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Job Title: Medical Laboratory Scientist II

Job Code: 200

FTE: 1.0

Hours: 11:00AM t 7:30PM

Weekends: Yes - Weekend Coverage Required

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department Name: Laboratory

Location: Brattleboro, Vermont

JOB SUMMARY:

Independently performs various qualitative, quantitative clinical laboratory testing and quality control in all section(s) of the laboratory: ie., microbiology, chemistry, blood bank, hematology, and phlebotomy/urinalysis. All activities performed are in accordance with established policies, procedures and standards. Medical Laboratory Scientist must be a team player with good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work in a fast paced, deadline-oriented environment. The above level of knowledge, skills and abilities are normally acquired through the successful completion of an associate or bachelor's degree in medical laboratory technology or related science required and an ASCP, NCA or equivalent certification. laboratory computer knowledge and skills preferred. Experience in performance of lab duties preferred but not required.

DEPT. SCOPE OF SERVICE:

The Laboratory at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is a C.A.P. accredited, full-service laboratory. The Lab is staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week, by certified Medical Laboratory Scientists, Lab Assistants, Pathology Aide, and Phlebotomists. The Lab consists of the following sections: Transfusion Service, Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Microbiology, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Serology, Urinalysis, Phlebotomy, and Pathology Accessioning. The Laboratory is a 24-hour-per-day, seven-day-per-week, on-demand service, with staff available in the department. The Lab processes 100-125 patients per day, serving physicians, SVHHA, Brattleboro Retreat, occupational Health, Nursing Homes and others. The Pathology Accessioning service is open 5 days a week and services Ambulatory Care, Surgical Services, Radiology and outpatient physician offices. Scope of service includes frozen sections.

