Lab Scientist - Referrals

OU Health•Oklahoma City, OK

About The Position

Under close supervision, the Lab Scientist performs routine standardized clinical diagnostic tests in a clinical laboratory. The role may involve working with infectious agents and may be filled at levels 1–3, depending on education, experience, and license requirements. The position is in the Laboratory Outreach Department.

Requirements

Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), or a bachelor’s degree that includes 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, or 24 semester hours of science courses including six semester hours of chemistry, six semester hours of biology, and twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination.
Level 1: 0–3 years of experience in a clinical or other laboratory setting.
Level 2: 3–5 years of experience in a clinical or other laboratory setting.
Level 3: 5 or more years of experience in a clinical or other laboratory setting.
Level 2 and Level 3 require nationally recognized certification through one of the listed governing accreditations: ASCP, AMT, AABB, NASKL, ASCLS, HHS, ASHI, AAB, ABB, AMS, CRP, EBPH, Military, or NILA.
For Level 1, nationally recognized certification through one of the listed governing accreditations is preferred.
Skills to perform required laboratory testing; ability to work as part of a team and follow instructions.
Ability to report to work consistently and dependably as scheduled and maintain legible, accurate, organized records.
Ability to handle confidential information discreetly and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to multitask and remain calm in stressful situations.
Ability to understand operations, policies, and procedures; communicate and work professionally and cooperatively with coworkers and other caregivers.
Demonstrate initiative, effort, and commitment to setting priorities and completing assignments.
Core knowledge and understanding of normal laboratory processes.

Nice To Haves

For Level 1, nationally recognized certification through ASCP, AMT, AABB, NASKL, ASCLS, HHS, ASHI, AAB, ABB, AMS, CRP, EBPH, Military, or NILA.

Responsibilities

Perform waived and nonwaived laboratory patient testing promptly and reliably according to hospital and departmental policies.
Comply with hospital and laboratory safety policies and procedures, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
Participate in performance improvement activities and support regulatory and accreditation standards.
Participate in laboratory quality activities, including quality monitoring and auditing, occurrence and deviation documentation, and performance improvement.
Receive and sort specimens, assess their acceptability for testing, and distribute them to appropriate laboratories or laboratory sections.
Record patient, specimen, processing, quality control, test result, and referral information in the OUH laboratory informatics system.
Assess potential performance problems during testing and take appropriate action.
Prepare and appropriately label chemical solutions and reagents.
Perform quality control procedures according to authorized laboratory policy.
Operate, calibrate, and maintain instrumentation within training and established protocols; document instrument maintenance and function checks.
Take responsibility for professional development.
Notify appropriate clinical staff of critical values and document notifications in the electronic medical record.
Perform proficiency testing according to laboratory and regulatory requirements.
Participate in inventory management and complete annual competency assessments.
Perform other duties as assigned.