MLS/MLT, Laboratory

Heywood Hospital•Gardner, MA

1d•$29 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

The MLS/MLT is a generalist who rotates through all clinical laboratory areas and performs a wide range of laboratory procedures, using independent judgment and participating in evaluation of current procedures. The position works closely with supervisors and coworkers to complete patient testing, quality control, correlation studies, and special projects, and actively participates in specimen collection. The role supports accurate, timely laboratory testing and safe, high-quality patient care. It includes instrument maintenance and troubleshooting, quality-control evaluation, specimen assessment and collection, communication of urgent or relevant results, accurate computer records, and adherence to safety, regulatory, accreditation, and confidentiality requirements. The MLS/MLT may assist with supervisory duties, train and orient employees and students, and help develop testing protocols and educational materials. This is a 32-hour-per-week position on the day shift, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with rotating weekends. The listed pay range is $29.27–$37.54.

Requirements

For Medical Laboratory Technician: associate degree in science and completion of clinical training in an approved school of medical technology for MLTs, or equivalent.
For Medical Laboratory Scientist: bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or a major in chemical, physical, or biological science, plus clinical training in an approved school of medical technology or documented laboratory training of at least three months in each specialty where high-complexity testing is performed; alternatively, an associate degree in one of the listed fields or equivalent, the specified clinical or documented laboratory training, and registration as an MLS or MT through ASCP, AAB, HEW, or AMT.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
Basic computer knowledge.
Ability to operate photometer, spectrograph, colorimeter, and microscope correctly and safely.
Self-motivated, conscientious, responsible, and attuned to hospital operations, with a commitment to quality patient care.
Required behavioral attributes include achievement motivation, concern for order, flexibility, initiative, self-confidence, customer-service orientation, interpersonal effectiveness, teamwork, analytical thinking, and information seeking.
Physical ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, and a negligible amount constantly to move objects; frequently reach, handle objects, and distinguish colors; and occasionally use depth perception.

Nice To Haves

Medical Laboratory Technician applicants: registration by ASCP preferred.
Medical Laboratory Scientist applicants: registration through ASCP, AAB, HEW, or AMT preferred when not otherwise specified as a qualification route.
Additional languages preferred.

Responsibilities

Interact with patients, coworkers, and others in a friendly, courteous, and respectful manner; offer assistance and help connect people with appropriate support.
Protect privacy and confidentiality, maintain a clean and safe hospital environment, respond appropriately to emergencies, and report incidents in a timely manner.
Follow applicable regulations, accreditation and licensure requirements, attendance policies, mandatory training requirements, and safety procedures, including hand hygiene for employees with direct patient contact.
Identify patients and specimens appropriately before collection or analysis; evaluate specimen acceptability and take appropriate action for unacceptable specimens.
Perform scheduled preventative maintenance on analyzers, recognize and troubleshoot instrument errors or malfunctions, and notify the department supervisor as needed.
Perform and evaluate quality control, accept or reject values according to guidelines, troubleshoot unacceptable results, and take appropriate action when controls remain outside acceptable ranges.
Analyze patient and proficiency samples, prioritizing routine, urgent, and stat work to maintain efficient workflow.
Notify clinicians of abnormal results requiring immediate attention and communicate relevant patient information to healthcare professionals who need it.
Perform venipunctures and capillary punctures when necessary, assist with specimen collection, and educate patients and coworkers about correct collection procedures.
Maintain a safe, organized, and clean workstation and assist coworkers when needed.
Perform some or all supervisory duties for short periods when the supervisor is absent or unavailable, as assigned.
Maintain accurate records and pay close attention to detail when performing tasks and functions.
Develop and maintain knowledge through educational in-services or seminars, including knowledge of technological advances, disease processes, and regulatory matters; retain, apply, and teach this knowledge.
Enter and edit patient and specimen ordering information in the computer system to maintain accurate testing and billing records.
Orient and train new employees and students as assigned, participate in educational activities as an instructor, and assist with curriculum development when needed.
Explain and communicate the scientific principles of testing performed.
Coordinate development of new testing protocols when assigned, including necessary correlation studies, normal-range calculations, and policies and procedures to support test accuracy, precision, and validity.
Use department supplies and reagents cost-effectively and assist the supervisor with cost-benefit analyses for testing protocols.
Help maintain a safe environment of care, including keeping potentially harmful objects, spills, and trip hazards out of patient areas; make assistive devices available and follow applicable gait-belt and similar-device procedures.
Accommodate patient needs related to fall risk, hearing, pain management, and reduced endurance or strength, and follow procedures to protect children from abduction.