Lead Medical Technologist MLS

About the role

Performs laboratory testing, verifies results using knowledge of principles, QC, and instruments, and interprets results based on physiology. Recognizes and solves problems using skills and technical knowledge. Leads tech responsibilities including technical procedures, instrument operation, and QC management.

Responsibilities

• Operates computer equipment and software programs relative to performance of essential job functions and other laboratory related requirements.
• Maintains and monitors applicable QC program and records all required quality control results.
• Establishes QC Procedures and confidence limits.
• Maintains, calibrates, and repairs equipment with accurate records of services.
• Performs all duties and responsibilities as outlined in CLIA regulations.
• Develops, maintains, and monitors an inventory control and ordering system.
• Prepares reagents in prescribed manner.
• Participates in the evaluation of new procedures, equipment and methods.
• Responds immediately to instrument problems in the department with appropriate action.
• Key interface to vendor for technical problems.
• Collects blood specimens utilizing the appropriate technique with patients of all age groups.
• Accurately identifies patients prior to collection of specimens using two patient identifiers and accurately labeling in the presence of the patient as established by laboratory policy.
• Maintains required department confidentiality and abides by HIPPA regulations.
• Trains colleagues in section to follow established standard work practices.
• Makes sure to monitor/audit for compliance and instructs colleagues when non-compliance occurs.
• Provides competent patient care to the above indicated patient populations by obtaining and appropriately interpreting data, making appropriate decisions based on demonstrated knowledge of age-specific growth and development, and appropriately adapting procedures and treatments.
• Takes an active role in enhancing ability to carry out job functions through personal and professional/job-related growth and development and participates in medical center and/or departmental education programs.
• Communicates with and performs duties following the philosophy of MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center and the Sisters of Mercy reflecting the organization’s Mission, Values, and Culture Beliefs.
• Supports and abides by all medical center, departmental, and safety policies and procedures.
• Proactively identifies safety concerns surrounding the work environment.
• Performs other responsibilities as requested by supervisor, manager or department head.
• Develops and maintains the technical procedure manuals of the department.
• Performs annual procedure review.
• Ensures a document control system is in place and all are in compliance with regulatory and accrediting agencies.
• Manages and maintains the proficiency survey program in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Updates the lab computer system database and validates the system overlays.
• Serves as technical resource person for the Regional Lab Manager, Regional Lab Technical Consultant and Pathologist.
• Performs comparison studies on procedures based on precision, accuracy, linearity and cost comparison.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or chemical, physical or biological science degree is required or qualifies as an MT under the CLIA high complexity testing personnel qualifications. Educational transcript required for verification.
• Experience: Must have demonstrated competence as a tech for a minimum of four years, preferably at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center. Supervisory education and/or experience preferred.

Special Skills And Competencies

• MLS/MT (ASCP) registry required or completed within two years of hire.
• Membership and active participation in professional organization are desirable.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented individual able to work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with other hospital personnel, patients, vendors and service personnel.
• Ability to work on multiple projects at one time and flexibility to meet department needs.