CLINICAL LAB SCIENTIST (Full Time)

Job DetailsJob Location: Chester, CA 96020Education Level: CA Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS)Salary Range: $50.86 - $71.02 HourlyJob Shift: AnySummary

Assist in preparation of specimens, operation of selected equipment and clerical duties; pre-analytic assessment of submitted specimens to ensure specimen quality is suitable for processing.  Perform blood collection by venipuncture and capillary puncture.  Responsible to assist in the on-going data collection for workload statistics and other reports.

Essential Functions

Under the CLIA definition of General Supervisor is responsible for the performance of all testing.  The General Supervisor shall be responsible for the day-to-day Laboratory operation and supervision of Testing Personnel and reporting of Laboratory results.

Must be accessible at all times (on-site, by telephone, or by electronic means) when on duty.
Responsible for day-to-day supervision of high complexity testing.  Must be on-site and directly supervise if high complexity testing is performed by testing personnel other than a California licensed Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS).
Responsible for monitoring test analysis and specimen examination to ensure that acceptable levels of analytic performance are maintained.

May accept responsibility for the following tasks, if delegated by the Laboratory Manager:

Assure that all remedial actions are taken as is necessary prior to reporting patient test results.
Provide orientation to all testing personnel.
Annually evaluate and document the performance of all testing personnel.

Performs all testing procedure of the Laboratory.

Demonstrates, with competence, a working knowledge of all procedures performed in the Laboratory and ability to use procedure manuals.
Recognizes test inconsistencies and takes appropriate corrective action.
Immediately alerts physicians or nurses of critical test results according to established procedures, and documents these actions in the EHR.
Prepares test reports.  Initials all work performed (both electronic and manually written records).  Reviews reports for clerical accuracy and clinical indications.
Obtains appropriate venous and capillary specimens with minimum discomfort and with compassion.
Instructs patients and/or staff in the collection of other clinical specimens.  For example, throat swabs, cultures, etc.

Performs quality control (QC) and/or quality assurance procedures.

Runs quality control tests according to procedures and regulations.
Analyzes quality control data and takes appropriate corrective action when controls are outside limits.  All corrective actions taken are documented.
Seeks assistance from Laboratory Manager as needed.
Documents all QC and ongoing QA activities, calibrations, reagent lot changes, and major equipment repair/parts replacement, and technical service calls.
Holds patient results until out of control situations are resolved.  In the event of an out of control condition, re-runs and verifies any patient results tested/reported since the last passing QC run; records corrective actions.
Manages end of month (or new lot) Levy-Jennings charts and QC data and documents, log sheets, analyzer tapes, electronic QC files, etc., for review by the Laboratory Manager/Technical Supervisor, and as needed to maintain quality assessments for Laboratory testing and remain in compliance with CLIA and COLA quality requirements.

Performs preventative maintenance and troubleshooting.

Observes and follows department preventative maintenance schedules.
Documents all instrument checks, preventative maintenance, problem, and action taken.
Recognizes, investigates, and takes corrective action to resolve instrument and clinical problems, and/or EHR/LIS problems, including analyzer and reference laboratory interface issues.  Seeks assistance from technical service representatives or other Laboratory personnel as appropriate.

Provides in-service training to other Laboratory personnel or to other hospital staff.

Provides bench training and indoctrination to new employees, or as needed to maintain or improve testing and reporting quality.
Provides in-service instruction to hospital personnel in areas of expertise when needed to improve Laboratory testing quality.

Performs clerical functions.

Performs duties of the Laboratory Phlebotomist in their absence or when required.
Collect data for quality assurance and statistical reporting, including parallel studies for normal patient means, new QC and reagent lots.

Contributes to the general Laboratory functions and facility needs.

Observes all departmental and hospital policies and procedures.  Implements steps to correct a policy or procedure that is found to be obsolete in regards to current or preferred Laboratory practice.
Follows all departmental and hospital safety, security, and health policies and procedures.  Utilizes all safe work practices recommended for department.
Participate in disaster control exercises and be familiar with disaster plans.
Attends scheduled staff in-service and department meetings.  Reviews, dates, and initials ALL posted documents for staff review within seven (7) days of posting and/or scheduled work shifts, for example; memorandums, meeting minutes, in-service documents, etc.
Attends and participates in in-service and education classes and on-the-job training programs as directed or required.
Keeps work area neat and clean.  Work surfaces are wiped down daily with sanitizer.
Appropriate use of “downtime” during periods of little or no workload to contribute to the operation of the department, such as procedure review, inventory management, performance of scheduled or unscheduled preventative maintenance or function checks, cleaning or work surfaces and equipment, Laboratory document review, posted in-service reviews, Laboratory e-mail communications or other posted documents pending staff review.
Restocks/orders supplies as needed in a cost efficient manner.
Assists Laboratory Manager in ordering and maintaining supplies.
Reviews SHD e-mail account each scheduled shift for intra-laboratory communications, as well as communications from other SHD departments and Laboratory business partners.

Maintains CONFIDENTIALITY of all pertinent patient care information to assure that patients’ rights are protected.  No report or result will be discussed or disseminated to anyone but an authorized person.
Keeps all required licenses and certifications current.
Completes annual employment health requirements in a timely manner.
 Performs other related duties as required or assigned.
Assumes duties of the Laboratory Manager when assigned.

Safety

Follows safe work practices, takes an active interest in preventing injury or illness and promoting a safe and healthful environment for self and others, and complies with Hospital and governmental safety regulations.

Professional Development

Promotes professional growth of self and co-workers by participating in on-the-job training, continuing education and assisting with training of new employees.

Compliance

Assumes personal responsibility to comply with all Federal, State and local laws governing business conduct, conducts business in an ethical and trustworthy manner, and displays the qualities and characteristics of a professional at all times when dealing with patients, visitors, physicians, volunteers, and fellow employees.

Quality of Work

Assumes responsibility for professional customer service when working with the public, physicians, and other departments.  Strives for excellence in following policies and procedures.

Utilizes positive communication skills when interacting with people who work for, are serviced by, or associated with the hospital, to ensure that persons receive the highest degree of attention and courtesy.

Maintains confidentiality of information received in the department and throughout the hospital by complying with strict confidentiality regulations per HIPAA requirements.
QualificationsQualifications

Must have a valid California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license. 
Able to be designated as a High Complexity General Supervisor under CLIA section 493.1459-1463.
Three (3) years’ experience as a generalist in an acute care hospital, with microbiology and immunohematology experience strongly preferred. Comparable experience will be considered. 
Computer keyboard experience desirable.