Microbiology MLT/MLS

Western Missouri Medical Center•Warrensburg, MO

165d

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Laboratory Director, the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)/Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) performs diagnostic testing according to the physician orders that are authorized by the laboratory director and require a degree of skill commensurate with the individual's education, training, or experience and technical ability. Maintains laboratory equipment, performs quality assessments and organizes workload to facilitate completion of tests in the allotted time frame. Follows laboratory procedures and maintains laboratory accreditation standards. May assist in the guidance, training and orienting of lab employees and students as per the laboratory director's approval. MICROBIOLOGY SPECIFIC Technologists working in the microbiology laboratory are required to use specialized training to prepare and interpret bacterial cultures. They perform tasks related to the identification and susceptibility of clinically significant organisms, when isolated. Additionally, technologists in the microbiology laboratory are responsible for using appropriate techniques to perform molecular testing on multiple PCR platforms. They are responsible for performing all routine maintenance and quality control tasks required for each instrument. And, they maintain the sterility of the testing environment, performing periodic checks to prove the same. Experience preferred but will train an interested generalist or new graduate. This position works alone 25% of the time. And is responsible for maintaining the functionality of the department during independent shifts. This position is responsible for rotating holidays and covering every other weekend.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Registered MLT/MT/MLS with appropriate credentials from ASCP, AMT, ASMT or evidence of equivalent education, experience and proficiency. If new graduate, must complete certification within three (3) months of hire.
Ability to operate and interpret results from the available laboratory instrumentation.
Ability to relate medical knowledge to test situations.
Ability to communicate well with patients, medical staff, peers and all customers.
Must be able to assess patients throughout all stages of life from newborn to 105+ years of age regarding physical and psychological needs and limitations.
Be able to read, interpret and adhere to the laboratory's established policies and procedures concerning all areas of the laboratory.
Must be self-motivated and have the ability to work within the established policies, procedures and practices prescribed by the hospital/clinic.
Must be able to sit and stand, intermittent 8 to 10 hours a day.
Must be able to use standard office equipment, including the telephone and computer keyboard.
Continuously works under pressure of near 100% accuracy while meeting inflexible deadlines.
Continuously utilizes manual/bi-manual dexterity, near vision, speech, and hearing.
Frequently stands, walks, sits and utilizes eye/hand coordination and color definition.
Occasionally reaches above shoulder, regularly required to life and/or carry up to 40 lbs.
Occasionally walks on uneven surfaces.
Regular exposure to disease-carrying specimens, hazardous chemicals, electromechanical hazards, stressful workloads, deadlines to meet and interruptions to the routine.
Requires good manual dexterity and visual acuity (color-blindness must be noted).
Must have good mobility in order to move about equipment and to be able to lift and move moderate weights.
Must be able to maintain concentration over long periods of time.

Responsibilities

Provide positive leadership creating harmonious and effective working environment within the department.
Seek out opportunities presented in gaining knowledge which will foster development or acceptance of new concepts and ideas.
Accurately performs testing.
Handle routine troubleshooting and communicates necessary information to other shifts and interdepartmentally when appropriate.
Perform required QC according to the SOP, documents corrective action, and makes appropriate decisions regarding patient results.
Process proficiency samples in the normal flow of work in a section.
Document critical values, and releases results to outside parties according to policy and confidentiality guidelines.
Participate in annual departmental competency testing, as well as hospital required activities.
Maintain current certification with National Registry.
Attend and participate in in-service education programs and departmental meetings and demonstrates a willingness to keep current by attending workshops or reading literature.
Perform special assignments which may include training new employees or students.
Has a working knowledge of the computer and LIS system.
Interact positively and cooperatively with patients, visitors, physicians and employees ranging in age from birth to the most aged.
Support the Medical Center’s Mission/Vision/Philosophy positively.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Perform other essential duties as assigned.
Familiar with common bench testing used in preliminary and minimal ID schemes.
Basic knowledge of emerging antimicrobial resistance and the mechanisms responsible.
Willing to work with infectious organisms while maintaining the safety of self and others.
Working knowledge of the biochemical reactions consistent with and characteristic sensitivity profiles of clinically significant microorganisms.