Medical Laboratory Scientist-Microbiology, Laboratory, Blount, Full-Time, Days

Prisma Health•Maryville, TN

About The Position

Conducts or supports laboratory testing to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Ensures proficiency and accuracy in laboratory testing, follows established policies and procedures, and applies professional medical technology knowledge, including testing methodologies, quality assurance procedures, and the clinical significance of tests. Performs and reports waived, moderate, and high complexity laboratory procedures as assigned; handles specimens; monitors quality control, quality management, supplies, and instrumentation; and investigates or escalates technical problems. Complies with regulatory and accreditation standards, supports a safe and clean work environment, communicates critical values and other information to the healthcare team, and educates laboratory customers. This is a non-management position reporting to a supervisor, manager, director, or executive. The role is based at Blount Memorial Hospital in the Laboratory-General department and works the day shift.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemical, biological, clinical, or medical laboratory science, or medical technology, from an accredited institution, or an accepted alternative listed in the posting.
No experience required.
Current certification in one of the following: MT (ASCP), MLS (ASCP)cm, Categorical (ASCP), Categorical (ASCP)cm, MT (AMT), MLS (ASCPi), or Categorical (ASCPi).
A current State Licensure at the Medical Technologist level may be accepted.
State Medical Technologist license is required for team members working in Tennessee.
Certification must be current.
Ability to promote professional growth and development by meeting continuing education requirements, assessing training needs, and participating in annual continuing education programs.
Organizational skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks appropriately.
Computer skills.

Responsibilities

Perform and report assigned waived, moderate, and high complexity clinical laboratory procedures according to standard operating procedures.
Apply medical technology knowledge to testing, resolve problems, and escalate issues to the appropriate individual when needed.
Operate computerized laboratory data systems and applications, and review pending work using established protocols.
Collect, label, handle, and process specimens according to policy; verify patient, specimen, and result identification; and evaluate specimen integrity.
Monitor quality control and quality management, investigate unacceptable results or variances, notify the appropriate individual about unresolved issues, and perform lookbacks when required.
Monitor supply and reagent inventory, document receipt and opening of supplies, check expiration dates, and ensure adequate supplies are available.
Operate laboratory instrumentation; identify malfunctions and potential issues; troubleshoot and resolve technical problems; and document maintenance and operational checks.
Comply with applicable governmental and accrediting standards and perform competency assessments according to regulatory standards.
Assume responsibility for section operations in the absence of a supervisor or lead technologist.
Instruct students, new team members, laboratory support staff, and hospital personnel in procedures, techniques, and theory.
Maintain a safe and clean work environment and respond promptly to safety violations.
Recognize customer satisfaction issues and respond or escalate appropriately; support system and campus financial, customer service, and quality initiatives.
Complete team assignments, participate in work unit action plans, and support department goals and initiatives.
Communicate information, including critical values, to healthcare team members and complete required documentation.
Educate and support laboratory customers.
Meet continuing education requirements and participate in annual continuing education programs.
Perform other duties as assigned.