Medical Laboratory Scientist

The Medical Laboratory Scientist works under the supervision of leadership to perform testing in Blood Bank, Chemistry, Coagulation, Hematology and Urinalysis. The MLS uses critical thinking to evaluate results, enters test results into the laboratory computer, performs QC, instrument maintenance and trouble-shooting, monitor the work of Laboratory Technicians, answer the telephones and tube system, collect blood specimens if needed and keep work area cleaned and stocked. Delivers excellent customer service to patients, visitors, caregivers of other departments, and each other.

• Perform laboratory tests, quality control testing and monitors QC.
• Adheres to laboratory standard operating procedures and policies.
• Perform laboratory computer operations to request laboratory tests; access patient results and enter patient results. Process patient workload accurately and efficiently. Sends specimens to reference lab as needed for testing.
• Perform instrument trouble-shooting and preventative maintenance on instruments and equipment according to established schedules and procedures.
• Complete competency testing as given by Laboratory Management.
• Utilizes critical thinking to recognize and resolve problems, documents corrective actions and communicates with team.
• Answers telephones and tube system, directs calls, test requests, gives phone reports, fax reports as needed and provides excellent customer service. Communicates effectively with providers and caregivers while maintaining patient and staff confidentiality.
• Backup for phlebotomy if needed. Assist in bone marrow, ACT, etc. (St. Joseph Specific)
• Phlebotomy; collecting blood specimens by venipuncture and capillary puncture, and transporting them to the lab. Arterial Blood Gas sample collection. (Albany and Maryville specific)
• Inventory and order supplies, stock and maintain work areas, including keeping areas clean and organized.
• Participates in inter- and intra-departmental meetings and continuing educational opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned

Education

• Bachelor's Degree - Four-year college science degree, and/or including training in an approved clinical laboratory training program. - Required

Work Experience

• No previous experience required. - Required
• 8-10 week in-house orientation and training period. - Required

Licenses and Certifications

• Medical Technologist (MT) - MT(ASCP) MT(AMT) - Required Upon Hire Or
• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) - MLS (ASCP) - Required Upon Hire or if new graduate - Required within 90 days of hire
• Basic Life Support (BLS) - (Albany and Maryville Specific) - Required within 90 Days
• CPI: Nonviolent Crisis Intervention - (Albany and Maryville Specific) - Required within 90 Days

Travel Requirements

• Must be able to travel between various system facilities and off-site locations as needed. - Required

Essential Technical/Motor Skills

• Ability to input data into the computer.
• Ability to answer the telephone and speak clearly.
• Precise hand/eye coordination.
• Ability to calibrate and maintain equipment.

Interpersonal Skills

• Effective communication skills and ability to interact with patients, staff, visitors, physicians, etc. Must work well as a team member.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Ability to move between the lab and patient rooms and around work area.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time while running tests and working on instruments.
• Ability to stand and/or stoop for 2-4 minutes while drawing blood.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and lift 20 - 30 pounds.

Essential Mental Abilities

• Ability to follow protocol for specimen collection and test procedures.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate test and quality control results.
• Ability to manipulate and analyze numbers.

Essential Sensory Requirements

• Ability to see and to feel.
• Ability to distinguish colors.

Exposure to Hazards

• Infectious body fluids, hazardous chemicals and fumes, and the possibility of needle-stick.

Other Skills and Abilities