Part Time Clinical Laboratory Scientist

About the role

This position involves performing pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing in various clinical laboratory areas including Hematology, Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, Urinalysis, Immunohematology, Serology, Parasitology, and chemical and morphological examinations. The role requires obtaining data for diagnosis and recording laboratory test results for the population served.

Responsibilities

• Upholds Kaiser Permanente’s Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities, and applicable state, federal, and local laws.
• Provides high-level patient care as defined by established standards and maintains confidentiality on all tests performed.
• Performs and reports test results for all clinical laboratory procedures as assigned, both automated and manual, without immediate review by the director, consultant, or supervisory team.
• Demonstrates proficiency, competency, and understanding of fundamental principles of clinical laboratory procedures with minimal supervision.
• Maintains and is accountable for test data, quality control, quality assurance, preventive maintenance, proficiency testing, and all operations related to laboratory testing procedures.
• Notifies Supervisory team of any irregularities affecting test results.
• Identifies and resolves unusual laboratory situations and notifies appropriate parties within the shift.
• Consults with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, etc. on the technical aspects of methodologies used, appropriateness of test utilization, and interpretation of patient results.
• Instructs new employees and/or Clinical Laboratory Scientist students in laboratory procedures within their assigned area, to develop proficiency and understanding of clinical laboratory methodology.
• Provides training, guidance, and pertinent technical information to Laboratory Assistants, support staff, clerks, CLS students, and Medical Center personnel.
• Communicates with the Supervisory team and lead technologist to develop better communication links within the department.
• Participates in work groups to address problems, issues, or goals of the department.
• Assists in evaluating new tests and procedures when requested and communicates the possibilities for their implementation to the Supervisory team.
• Maintains compliance with states' requirements for mandatory Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
• Works in a professional, cooperative, and courteous manner.
• Maintains overall safety (including chemical and biological) of the department in accordance with established safety, infection control, and procedure protocols.
• Maintains supplies and reagents and notifies appropriate parties of par levels.
• May assist in performing phlebotomy on inpatients and outpatients as necessary.
• Accepts responsibility for assisting in work areas not primarily his/her own.
• Operates computerized laboratory data systems/applications.
• Provides direct patient care by informing patients about laboratory tests, instructing them on specimen requirements, and collecting samples such as blood, body fluids, secretions, and tissues for analysis.

Requirements

• High School Education or General Education Development (GED) required.
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist License (California).
• Additional requirements for Regional Reference Labs (RRL):
• Experience in automated instrumentation, knowledge of testing principles, molecular-based procedures, QC protocols, and special coagulation methods.
• Experience in electrophoresis, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and special chemistry methods.
• Knowledge of flow cytometry analysis and leukemia/lymphoma phenotyping.
• Additional requirements for Regional Flow Cytometry (Los Angeles):
• One year recent experience in flow cytometry analysis.
• One year recent experience as a CLS.

Qualifications

• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of and utilize the principles, theories, practices, methodologies, and techniques required of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist.

Skills

• Proficiency in clinical laboratory procedures.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and test methods.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of relevant laboratory instruments and techniques.

Benefits

N/A.

Pay

N/A.

Schedule

Rotating weekends. Part-time CLS for the PM shift at the Hospital zone, but may be required to work at other Sand Diego area locations.