Clinical Laboratory Scientist
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 accurate results and appropriate documentation of patient, quality-control, and maintenance data; consults with nursing and medical staff as needed; monitors section functions; and helps develop and revise laboratory policies and procedures. The role performs testing and related quality-control, calibration, instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, documentation, and workflow duties. The CLS supports timely and accurate reporting, follows laboratory policies and regulatory guidelines, maintains supplies and records, and may assist with employee training and lead-technologist functions.
Requirements
- Valid and 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.
- Proficiency in written and oral communication.
- Good manual dexterity.
- Ability to work well under supervision and under stress.
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 a specimen or performing a test; reject unsuitable specimens and document the reason.
- Perform and document calibration, quality control, proficiency testing, and preventive maintenance to validate instruments and testing protocols.
- Report instrument problems and document actions taken to resolve instrument or reagent problems; contact manufacturers when needed to resolve or help resolve instrument problems.
- Perform instrument startup and shutdown procedures and follow laboratory policies when conducting tests.
- Compare current results with previous results before verification, investigate differences, and respond to abnormal values or flags according to laboratory policy.
- Monitor quality-control trends and issues, follow up on problems, institute corrective action, and document actions taken.
- Ensure testing is completed promptly, accommodate STAT orders, and report STAT results within one hour or less.
- Provide age- and understanding-appropriate care and instructions to pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients or their guardians.
- Attend and document required in-service programs; assist with training another employee when requested.
- Help develop and maintain laboratory policies and procedures; review and sign applicable manuals annually and regularly review and sign the communication log.
- Use the LIS to verify orders and receive samples accurately, and document critical-result calls in the LIS, including who was called, the time, and who called.
- Dispose of hazardous materials in the proper containers and follow precautions for HIV and HBV transmission and the handling and use of hazardous substances.
- Maintain adequate supplies and communicate concerns and problems accurately and promptly to appropriate personnel; seek guidance when needed.
- Respond to scheduling changes related to admissions, STATs, emergency department, outpatient, and timed testing needs.
- Batch testing when possible to reduce costs and operate within budget and staffing guidelines when functioning as lead technologist.
- Assist coworkers with daily tasks and special projects; complete assigned work and special projects accurately and within established time frames.
- Complete work left from the previous shift, locate specimens, resolve problems, monitor pending work and turnaround time, and ensure assigned work is completed before the end of the shift.
- Ensure time is available to update and maintain policy and procedure, quality-control, and preventive-maintenance manuals; document changes and write revised procedures or policies.
- 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 improvements to the supervisor.
- Ensure all shifts comply with laboratory policies and regulatory agency guidelines.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
