Medical Technologist

Job Summary

Implements the goals of the department by providing professional services, including performance of clinical laboratory examinations, quality control, instrument maintenance and evaluation, test management, supplies inventory and other functions necessary to the attainment of section goals.

Essential Functions

• Adheres to the laboratory’s procedures for the collection, processing, analysis, and reporting of patient test results
• Fulfills the laboratory’s established quality control policies and procedures in documenting all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications
• Identifies problems that may adversely affect test performance and either correct the problem or immediately notify your immediate supervisor, Director, or Medical Director
• Performs a wide variety of laboratory procedures requiring independent judgment using both manual and automated methods in Hematology, Blood Bank, Chemistry, Urinalysis, Coagulation, Microbiology, Immunology, and any other discipline as introduced into the laboratory
• Performs and documents maintenance – daily, weekly, monthly, or as needed on instruments and equipment as appropriate
• Reviews the accuracy of patient results prior to releasing or reporting
• Recognizes age specific differences in expected results for newborns to geriatrics
• Ensures that the testing of proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient samples and that collaboration with other laboratories is prohibited prior to the reporting of proficiency testing results to the appropriate agencies
• May be required to perform venipuncture or capillary puncture on various age groups from newborn to geriatrics
• Aids in the development and maintenance of laboratory policies and procedures
• Adheres to all department and hospital policies and procedures related to safety, infection control, emergency preparedness, and human resources
• In the absence of a supervisor, may be assigned/identified as Lead Tech, having responsibility for the section or department during their shift
• May be assigned responsibilities related to LIS and/or POCT
• Explains procedures and lab tests to colleagues, newly hired staff, hospital personnel, students or volunteers taking into consideration language and educational level
• Participates in required amount of continuing education hours for self-development and skilled job performance. (CEU’s based on requirements to maintain licensure)
• Participates in online CME’s offered by CAP
• Observes memorandums accordingly
• Reviews all hospital and departmental policies and procedures annually
• Participates in staff meetings
• Safeguards appropriate supplies and ensures they are ordered in sufficient amount of time
• Ensures that all supplies are stored appropriately according to manufacturer’s recommendation
• Restocks work area with appropriate supplies
• Identifies unserviceable equipment and reports to supervisor
• Properly discards outdated material
• Demonstrates proper procedure for rotating supplies
• Ensures all reagents/QC material is annotated when opened
• Uses proper PPE during laboratory testing
• Uses proper technique for disposing of sharps, infectious and regulated medical waste
• Disinfects and cleans work benches/areas before and after tour of duty according to protocol
• Uses proper technique for managing blood and chemical spills
• Demonstrates proper hand washing technique
• Describes procedures for managing a needle stick or blood borne pathogen exposure
• Politely answers the telephone and transfers calls appropriately
• Answers phone within 3 rings
• Accurately takes messages and delivers to appropriate individuals promptly
• Ensures patient confidentiality at all times
• Accurately and professionally conveys patient results to inquiring authorized physicians and patient care representatives
• Maintains professional composure and confidence during stressful situations
• Accepts or rejects specimens based on evaluation being aware that special criteria exist for irretrievable specimens
• Performs specimen rejection procedures according to protocol
• Contacts clinic for problem specimens and annotates in specimen rejection book
• Follows through with problem specimens
• Describes unit safety plan and knows location of manual in the laboratory
• Understands the use/location of SDS books
• Demonstrates ability to respond to codes
• Identifies potential or actual unsafe environmental situations. Provides interventions to rectify unsafe situations and/or reports as necessary
• Accurately documents endorsements to the covering technologist
• Acknowledges endorsements from the previous staff
• Follows through with colleagues and supervisor outstanding issues
• Performs and documents daily quality control and maintenance
• Notifies supervisor and/or pathologist of discrepancies and problem equipment
• Describes the capabilities, limitations and special applications of each item of equipment. Demonstrates basic operating and safety procedures for equipment items.
• Reports routine problems with equipment.
• Identifies emergency procedures in the event of equipment failure.
• Describes the process for reporting user errors and/or patient incidents
• Maintains a complete record of all routine and emergency repairs and preventive maintenance on all equipment
• Participates in Service Improvement projects
• Adheres to all Infection Control, Environment of Care and Safety procedures including but not limited to appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Minimum Education/Certifications

• Baccalaureate degree in Medical Technology or equivalent preferred; Associate degree acceptable if experience criteria are met (must meet NJ State Department of Health regulation for Technologist)
• ASCP or equivalent preferred
• Subsequent to the receipt of an Associate degree, one (1) year of full time experience in an acceptable clinical laboratory; for individuals with a Bachelor’s degree, satisfactory completion of one (1) year of clinical practicum, or one (1) year of full time experience in an acceptable clinical laboratory
• Medical Technologist - 2+ years’ experience as a Medical Technologist preferred
• Previous experience as in a hospital laboratory setting preferred
• New graduates welcome

Position Type/Expected Hours Of Work

Professional-Clinical / varies based on status of PD, PT, FT

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift or carry objects which may weigh up to 25 pounds
• Full range of body motion
• Manual and finger dexterity with eye-hand coordination
• Requires standing, bending and walking for extensive periods
• Requires the use of computer terminals and telephones
• Requires working irregular hours (evenings, nights, weekends)

Physical Demands Analysis

• Standing: 20-30% of the time
• Walking: 20-30% of the time
• Lifting: 1 – 5 % of the time
• Bending 1 - 5% of the time
• Pulling/Pushing: 1 – 5% of the time
• Sitting: 40 – 60% of the time

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift or carry objects which may weigh up to 25 pounds
• Full range of body motion
• Manual and finger dexterity with eye-hand coordination
• Requires standing, bending and walking for extensive periods
• Requires the use of computer terminals and telephones
• Requires working irregular hours (evenings, nights, weekends)