Microbiology Technologist

HCA Healthcare•Overland Park, KS

About The Position

The Microbiology Technologist performs stat and routine microbiology, serology, and infectious disease testing under the guidance of a laboratory supervisor, manager, or director. The role includes specimen processing, testing, and quality control, with responsibility for compliance with department policies, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards. The technologist applies knowledge of laboratory medicine, independent judgment, and problem-solving skills to deliver timely and accurate results and support the laboratory’s service, quality, regulatory compliance, financial performance, patient satisfaction, and workplace objectives. HCA Healthcare Laboratory Services provides clinical laboratory and anatomic pathology services to hospitals, physicians, and other clients. Its infrastructure includes a core laboratory, histology and microbiology operations, and hospital-based rapid-response laboratories. The position may also perform duties of a Complex Specimen Processor and other department duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Medical Technology, Biomedical Science, Biology, or Chemistry, unless the stated CLIA grandfathering provision applies.
National certification as a Medical Technologist; AMT or ASCP certification is acceptable. Non-certified individuals must obtain certification within one year of hire.
State license where required: CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MT, NV, NY, ND, RI, TN, or WV.
Thorough knowledge of laboratory methods and best practices.
Expertise in microbiology, serology, and infectious disease processes, including the ability to correlate disease states and results.
Understanding of laboratory accreditation and regulatory compliance requirements.
General knowledge of laboratory billing guidelines and procedures.
Strong written and verbal communication, teamwork, organizational, training, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to assimilate and analyze information, recommend actions, prioritize tasks, plan and execute work, and understand broader work implications.
Proficiency with relevant information-system functions and Microsoft Office Word.
Ability to manage stress and multiple priorities, make sound decisions under pressure, maintain accuracy, and work independently with initiative.
Professionalism, empathy, attention to detail, and focus.

Nice To Haves

Specialist in Microbiology (SM) certification.

Responsibilities

Perform specimen processing and stat and routine microbiology, serology, and infectious disease testing.
Follow timely, compliant specimen processing and testing protocols.
Prepare and examine specimens using microscopy techniques; culture and identify microorganisms from clinical samples; and perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Conduct preventive maintenance, operate laboratory equipment correctly, and troubleshoot basic malfunctions.
Apply laboratory medicine principles and independent judgment to ensure accurate results and proper equipment function; investigate issues and take corrective action.
Follow quality control and quality assurance policies, complete required documentation, analyze proficiency testing samples, and take corrective action when results fall outside acceptable guidelines.
Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives, accreditation inspections, and reviews or modifications of department policies and procedures.
Support departmental objectives related to service, quality, regulatory compliance, and patient satisfaction; participate in department projects and perform other assigned duties.
Serve as a resource to peers and customers; assist with personnel orientation, training, and competency documentation.
Receive, process, store, retrieve, and submit specimens for referral testing; perform duties of a Complex Specimen Processor as required.
Complete patient-result records accurately; perform stat procedures within turnaround time targets; review pending and result logs and address outstanding workload or communicate needs to staff relief.
Monitor reagent and supply inventories and use supplies appropriately.
Handle problem or critical specimens and results according to procedure; promptly communicate emergency or critical values to physicians or nurses by telephone.
Follow safety policies and procedures and protect confidential patient information in accordance with security policies and standards.
Complete assigned annual courses and training.
Be available to work during disasters to support essential laboratory functions.

Benefits

Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health, and telemedicine coverage.
Free counseling and referral services.
Paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage, and leaves of absence.
401(k) plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay, based on years of service.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan and flexible spending accounts.
Tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships, and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing.
Fertility and family-building benefits and adoption assistance.
Life insurance and supplemental health protection plans.
Preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support, and financial wellbeing counseling.
Auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection, and consumer discounts.