Laboratory Technician

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

          Joy                         Care                      Competence                    Respect

Position Summary

Performs a variety of laboratory procedures used to diagnose and treat patients, according to established and approved protocols. Tests are performed with the technical supervision of a clinical laboratory scientist/medical technologist, manager, or laboratory director.

Bachelor’s degree in chemical, physical or biological sciences is required or equivalent education and training per CLIA standards. 

Must have completed 24 semester hours of science – specifically 6 semester hours in Chemistry, 6 semester hours in Biology, and 12 additional semester hours in a combination of Chemistry, Biology, or Laboratory Technology (with a preference of organic and/or biochemistry and microbiology).

Colleagues employed in Physician Enterprise clinics: 24 completed semester hours of science is preferred.

1 year of experience in a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) accreditation laboratory or other testing laboratory such as educational, research, surveillance, food, environmental, or agriculture is preferred.

After 1 year of full time acceptable clinical experience in specific section, may qualify to sit for Technologist specific section certification through ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) or through other eligibility for certification by a nationally recognized certifying agency such as American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), National Credentialing Agency (NCA), American Medical Technologists (AMT), Health Education & Welfare (HEW) or other laboratory certifying agency.

Knows how to prioritize STAT orders, timed tests, and outpatient tests.

Demonstrates competency in computer systems and applications required for the role.

Demonstrates excellent communication, critical thinking, diplomacy and problem solving skills.When reporting, utilizes judgment including appropriate disclaimer statement(s) indicating the potential compromised nature of the result and why.

Recognizes emergencies and knows emergency procedures.

Demonstrates respect for patient’s/family’s right to privacy and confidentiality.

Possesses both the interest and the ability to learn about procedures/operations.

Familiarity with medical/laboratory terminology.

Must be detail focused with respect to data collection and analysis activities.

Ability to perform tasks with minimal direct supervision.

Performs clinical laboratory examinations for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease, proficiency testing, quality control, instrument maintenance and validation, and testing management within the scope of validated competency.

Identifies patient and verifies identification according to policy ensuring that the proper specimen is being analyzed for the proper patient and for the indicated test procedure.

Reviews all pertinent patient results to ensure all quality control and assurance mechanisms have been applied.

Adheres to regulatory requirements as defined by accrediting agencies including completion of competencies.

Identifies problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of results and either corrects the problem(s) or immediately notifies the section manager.

Takes corrective action including specimen rejection, recollection, and/or retesting using the same or alternate methods and/or utilizes other skills associated with the practice of clinical laboratory science to ensure validity and accuracy of testing.

Adheres to all policies and procedures, quality assurance, safety and compliance standards

Notifies patient care nurse and/or physician of all critical test values

As necessary, obtains/collects a variety of specimens which are appropriate to the procedure(s) requested.

Monitors inventory of supplies and orders when necessary.

Documents services provided to patients in the electronic medical record in accordance with policy and requirements.

Possess the information, skill, and understanding of the work to be performed.  Actively participates in continuing education opportunities and maintains certifications, licensure as appropriate.

Reduces the risk of healthcare acquired infections through compliance with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines and facility policies including the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if applicable.  Utilizes standard precautions during patient contact and when handling contaminated materials.  Demonstrates compliance with National Patient Safety Goals.

Complies with all standards, policies and procedures including dress code, attendance and punctuality.  Attends required in-services and meetings and completes all mandatory competencies by deadline.  Commits to keeping all patient, student or colleague information confidential and maintains excellent interpersonal communication with the health care team colleagues.

Emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care-attending to body, mind, and spirit while upholding ethical principles with patient care and all other aspects of work.  Actively involves the patient and family in decisions about care.  Promotes quality care by participating in organizational councils/committees and/or support of related process.  Documents services provided to patients in the electronic medical record in accordance with policy and requirements. 

The purpose of this job description is to provide a summary of the major responsibilities performed by colleagues in this position. Colleagues may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.  Variances in job duties performed may exist between facilities, and colleagues may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical, Mental and Environmental Requirements Category:

Allied Health

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting

X

50 lbs

Carrying

X

50 lbs

Pushing

X

50 lbs

Pulling

X

50 lbs

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Use of Hands/Dexterity

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Extreme Cold

X

Extreme Heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Positions in this category may experience a temperature change in his/her work environment.

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Other