Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, HMC Transfusion Services Laboratory

University of Washington Medical Center • Seattle, WA

4d • $38 - $57 • Onsite

About The Position

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1 with the Transfusion Services Laboratory at Harborview Medical Center (HMC). HMC is the only designated Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma and burn center in Washington state. Our Transfusion Services Laboratory (TSL) responds immediately to devastating situations in which blood components are needed for patients in the ER and OR. Our lab is unique in that we respond to traumas and massive bleeds around the hospital with a refrigerator of blood components. In terms of clinical testing, we perform tube and automated type and screens, crossmatching, basic antibody identification, transfusion reaction workups and elutions. We also provide blood components for five different ambulance supervisors and eight helicopter/fixed wing Airlift Northwest bases. Additionally, TSL is heavily involved with clinical trials, primarily focused on whole blood versus component therapy in adults and pediatric patients. The MLS Trainee/1 performs clinical laboratory testing used in the screening, diagnosing, and treating of pathological conditions. Testing is performed at a professional level and may include all facets of pretransfusion testing using both automated and manual methods, routine and complex antibody identification, component preparation, unit confirmation testing, shipping and receiving units and tissue, sample processing, information processing, and quality control. Additionally, the MLS Trainee/1 may respond to trauma codes and the delivery and facilitation of blood products to the bedside. This role also trains students and new employees in the performance of such testing. Finally, the MLS Trainee/1 may participate in special projects as needed. If you are hired as an MLS Trainee, you will be assigned the technologist security level. Upon successful completion of training and competency, you will perform testing independently.

Requirements

• Accredited bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science OR equivalent education/experience AND Eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Scientist or categorical certification examination from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) within 18 months from date of hire. Failure to attain the certification within 18 months of date of hire may result in a recommendation for termination.
• Current Medical Laboratory Scientist certification with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent certifying organization OR certification with specialty organization appropriate to the laboratory division AND One (1) year of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee. Up to one (1) year of on-the-job experience performing clinical testing in a Medical Laboratory Science Program externship may count toward the experience requirement.

Nice To Haves

• Two (2) years’ experience in all aspects of pretransfusion testing in an acute care environment.
• Automation experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform analysis of blood and blood products with accuracy and precision in the transfusion service laboratories.
• Follow current established procedures and guidelines for performing and documenting tests.
• Complete routine tasks without direct supervision.
• Work with attention to detail and with critical review to avoid errors.
• Use job knowledge to make critical judgments regarding the acceptability of test results and donor compatibility for transfusion.
• Investigate and solve problems involving specimen collection or handling; follow procedures for reporting and documenting to assure quality and timeliness of patient results.
• Take appropriate action on critical, abnormal or unusual results.
• Follow hospital procedures for communication of critical results to the appropriate health care provider.
• Complete patient and quality control procedures within defined time limits.
• Simultaneously coordinate multiple procedures with accuracy.
• Prioritize workload in response to STAT requests.
• Meet test completion deadlines through efficient workload organization.
• Use work time appropriately.
• Work as a team member - show initiative and cooperation to maintain workflow.
• Communicate between team members to facilitate optimal patient care.
• Maintain awareness of needs within the lab, such as heavy workload on benches or special projects to be completed and assist in the completion of those tasks.
• Display flexibility in adapting to new routines and modifications of work assignments and schedule.
• Share responsibility for emergency coverage, overtime, on-call and call-back needs of the laboratory.
• Maintain a neat, clean and efficient work area including cleaning benches and equipment and replenishing supplies.
• Maintain awareness of supply stock and inform lead technologist before supplies are depleted.
• Perform and document daily quality control.
• Analyze QC data and make judgments concerning results.
• Institute and document corrective action when QC results exceed tolerance limits.
• Verify acceptability of QC prior to reporting any patient values.
• Follow maintenance protocols for all instruments and document appropriately.
• Monitor QA indicators on instruments and institute corrective action as needed.
• Document other laboratory or specimen issues and problems appropriately.
• Understand principles of operation for a variety of laboratory equipment, including equipment requiring interpretative knowledge such as multi-parameter cell counters and automated coagulation analyzers.
• Maintain basic troubleshooting skills on all instruments. Appropriately document problems and notify lead technologist and/or request assistance for instrument issues.
• Exhibit working knowledge of laboratory information system software.
• Effectively teach and train Medical Laboratory Science students, new employees or others in theory and performance of laboratory testing.
• Complete necessary paperwork and training documents during daily interactions with students.
• Review training documents to ensure students make satisfactory progress towards completion of teaching requirements.
• Provide feedback on students.
• Complete necessary paperwork and training documents during daily interactions with trainees.
• Review training documents to ensure trainees make satisfactory progress towards completion of training requirements.
• Provide adequate supervision of trainees when assigned.
• Verify performance of trainees prior to allowing trainees to report results.
• Provide feedback on trainees’ performance as required.
• Represent the department professionally when interacting with other members of the healthcare team, including other divisions of the laboratory.
• Demonstrate good communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Communicate clearly, directly and on a timely basis appropriate information to customers and co-workers, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain neat, legible and organized written work documents with appropriate dates and initials.
• Maintain competency and keep job knowledge current.
• Attend in services and continuing education opportunities as available.
• Exercise knowledge of laboratory safety and proper precautions when dealing with biohazardous, radioactive, corrosive, explosive and/or flammable materials.
• Always practice "Universal Precautions."
• Report hazards and unsafe practices to supervisor.
• Keep abreast of safety procedures including fire plan, disaster drills, evacuation routes, etc.
• Know location of safety information and supplies and be able to access in response to queries or emergency situations.
• Participate in laboratory disaster preparedness drills.
• Perform accurate analysis on CAP and other proficiency testing materials.
• Make and verify quality of reagents.
• Assist in development and/or evaluation of new procedures and instruments as assigned.
• Perform special projects and related duties as assigned.
• May be required to prepare and process samples for transport and/or testing or respond to trauma codes or deliver blood to the bedside.

Benefits

• Vacation time and sick time off that accrue monthly, including 12 paid holidays.
• State Employee Tuition Exemption Program covering up to 6 credits of qualifying coursework per quarter at the University of Washington or other participating colleges or universities.
• Fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS) that covers multiple forms of public transportation in the region.
• Excellent healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.
• Lots of free fantastic fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes offered through the Whole U.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level