• Appropriately abides by all policies, procedures or regulation related to patient safety, professional code of ethics, infection control, age specific care delivery and patient/family education.
• Demonstrates proper response to Code Blue/Rapid Response.
• Actively participates in quality/performance improvement initiatives.
• In accordance with hospital policy, continuously and accurately documents all aspects of patient care delivered in the electronic medical record.
• Complies with safety goals.
• Identifies patients accurately before starting procedures/providing services.
• Gathers, documents and transmits accurately identifying and essential information about patients.
• Investigates patient's questions and concerns before proceeding with procedures and treatments.
• Reports incidents, as outlined per policy including potential errors and near misses.
• Abides by professional code of ethics.
• Demonstrates proper utilization of standard and transmission-based precautions in all situations when potential for exposure to body fluids and airborne organisms of any patient exists.
• Adheres to hand hygiene policy and the use of appropriate PPE.
• Providing services as appropriate to age of population served or calls appropriate personnel.
• Identifies QA/I process activities and his/her role in utilizing data to measure performance and improve outcomes.
• Performs laboratory testing in all departments in the laboratory.
• Performs venipunctures and capillary punctures according to established guidelines as required: knowledge of specimen requirements, patient ID verification, special banding for patients with transfusion service orders, knowledge of timed tests and their requirements. Correctly updates collection times in LIS, and logs in specimens.
• Ensures integrity and identification of all samples for testing: properly identifies all specimens and aliquots before performing any testing. Follows lab policies on specimen labeling and acceptance criteria. Requires knowledge of what specimen types are appropriate and required for different test orders, special processing, etc.
• Testing and reporting: Produces accurate laboratory test results by following written protocol, Reviews and evaluates test results before verifying and reporting. Records results correctly and completely in the LIS or on logs without clerical errors. Calls results when required (panic values, specific requests). Prints worksheets and reviews and follows up on any discrepancies.
• Performs routine, special or complex testing/procedures, QC, daily maintenance and trouble-shooting on all the laboratory analyzers and equipment when appropriate:
• Ability to assess, recognize/detect and correct instrument or manual testing errors or unusual patient results and follow through with a timely resolution. Follows lab policies or protocol with the ability to make judgmental decisions when necessary on possible modifications or choosing test options, utilizes back-up methods, or devise and alternative and properly notify the Lab Director, Supervisor or Pathologist.
• Follows quality control procedures, validate QC results before reporting any patient results. Follows procedures when quality control is unacceptable. Documents QC failures appropriately and equipment failures in maintenance logs for review by Lab Director.
• Participates in orientation, and ongoing in servicing of the lab analyzers responsible for running testing. Has knowledge of the instruments functions, requirements, data management systems, maintenance, operating, and troubleshooting. Performs calibrations on chemistry analyzers. Calls "Instrument Hotlines" when appropriate and follows steps to resolve equipment failures.
• Utilizes reagents diligently: taking care to properly label and store testing materials to ensure their performance, proper loading and use, proper repeat testing when appropriate. Keeps work stations clean and organized, with necessary stocks reagents/supplies and takes responsibility for making sure the reagents and supplies are ordered when needed.
• Participates in competency programs and proficiency testing programs. Performs tests in the necessary time frame and accurately fills out the forms for submitting. Takes responsibility and action in following up any discrepancies/documentation of errors that occurred in the testing.
• Utilizes adaptability by
• Mental Alertness:
• Consistently demonstrates the ability to assess situations from all perspectives, consider alternatives, and chose the appropriate course of actions.
• Initiative:
• Always follows instructions with attention to detail and with excellent follow through; requires little supervisory intervention.
• Staffing
• Maintains personal time record in KRONOS by clocking in/out. Be willing to adjust daily lab staffing assignment or personal schedule in case of a sudden/emergency staffing issue in the laboratory.
• Problem solving/investigation issues: Uses the proper forms for reporting Laboratory episode/occurrences. Follows up on unresolved problems (missing specimens, unfinished worklists, etc). Follows lab protocol and policies with the ability to make judgmental decisions when necessary on modifications of choosing options with proper notification to the Lab Director and or pathologist when appropriate.
• Time management: Has the ability to prioritize the work and to complete STATs, times tests and routine work in an acceptable time frame. Critical tests are reported within 1 hour. Coordinates workflow to allow completion of all tests within reasonable time limits (while maintaining quality). Uses time between procedures/tests tin assisting other workers, working on projects, reviewing procedure manuals, etc.
• Assists in the orientation and training of new employees. Evaluates annually the competency of assigned associates and helps with the skill and knowledge development of other lab team members.
• Motivates and encourages coworkers/peers to develop teamwork.
• Required to attend or be a participant in Lab In-Service Education program which may be met by independent study/readings of self-assessments totaling 12 hours each year recorded in the Lab education log.

EDUCATION:

• AS degree and minimum of 3 years of Clinical Laboratory experience or Bachelors of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science (certification required within one year of hire) or Bachelors of Science Degree in laboratory related science with nationally recognized certification prior to hire.
• Ability to work independently and adhere to deadlines and manage changing volumes. Basic knowledge of computer software systems.

Required Licensure/Certifications:

• Nationally recognized certification required - ASCP preferred

OSHA CATEGORY:

• OSHA Category I - Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues require use of techniques of Universal Precautions as evidenced with blood borne pathogens standards

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

On-the-job time is spent in the following physical activities.

• Standing 
• Walking 
• Sitting 
• Talking or Hearing 

This position requires that weight be lifted or force be exerted.

• Up to 30 pounds 

This position has vision requirements.

• Close Vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
• Color Vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Ability to Adjust Focus (ability to adjust eye to bring an object into sharp focus)

Hearing.

• Ability to hear calls
• Ability to hear instructions from physician/department staff/others

The typical noise level for an office environment is:

• Quiet
• Moderate Noise

EEO/ADA Statement:

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources.

**This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support operations.**

Compensation Disclosure in Accordance with Vermont Act 155:

In compliance with Vermont Act 155, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital provides the compensation range for this position in good faith. The listed range represents the pay scale reasonably expected for a successful candidate based on factors such as relevant experience, education, internal equity, and market competitiveness. Final compensation will be determined during the hiring process.