Medical Laboratory Scientist-Lab Full Time Mid Shift

About the role

This is a full-time position at 36 hours per week located at Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital. The schedule is 9:30 am to 6 pm with every third weekend rotation.

Responsibilities

• Technical responsibilities: Performs all aspects of pre-analytic workflow appropriate for the specific laboratory section to ensure orders are entered correctly, specimens collected are appropriate for the test ordered and are correctly processed/transported. Verifies order where necessary; verifies non-patient information (e.g., collection time) according to established protocol; handles unresolved orders and troubleshoots where needed; verifies with physicians and/or nurses prior to laboratory information system (LIS) order entry to resolve unclear, duplicate or otherwise ambiguous orders; verifies specimens for add-on tests are available and acceptable and generates add-on test orders; recognizes when fraud and abuse compliance issues require adjustments to the test order.
• Collecting, receiving and processing of specimens: Verifies specimens are correctly and completely labeled upon receipt; evaluates specimens for appropriateness and takes necessary corrective action; appropriately documents unacceptable specimens and proper notifications as needed; prioritizes specimen processing based on established priorities; aliquots specimens according to established protocols.
• Analytical testing: Performs all aspects of analytical testing appropriate for the specific laboratory section, following established written protocols and standard operating procedures (SOP); maintains test system integrity by performing preventive maintenance on instruments/equipment in a timely fashion according to defined schedule; verifies reagents and supplies meet defined acceptability criteria upon receipt and prior to use; ensures sufficient reagents and supplies are available; notifies senior staff when minimum inventory level is encountered; performs and records all necessary quality control (QC) required for test system performance; evaluates QC results and takes necessary corrective actions according to established protocol.
• Specimen preparation: Performs any necessary pretest specimen preparation according to protocols (e.g., microbiology plating, cell cultures, filtering, extraction, separation, elution, absorption, etc.); transfers or ships specimens to approved testing locations according to SOPs.
• Testing and interpretation: Prioritizes testing based on assignment or established priorities, completes testing within defined turn-around-times (TAT); recognizes the need for and follows any age-specific protocols; responds effectively to changes in workflow by coordinating simultaneous tests or adjusting work to incorporate STAT tests or fluctuations in volume; monitors daily workflow and priorities to assure meeting service levels; reviews results for completeness, correctness, and consistency within defined test system; evaluates test results/reactions and provides accurate interpretations as appropriate, including correlation with other patient data; performs visual interpretation/identifications as appropriate; recognizes unusual test results/interpretations and completes indicated reflex testing or other follow-up actions; follows established notification protocols for critical values, phone/fax/e-mail results requests, abnormalities.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving: Recognizes test system performance problems and takes necessary corrective actions; recognizes when unresolved problems need to be escalated and takes necessary follow-up action; prints pending logs and follows up to ensure pending tests are completed or cancelled when appropriate.
• Post-test specimen storage: Stores specimens and related materials (blood, slides, tissues, etc.) according to protocols for location and duration; retrieves specimen and related materials when needed.
• Post-analytical workflow: Performs all aspects of the post-analytical workflow appropriate for the specific laboratory section to ensure accurate results are reported within established time frames, specimens are retained appropriately, test results and/or current status are available upon inquiry, and billed charges are correct for testing performed; verifies and reports results; performs computer functions necessary for releasing results; generates written reports according to established protocol; reviews electronic or printed reports, recognizes problems and escalates according to protocol; corrects erroneous reports and amends reports according to procedure; responds to requests for information according to established protocol for confidentiality and release of information; recognizes when unresolved inquiries need to be escalated and takes action; stores documents and records according to established protocol.
• Charge capture/billing: Performs billing and/or enters credits for tests and services when applicable; recognizes billing problems and escalates accordingly.
• Universal responsibilities: Follows written standard operating procedures (SOP); operates instruments/equipment according to protocol; uses computers according to established protocol and follows downtime procedures as required; performs required quality system responsibilities; meets proficiency and competency standards of the department; participates in the training of new employees and students; performs operational review of new SOPs; participates in new test development, validations and implementation; attends at least one personal development session per year; performs other duties as assigned or as needed to ensure continued quality operations; follows all required safety procedures, uses personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for tasks performed; maintains clean and organized work area; answers telephone when needed using NM telephone etiquette; maintains patient confidentiality including protected health information (PHI); assists patients, visitors and other contacts whenever needed.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Allied Health qualifying the applicant to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), or equivalent certification examination.
• License/Certification and Regulatory Agency: General MLS or MT (ASCP) Certification or eligible or Categorical BB, C, H or M (ASCP) Certification or eligible. If hired after 1/19/2025 must be ASCP certified (or equivalent certification) within one year of employment.

Benefits

• $10,000 Tuition Reimbursement per year ($5,700 part-time)
• $10,000 Student Loan Repayment ($5,000 part-time)
• $1,000 Professional Development per year ($500 part-time)
• $250 Wellbeing Fund per year ($125 for part-time)
• Matching 401(k)
• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Annual Employee Salary Increase and Incentive Bonus
• Paid time off and Holiday pay

Pay

The salary range for this position is $34.00 – $52.70 per hour. Placement within the salary range is dependent on several factors such as relevant work experience and internal equity. For positions represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range is guided by the rules outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.