Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Job Summary

About the role

Performs highly complex diagnostic procedures on clinical samples.

Responsibilities

• Obtains blood samples using appropriate venipuncture and/or capillary puncture techniques and instructs others in the proper collection of samples
• Obtains throat and nasopharyngeal samples
• Collects samples for urine drug testing
• Complies with Department of Transportation guidelines
• Performs Breath Alcohol Testing in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines
• Maintains daily operations of the Laboratory/department to include, but not limited to strict adherence to testing protocols and other policies for specimen processing and storage, performing test procedures, correlating with interpreting data, and reporting test results for all areas of the clinical laboratory, calibration, operation and maintenance of equipment and instruments according to manufacturer and Livingston HealthCare established procedures
• Maintains adequate working inventory
• Complies with Quality Control and Proficiency Testing requirements
• Actively participates in continuing education and in service training programs for licensure
• Maintains and demonstrates competency in all organizational, departmental and outside agency standards as it relates to the environment, employee, patient safety or job performance
• Displays professional attributes including but not limited to the need for accuracy in analytical work and reporting, punctuality, professional demeanor and presentation; cooperation with peers, other healthcare workers and patients
• Displays sound reasoning and decision-making skills; is levelheaded and calm in emergencies and under stress
• Must be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the problems or notify the department lead, Laboratory Manager, Technical Supervisor, Clinical Consultant or Laboratory Director
• Follows the laboratory’s established corrective action policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within laboratory’s established acceptable levels of performance and appropriately documents any corrective action
• Adjusts to workflow variations while maintaining accuracy and efficiency and in meeting acceptable turnaround times
• Performs other duties as assigned or needed to meet the needs of the department/organization
• Understands Clinical Laboratory Technician role and is able to provide technical guidance
• Participates in the maintenance of a clean and safe environment
• Participates in Performance Improvement, Quality Assurance, and Risk Management
• Adheres to National Patient Safety Goals and standards of care
• Accepts accountability for own actions

Qualifications

• Must have graduated from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree with at least 36 semester or 54 quarter hours in the physical and biological sciences
• Must have passed a generalist examination by a national certifying body for clinical laboratory scientist
• A current license or eligibility for license from the Montana State Board of Clinical Laboratory Practitioners
• Must be able to work a variety of shifts, weekend rotations, and take call

Additional Qualifications

• Must be able to work in teams as well as independently and without direct supervision
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Must be professional in appearance, tactful, patient, pleasant, and customer focused
• Must be able to organize work and meet deadlines
• Must have sufficient vision to obtain accurate readings and complete client forms accurately, as in reading charts, graphs, instrument scales, monitors/computer screens, digital readings nd printouts, using microscopes, recording results
• Must have hearing sufficient to respond to emergency and instrumentation signals and sounds
• Possess motor and sensory skills and coordination sufficient to handle and adjust instruments with safety and accuracy, to obtain specimens, manipulate tools, instruments and equipment; to prepare reagent fluids; and to perform emergency techniques