Milk Lab Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Title: Formula Room Human Milk Tech PD

Location: Long Beach

Department: Pediatric Nutrition

Status: Per Diem

Shift: Days

Pay Range*: $25.67/hr

At MemorialCare Health System, we believe in providing extraordinary healthcare to our communities and an exceptional working environment for our employees. Memorial Care stands for excellence in Healthcare. Across our family of medical centers, we support each one of our bright, talented employees in reaching the highest levels of professional development, contribution, collaboration and accountability. Whatever your role and whatever expertise you bring, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your full potential in an environment of respect, innovation and teamwork.

Position Summary

The Formula and Human Milk Technician is responsible for the safe receipt, storage, preparation and delivery of human milk and specialized enteral formulas as ordered in the electronic medical record (EMR). The Milk Lab Technician adheres to preparation techniques in accordance with all sanitation regulations and standards established by regulating agencies and the medical center, including all policies and procedures. The technician accurately calculates human milk, enteral formula and formula additives based on order and mixes appropriately. They review neonatal, infant, pediatric and adoloescent/adult feeding orders regularly and clarifies them with the patient care team. The Milk Lab Technician will often interact with the Milk Lab Supervisor, Director of Clinical Nutrition, Registered Dietitians, and Registered Nurses. They may also interact with unit secretaries, pharmacy, receiving and central supply staff as needed.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities of the Job

       Reviews nutrition care orders in the electronic medical record and accurately calculates volumes needed for human milk, Pasteurized Human Donor Milk (PHDM), enteral formula, and oral supplements.

       Inventories and maintains sufficient stock in the store room and milk lab, using the FIFO method.

       Prepares and maintains multiple logs (including human milk, PHDM, dishwasher, sanitizer, freezer and refrigerator logs)

       Follows food safety guidelines and maintains sanitation in the preparation area using aseptic technique and following regulatory standards and infection control policies.

       Utilizes the chain of command to communicate problems with orders, storage, equipment, or product administration. Contacts the Registered Dietitian or Milk Lab Supervisor, when a standardized recipe is not available. Frequent communication with Registered Nurses for order reconciliation, clarification and in the moment problem solving.

       Frequently authenticates & reconciles nutrition care orders to ensure the products are properly labeled and provided for the right patients.

       Utilizes standardized recipes, to accurately measure infant formula powders, protein powders/liquids, formula modulars and infant cereal, and adheres to quality control standards and procedures.

       Receives, inspects and tracks human milk, enteral formulas and oral supplements.

       Skillful use of various software systems, including the hospistals electronic medical record, various Microsoft office applications, foodservice operations management software, and the human milk & formula tracking system for receiving, processing, preparing, and tracking human milk, PHDM, enteral formulas and oral supplements.

       Prepares and delivers tube feeding formula bags and oral supplements to pediatric and adolescent/adult patients.

       Safely mixes human milk, PHDM, human milk fortifiers and specialized enteral formulas for neonatal, pediatric & adolescent patients.

       Complies with facility confidentiality, HIPPA regulations and patients rights policies.

       Frequent lifting, carrying and moving of boxes up to 15-30 lbs.

       Participates in training newly hired technicians and in precepting dietetic interns and students.

       Participates in Performance Improvement and LEAN projects including data collection, idea sharing, problem solving and control board presentations.

       Performs additional duties as assigned.

*Placement in the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications. In addition to base pay, there may be additional compensation available for this role, including but not limited to, shift differentials, extra shift incentives, and bonus opportunities. Health and wellness is our passion at MemorialCare-that includes taking good care of employees and their dependents. We offer high quality health insurance plan options, so you can select the best choice for your family. And there's more...Check out our MemorialCare Benefits for more information about our Benefits and Rewards.

Qualifications/Work Experience:

       Experience in food service, formula room, healthcare setting or equivalent preferred. Relevant experience exercising problem-solving, organizational and time management skills, as well as demonstrating effective interpersonal communication skills.

       Able to understand and perform algebra.

       Able to work independently and in fast-paced environment.

       Computer skills using Microsoft office.

       Experience using an electronic medical record, food service management software, nutrient analysis system and/or breast milk tracking software preferred.

       Must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.

Education/Licensure/Certification:

       High School Diploma or equivalent required. Some college or an Associate's degree in an applied science preferred.

       Nutrition and dietetics technician, registered (NDTR) by the Commission on Dietetic Registration preferred.

       ServSafe certification preferred.

       Must pass all Milk Lab mixing competency exams with a 90% grade or higher at the end of the training period. Passes annual competency tests.