Medical Laboratory Scientist, 3rd shift

Come lead with us at Houston Methodist West Hospital.

About the role

The Medical Laboratory Scientist performs both routine and complex analyses, requiring knowledge of laboratory techniques, principles, and equipment and their interrelationship. This position exercises good judgment using critical thinking skills and resolves issues concerning the day-to-day technical operation of the laboratory. The Medical Laboratory Scientist ensures specimens are accessioned and processed expeditiously to deliver quality laboratory results in an effective and cost-efficient manner.

Schedule

10:00 PM – 6:30 AM

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• One year of work or training experience in a hospital laboratory preferred

Licenses and Certifications

Must meet certification eligibility upon entry into this role and obtain one of the following required certifications within 18 months:

• Certified as a Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, or categorical certification by Board of Certification (ASCP)
• Certified as a Medical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, or Molecular Diagnostics Technologist by American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• Certified as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist by National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)

For HLA specialization, one of the following is required:

• Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification
• Certified by American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ABHI)

For Microbiology specialization, one of the following is required:

• Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification
• Microbiology, M(ASCP) certification
• Clinical microbiology registry from American Society for Microbiology, RM(AAM)

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language to perform essential job functions, especially activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Effectively communicates with patients, physicians, family members, and co-workers in a customer-service-focused manner using positive language principles
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities, including organizing heavy workflow with minimal supervision
• Strong attention to detail and ability to achieve and maintain accuracy
• Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes, and take corrective action
• Basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems, including Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records
• Ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision
• Recognizes changes critical to patient care

Responsibilities

People

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one another achieve optimal department results
• Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner
• Teaches students, new employees, and others as assigned by Manager
• Participates in laboratory and organization-wide initiatives

Service

• Performs qualitative and quantitative tests and examinations using various analyzers and/or manual methods
• Organizes workload and sets priorities
• Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks
• Meets turnaround time expectations as defined by management

Quality/Safety

• Demonstrates the six elements of competency for test systems used to generate patient test results in all assigned areas
• Recognizes, investigates, and helps resolve test discrepancies
• Takes appropriate action to investigate and address problems, notifying management and the medical director for follow-up
• Performs instrument calibrations, validations, quality control testing, maintenance, and function checks

Finance

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs
• Appropriately utilizes the time recording system
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies
• Re-stocks section inventory levels as needed

Growth/Innovation

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development
• Reviews and utilizes Standard Operating Procedures and offers suggestions for improvement

Supplemental Requirements

• On-call during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events) may be required
• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area
• May require travel outside the Houston Metropolitan area

Work attire: Scrubs are required.