Medical Technologist - Hematology

BMC Software•Boston, MA

4d•$27 - $38

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Technical Supervisor, the Medical Technologist provides ancillary support for clinical activities by performing and appropriately interpreting moderate- and high-complexity clinical laboratory tests as defined under CLIA ’88. The role is based in the Hematology laboratory and requires accurate specimen handling, testing, result review and reporting, quality control, documentation, and compliance with laboratory policies and regulatory requirements. The technologist supports laboratory users, identifies and helps resolve technical and operational problems, communicates critical results and shift information, and assists other laboratory sections as needed. The position also includes participation in quality assurance and improvement, competency assessments, continuing education, staff and student teaching, safety practices, and maintaining an orderly and adequately stocked work area. Upon successful completion of training and competency, assignments are performed with minimal direction. The position is full-time, scheduled for 40 evening hours, with rotating weekends and holidays. Boston Medical Center describes itself as a large safety-net hospital and a primary teaching affiliate of Boston University School of Medicine, committed to accessible, excellent care and its Vision 2030 goal of making Boston the healthiest urban population in the world.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Medical Technology or Clinical Laboratory Science, including successful completion of a supervised clinical internship in an approved hospital laboratory; or a bachelor’s degree in an applied science such as Chemistry, Biology, or Biochemistry.
One to two years of experience working in a clinical laboratory setting.
Knowledge of clinical laboratory science and standards necessary to perform high-complexity testing under CLIA and accurately report results.
Analytical ability to perform highly complex CLIA ’88 testing, including interpreting findings, performing calculations, calibrating instruments, and reviewing highly complex testing performed by other employees.
Ability to maintain compliance with regulatory agency requirements, including those of JCAHO, CAP, FDA, and AABB.
Manual and visual dexterity to prepare specimens and solutions, screen specimens, and operate computer software systems.
English verbal and written communication skills sufficient to exchange information with physicians and interact with other technologists.
Ability to plan and prioritize work, adjust to variable workloads, and work with minimal direction after successful completion of training and competency.

Nice To Haves

Certification by ASCP, NCA, or an equivalent agency as a Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Technician, or in a specialty area.

Responsibilities

Perform moderate- and high-complexity clinical laboratory tests and interpret findings after specialized training and required experience.
Serve as a resource to laboratory users by interpreting tests within the limits of training and knowledge.
Review testing or procedures performed by other staff when qualified and as needed for regulatory compliance.
Prioritize STAT and routine samples and ensure accurate specimen identification, labeling, suitability, processing, storage, and testing within required time limits.
Obtain approval for testing that deviates from standard procedures and notify patient care units and document actions in the LIS as required.
Investigate and document mislabeled, unlabeled, or inappropriate specimens, and alert other laboratory sections to identification problems or special specimen requirements.
Accession required tests and perform aliquotting and specimen processing according to established procedures and time limits.
Perform instrument and equipment maintenance, recognize and document problems or discrepancies, and notify the appropriate supervisor or manager.
Communicate relevant equipment and technical issues to coworkers and include them in shift-change handoffs when management is absent.
Perform quality control procedures and assess quality control data according to section policies and procedures.
Perform analytic testing, assess the validity of results, interpret findings, perform calculations, calibrate instruments, and review highly complex testing as required.
Maintain clear, accurate, and legible records of test performance and related activities.
Review patient results, investigate discrepancies, perform additional testing when possible, document activities, and notify the Assistant Supervisor or Manager.
Accurately enter and transcribe results and information in the LIS, including critical alerts, corrected reports, cancellations, and required coded comments; verify entered codes when required.
Notify appropriate personnel of critical alert values, obtain required callbacks, and document critical alert communications in the LIS.
Maintain proficiency in designated LIS functions and document receipt, quality-control performance, and implementation of reagents, lots, and materials.
Maintain blood inventories according to procedure when applicable to Blood Bank work and within the technologist’s training and experience.
Complete work by the end of the shift or account for it during shift handoff.
Assist other laboratory sections as directed, including cross-training when required.
Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement activities and complete initial, semiannual, and annual competency documentation as applicable.
Document required continuing education and attend scientific, service-related, departmental, and staff education activities.
Support the education of medical technology students, pathology residents, new and existing staff, and others through teaching activities.
Participate in sectional or departmental committees and task forces as requested.
Communicate professionally, cooperate with laboratory staff, identify where assistance is needed, and provide assistance.
Report incidents, safety hazards, and accidents during the shift and complete mandatory safety education.
Protect patient and employee confidentiality and comply with HIPAA policies, including when using social media or speaking in public spaces.
Keep equipment and work areas neat, orderly, and stocked; restock the workstation, assess inventory, and notify management of supply needs.
Follow infection-control, laboratory safety, dress-code, and personal protective equipment requirements, including the laboratory’s no-cell-phone rule.
Plan and prioritize tasks, adapt to variable workloads, maintain communication with section leadership, and perform other duties as assigned.