Clinical Laboratory Scientist PD Variable

AHMC Healthcare•Monterey Park, CA

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist assists with the operation of the hospital clinical laboratory and oversees and performs routine and STAT testing in Hematology, Chemistry, Blood Bank, and Microbiology. The role is responsible for accurate results and appropriate documentation of patient, quality control, and maintenance data, and consults with nursing and medical staff as needed. The CLS monitors section functions and helps develop and revise laboratory policies and procedures. The position performs testing and related quality, calibration, maintenance, documentation, instrument troubleshooting, and workflow tasks in accordance with laboratory policies and regulatory guidelines. It accommodates STAT orders, communicates critical results, supports coworkers and training, and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Current Clinical Laboratory Technologist license issued by the State of California Department of Health Services.
BLS (AHA) certification within 90 days of hire.
Proficiency in written and oral communication.
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, preferred.

Responsibilities

Verify patient name and medical record number before collecting specimens or performing tests; reject unsuitable specimens and document the reason.
Perform and document calibration, quality control, proficiency testing, and preventative maintenance to validate instruments and testing protocols.
Document instrument or reagent problems, actions taken, and corrective action; report instrument problems on the Action Taken form and contact or assist the manufacturer as needed.
Perform shift start-up and shut-down procedures and follow laboratory policies when performing tests.
Compare current results with previous results and address abnormal values, flags, and differences before verifying results; refer abnormal results to a pathologist or supervisor according to policy.
Monitor quality control, trends, and issues, and follow up on quality control problems with documented corrective action.
Ensure testing is timely, accommodate STAT orders, report STAT results within one hour or less, and monitor pending tests and turnaround time throughout the shift and at shift end.
Call critical results and document in the LIS who was called, when, and by whom.
Use the LIS to verify orders and receive samples accurately.
Provide age-appropriate care and instructions to pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients or their guardians.
Attend in-service programs, maintain required attendance hours, and provide verification; assist with training another employee when requested.
Help develop, maintain, and update laboratory policies, procedures, quality control procedures, and preventative maintenance manuals; review and sign applicable manuals and the communication log.
Maintain adequate supplies and communicate concerns and problems accurately and promptly to appropriate personnel; seek guidance as needed.
Dispose of hazardous materials properly and follow hospital and department procedures for HIV and HBV precautions and hazardous substances.
When acting as lead technologist, operate within budgetary guidelines and staffing needs.
Assist coworkers with daily tasks and special projects, complete assigned work and projects accurately and on time, and address work left from the previous shift to avoid delays in patient treatment.
Follow up on pending work and ensure specimens are located and problems resolved before the shift ends; place the signed PTR in the designated location.
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 for improving department policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.