Medical Laboratory Technician

Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation kphc•Santo Domingo Pueblo / Kewa, NM

3d•$0 - $26

About The Position

Under direct supervision, the Medical Laboratory Technician processes specimens for specific diagnostic tests, prepares specimens, media, and equipment, performs related administrative duties, and provides results to providers in a timely manner. The technician performs a wide variety of laboratory tests, including specialized tests using manual and/or automated methods in accordance with laboratory protocols. The position follows CLIA and OSHA requirements and applicable organizational policies, procedures, and laws. The technician greets and receives patients, performs point-of-care testing and blood draws, documents results in electronic health records, and communicates results to supervisory personnel and the ordering clinician according to established protocols. The role maintains quality assurance, equipment function, inventory, and safety and infection-control standards, and may assist with staff training and other laboratory duties. The position is full-time and reports to the Director of Outpatient Nursing. It is based in a clinic outpatient and/or field setting, with normal office conditions and possible exposure to infection, disoriented patients, and communicable diseases. Physical demands may include frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, twisting, talking, and hearing; handling objects up to 25 pounds; and standing or walking for more than four hours per day. The role involves deadlines, multitasking, and interaction with a variety of people on sometimes complicated issues.

Requirements

Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology and one year of work experience in a laboratory setting; or certification in phlebotomy and three years of work experience in a laboratory setting.
Skills in specimen collection, including patient preparation when applicable, labeling, handling, preservation or fixation, processing or preparation, transportation, and storage.
Skills in implementing standard laboratory procedures and performing test methods using laboratory instruments properly.
Skills in preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration related to each test performed.
Working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
Skills in implementing laboratory quality-control policies and procedures and assessing the validity of patient test results using quality-control sample values.
Working knowledge of hematology, coagulation, chemistry, immunology, urinalysis, microbiology, and rapid virology.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Familiarity with mandatory reporting requirements under the Indian Child Protection Act concerning suspected child abuse or neglect.
Maintain a current insurable driver’s license.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including handling objects up to 25 pounds and standing or walking for more than four hours per day.

Nice To Haves

Degree from an approved medical laboratory technician program.
Two years of experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician in a hospital or clinical laboratory setting.
Prior experience working with Indian Health Services, a Tribe, or a Tribal organization.
Bilingual skills in English and the Keres native language.

Responsibilities

Greet and receive patients in a timely, appropriate, patient-centered manner while following laboratory policies and patient-privacy protocols.
Follow routine provider order venues and maintain quality, safety, and infection-control standards.
Perform point-of-care laboratory tests, apply quality control, and document results in electronic health records.
Collect, prepare, label, handle, preserve, process, transport, and store specimens according to policies, procedures, and standards, including preparing patients when applicable.
Perform blood draws using age-appropriate collection methods and communicate the techniques used.
Identify and communicate patient test results by alerting supervisory personnel and the ordering licensed clinician according to protocols.
Maintain quality assurance through quality controls, routine equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, and monitoring quality-control measures.
Set up, calibrate, operate, clean, and maintain laboratory and test equipment; recognize malfunctions and implement corrections.
Prepare specimens and growth media for laboratory testing.
Communicate effectively with patients and their families.
Support a safe and secure environment by following established procedures and applicable legal requirements.
Participate in staff training, answer other professionals’ questions, and develop laboratory skills through educational opportunities and mandatory in-services.
Plan and carry out procedures, resolve problems, and correct errors using established decision criteria; ensure work is reviewed for accuracy before charting.
Maintain inventory to ensure adequate laboratory supplies and reagents.
Perform miscellaneous job-related functions within the laboratory as assigned.
Maintain a current insurable driver’s license and comply with organizational policies, procedures, and applicable laws.
Uphold confidentiality, patient care, professional and ethical standards, dependable conduct, and cultural awareness and sensitivity.