Medical Laboratory Scientist II

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

          Joy                         Care                      Competence                    Respect

Position Summary

Medical Laboratory Scientist II is an advanced level that supports the Medical Laboratory Scientist I position, as well as other positions within the lab. This position performs a full range of routine and/or complex professional laboratory testing on biological substances within the medical field in a full-functioning capacity. Considerable independent judgment is required to carry out assignments. This position is supportive to physicians and critical to patient care.

Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university including courses in biological science, chemistry and mathematics, and successful completion of a National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), accredited Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) or Medical Technologist (MT) program is required. OR,

Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT), American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and a Bachelor's degree with 2 years full time lab experience in an accredited lab.

2 years of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) is required.

5 years total Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) experience is preferred.

Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Technologist (MT) certified by a nationally recognized agency is required.

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification or acceptable individual certification(s) in section(s) of assignment by a nationally recognized agency is preferred.

Certification must be current and must participate in a Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) if required.

Ability to respectfully communicate to and work with patients, families, nurses, physicians, and laboratory colleagues.

Accountable for own decisions made in the post-analytic process of timely review and release of patient results.

Demonstrates excellent judgement and decision-making skills; performs work independently under minimal supervision; displays leadership qualities.

Ability to maintain a clean and organized work environment.

Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills; progressive engagement and participation in the assigned laboratory section(s).

Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.

Keeps informed of current best practices and methods. May be involved in vendor provided meetings and trainings. Becoming a specialist in specific instrumentation through participation in implementation, procedure writing/reviewing, and continuous monitoring. With general direction and assignment from laboratory leadership, is responsible for, participates in, and assists with delegated responsibilities.

Uses academic, technical, and clinical knowledge to perform analytical processes to generate accurate patient results under routine and stat conditions. Independently operates all testing platforms in the assigned laboratory section(s).

Performs and evaluates quality controls of high precision instruments and methods. Recognizes and corrects out of range conditions with consideration of previous and current results being generated. Performs routine and preventative maintenance on schedule and by the procedure.

Recognizes, follows up, escalates, and communicates critical, flagged, erroneous, abnormal, and unexpected patient results. Investigates events using knowledge of multi-departmental processes, specimen tracking, colleague interviewing, clinical utility, principles, techniques, patient variables, and interferences. Promptly reports incidents through the hospital incident reporting system. Interprets and reports patient results in an accurate manner consistent with the procedure. Identifies, corrects, and communicates errors made by self and others.

Effective identification, troubleshooting, resolution, and communication of common and advanced instrumentation malfunctions that may affect patient results and workflows. Decisively determines when to initiate back up methods, workflows, and alternatives.

Ensures success in change implementation affecting assigned laboratory section(s). Trusted to be a laboratory representative attending hospital meetings. Takes a lead role in resolving common day to day problems that arise.

Participates in Performance Improvement and/or Quality Assurance activities. Will take a lead role in the training and orientation of new colleagues and students in the laboratory.

Responsible for accurate execution of Pre-Analytic processes that may include registering, ordering, collection, receiving, and processing a wide variety of patient samples.

Participates in the established proficiency testing program and maintains competency in assigned laboratory section(s).

Monitors supply levels and communicates needs. May be involved in ordering, tracking, and stewardship of supplies.

Follows the laboratory safety policies for personal protection, biologically hazardous, and chemically hazardous storage and waste.

Serves as a resource for all laboratory colleagues to re-enforce policy, guide decisions, support judgements, reduce conflict, coach professionalism, and ensure appropriate personal activities.

May be requested or required to rotate laboratory sections and shifts with other laboratory colleagues during various staffing and workload related challenges and participates in special projects as assigned.

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