Medical Laboratory Scientist -PRN
Houston Methodist•Pearland, TX
•Onsite
About The Position
At Houston Methodist, the Medical Laboratory Scientist performs routine and complex analyses, applying knowledge of laboratory techniques, principles, equipment, and their interrelationships. The role uses critical thinking and sound judgment to resolve issues in the laboratory’s day-to-day technical operations. The Medical Laboratory Scientist also ensures specimens are accessioned and processed promptly to deliver quality laboratory results effectively and cost-efficiently. This position is PRN and is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday 12-hour shifts, 6:30 AM–7:00 PM. Employees may be required to be on call during emergencies, including disasters and severe weather events. Travel may be required within and outside the Houston metropolitan area.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Must meet certification eligibility upon entry and obtain one of the specified certifications within 18 months: ASCP Board of Certification Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, or categorical certification; AMT Medical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, or Molecular Diagnostics Technologist; or NCA Clinical Laboratory Scientist.
- For HLA work, one of the following is required: MT(ASCP) or MLS(ASCP) certification, or ABHI certification.
- For microbiology work, one of the following is required: MT(ASCP) or MLS(ASCP) certification, M(ASCP) certification, or an American Society for Microbiology clinical microbiology registry, RM(AAM).
- Ability to demonstrate the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job through ongoing assessments and performance evaluations.
- English speaking, reading, and writing proficiency sufficient to perform the essential functions, particularly those affecting patient or employee safety or security.
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, physicians, family members, and coworkers in a customer-service-focused manner using positive language.
- Ability to adapt to multiple priorities, organize a heavy workflow with minimal supervision, and maintain strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes, and take corrective action.
- Basic computer knowledge and ability to operate hospital and laboratory information systems and office software to maintain patient and testing records and related documents.
- Ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision and recognize changes critical to patient care.
Nice To Haves
- One year of work or training experience in a hospital laboratory is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Perform qualitative and quantitative tests and examinations using analyzers and/or manual methods.
- Organize workload and set priorities, meet management-defined turnaround time expectations, and use available work time to assist others and complete additional tasks.
- Demonstrate the six elements of competency for test systems used to generate patient results in assigned areas.
- Recognize, investigate, and help resolve test discrepancies; take appropriate action and notify management and the medical director when problems arise.
- Perform instrument calibrations, validations, quality control testing, maintenance, and function checks.
- Promote a positive, team-focused work environment and collaborate with the patient care team by communicating and reporting pertinent patient-care information.
- Teach students, new employees, and others as assigned by the Manager.
- Participate in laboratory and organization-wide initiatives.
- Adjust work schedule to accommodate departmental and organizational needs and appropriately use the time-recording system.
- Use resources efficiently and restock section inventory as needed.
- Seek opportunities for continued learning, review and follow Standard Operating Procedures, and offer suggestions for improvement.
