform duties independently with little or no direct supervision and report suggestions or recommendations about department policies and procedures to the supervisor.
Follow up on quality control, instrument, and reagent problems; institute corrective action and document actions taken.
Communicate with instrument manufacturers to resolve problems or assist with resolution.
Ensure all shifts comply with laboratory policies and regulatory agency guidelines, and document and write revised procedures or policies when changes are made.
Perform other duties as assigned.