Medical Technologist

Carewell Health•East Orange, NJ

43d

About The Position

Implements the goals of the department by providing professional services, including performance of clinical laboratory examinations, quality control, instrument maintenance and evaluation, test management, supplies inventory and other functions necessary to the attainment of section goals.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree in Medical Technology or equivalent preferred; Associate degree acceptable if experience criteria are met (must meet NJ State Department of Health regulation for Technologist).
ASCP or equivalent preferred.
Subsequent to the receipt of an Associate degree, one (1) year of full time experience in an acceptable clinical laboratory; for individuals with a Bachelor's degree, satisfactory completion of one (1) year of clinical practicum, or one (1) year of full time experience in an acceptable clinical laboratory.
Medical Technologist - 2+ years' experience as a Medical Technologist preferred
Must be able to lift or carry objects which may weigh up to 25 pounds
Full range of body motion
Manual and finger dexterity with eye-hand coordination
Requires standing, bending and walking for extensive periods
Requires the use of computer terminals and telephones
Requires working irregular hours (evenings, nights, weekends)
Vision: must be able to pass approved tests for Color Blindness.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as in a hospital laboratory setting preferred.
New graduates welcome.

Responsibilities

Adheres to the laboratory's procedures for the collection, processing, analysis, and reporting of patient test results
Follows the laboratory's established quality control policies and procedures in documenting all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications
Capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance and either correct the problem or immediately notify your immediate supervisor, Director, or Medical Director
Performs a wide variety of laboratory procedures requiring independent judgment using both manual and automated methods in Hematology, Blood Bank, Chemistry, Urinalysis, Coagulation, Microbiology, Immunology, and any other discipline as introduced into the laboratory
Performs and documents maintenance - daily, weekly, monthly, or as needed on instruments and equipment as appropriate
Reviews the accuracy of patient results prior to releasing or reporting
Recognizes age specific differences in expected results for newborns to geriatrics
Ensures that the testing of proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient samples and that collaboration with other laboratories is prohibited prior to the reporting of proficiency testing results to the appropriate agencies
May be required to perform venipuncture or capillary puncture on various age groups from newborn to geriatrics
Assists in the development and maintenance of laboratory policies and procedures
Adheres to all department and hospital policies and procedures related to safety, infection control, emergency preparedness, and human resources
In the absence of a supervisor, may be assigned/identified as Lead Tech, having responsibility for the section or department during their shift
May be assigned responsibilities related to LIS and/or POCT
Explains procedures and lab tests to colleagues, newly hired staff, hospital personnel, students or volunteers taking into consideration language and educational level.
Participates in required amount of continuing education hours for self-development and skilled job performance. (CEU's based on requirements to maintain licensure)
Participates in online CME's offered by CAP
Observes memorandums accordingly.
Reviews all hospital and departmental policies and procedures annually.
Participates in staff meetings.
Ensures appropriate supplies are on hand and items are ordered in sufficient amount of time.
Ensures that all supplies are stored appropriately according to manufacturer's recommendation
Restocks work area with appropriate supplies
Identifies unserviceable equipment and reports to supervisor
Properly discards outdated material
Demonstrates proper procedure for rotating supplies
Ensures all reagents/QC material is annotated when opened
Uses proper PPE during laboratory testing
Uses proper technique for disposing of sharps, infectious and regulated medical waste
Disinfects and cleans work benches/areas before and after tour of duty according to protocol.
Uses proper technique for managing blood and chemical spills
Demonstrates proper hand washing technique
Describes procedures for managing a needle stick or blood borne pathogen exposure
Politely answers the telephone and transfers calls appropriately
Answers phone within 3 rings
Accurately takes messages and delivers to appropriate individuals promptly.
Ensures patient confidentiality at all times.
Accurately and professionally conveys patient results to inquiring authorized physicians and patient care representatives
Maintains professional composure and confidence during stressful situations.
Will access and respond to e-mail and voice messages in a timely manner.
Accepts or rejects specimens based on evaluation being aware that special criteria exist for irretrievable specimens.
Ensures proper specimen identification correct before accepting (i.e. account number, medical record number, date of birth, prefix, name)
Performs specimen rejection procedures according to protocol
Contacts clinic for problem specimens and annotates in specimen rejection book.
Follows through with problem specimens.
Describes unit safety plan and knows location of manual in the laboratory.
Understands the use/location of SDS books
Demonstrates ability to respond to codes
Identifies potential or actual unsafe environmental situations.
Provides interventions to rectify unsafe situations and/or reports as necessary.
Accurately documents endorsements to the covering technologist.
Acknowledges endorsements from the previous staff.
Follows through with colleagues and supervisor outstanding issues
Performs and documents daily quality control and maintenance
Notifies supervisor and/or pathologist of discrepancies and problem equipment
Describes the capabilities, limitations and special applications of each item of equipment.
Demonstrates basic operating and safety procedures for equipment items. .
Reports routine problems with equipment.
Identifies emergency procedures in the event of equipment failure.
Describes the process for reporting user errors and/or patient incidents
Maintains a complete record of all routine and emergency repairs and preventive maintenance on all equipment
Participates in Service Improvement projects
Follows The Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals.
Adheres to all Infection Control, Environment of Care and Safety procedures including but not limited to appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).