Medical Technologist -Laboratory

Shepherd Center•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

Shepherd Center’s Medical Technologist performs, interprets, and analyzes laboratory testing, including abnormal or atypical results, and supports clinical departments in a hands-on role. The position performs testing across Chemistry, Microbiology, Hematology, Coagulation, and Urinalysis, and conducts proficiency testing in all areas. It also processes specimens and reports results using appropriate tools and procedures to provide timely, accurate results. The Medical Technologist maintains and troubleshoots equipment and instrumentation, uses supplies appropriately, and performs quality control according to established procedures and intervals. The role requires recognizing and addressing specimen errors, communicating with staff about patient-care and testing needs, and following clinical, safety, regulatory, and organizational policies. The work takes place in a normal patient-care environment, with some potential exposure to blood, body fluids, and infectious viruses.

Requirements

Associate or bachelor's degree in Medical Technology from an accredited college or university; or an accepted equivalent educational pathway described in the posting, including specified academic study and medical technology training, or a qualifying bachelor's-level course of study in a chemical, physical, or biological science with at least one year of pertinent laboratory experience or training accepted by the Georgia Department of Community Health.
Certification from ASCP, AMT, NCA, AAB, or another agency approved by the Georgia Department of Community Health, or willingness to obtain certification within 18 months of hire.
At least 5 years of relevant hospital-based laboratory experience.
Basic computer skills.
Competence in the physical, chemical, microbiological, and morphologic examination of human blood and body fluids as tested in a hospital-based laboratory.
Competence using analyzers commonly found in clinical laboratories, and demonstrated competence in quality control, quality assurance, and troubleshooting assays and analyzers.
Ability to recognize sources of error in testing of human specimens, including errors related to collection, processing, preservation, transport, and storage.
Professional growth and willingness to seek opportunities to improve skills.
Effective, timely verbal, non-verbal, and written communication.
Ability to adapt willingly to changing work demands and environments.
Ability to complete required orientation, competency assessments, mandatory education, and annual competency assessments by established deadlines.
Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 15 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Phlebotomy experience is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

Perform testing in Chemistry, Microbiology, Hematology, Coagulation, and Urinalysis, including proficiency testing in all areas.
Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instrumentation, and ensure appropriate use of supplies.
Document and promptly act on specimens with defects, and identify, evaluate, and remediate common pre-analytic specimen errors.
Communicate and coordinate effectively with staff regarding specimen collection, add-on testing, and miscellaneous orders.
Process specimens and report results using appropriate tools and procedures to provide timely and accurate test results.
Prepare, stain, and interpret gram stains on raw clinical specimens, including superficial wounds, sputum, and positive blood cultures.
Perform quality control checks on equipment and analyzers used for patient testing according to established procedures and intervals.
Follow Shepherd Center standards, clinical policies, departmental procedures, and proper safety techniques.
Report employee, patient, or visitor injuries or accidents and other safety issues to the supervisor and through the occurrence notification system.
Participate in center-wide efforts that affect nursing practice and adhere to patient- and family-centered principles using communication and engagement tools (OARS/AIDECT).
Monitor and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies and procedures related to the area of responsibility.
Identify potential risk areas and support the problem-resolution process.
Complete orientation, initial competency assessment, mandatory education, and annual competency assessments by their required due dates.
Perform other duties as required, requested, or assigned.