Medical Lab Technician

CHI St. Joseph Health Grimes Hospital is located Navasota TX and is a 25 bed critical access hospital. Our Medical Unit consists of 18 beds & has a phenomenal leadership team & great overall culture!

Job Summary / Purpose
Responsible for the analysis of laboratory specimens and subsequent result reporting according to laboratory protocol and procedures to fulfill the requests of the prescribing physician. Performs clinical testing in any or all of the following laboratory areas: blood bank, chemistry, coagulation, hematology, immunology, microbiology, and urinalysis. The technologist works independently, organizing work to meet established deadlines.

Essential Key Job Responsibilities
Customer Service/Patient Care/Human Resources. Evaluates and prioritizes workload to ensure efficient delivery of services. Receives specimens in the LIS. Performs, in all assigned areas of the Laboratory, accurate and appropriate testing of specimens received in the laboratory, according to established laboratory protocol and procedures to fulfill the requests of the prescribing physician. Uses problem solving skills and persistence to obtain an acceptable outcome. Reports test results in a timely manner and according to established laboratory protocol and procedures to ensure that all guests receive appropriate treatment promptly.
Communication. Establishes and maintains a working relationship with the immediate supervisor for the position or shift worked to promote efficient and effective communication. Keeps the Operations Manager informed of activities, including unusual patient data or results. Establishes and maintains lines of communication with all staff. Communicates unresolved issues concerning patient care, necessary draws, instrument problems, complaints, scheduled service calls, proficiency testing, quality control, calibrations, or supply issues at the change of shift. Promotes public relations by maintaining a professional image and conduct in interactions with other health care professionals, agencies and the community. Practices effective telephone skills. Participates in department meetings.
Technical Skills and Knowledge. Follows prescribed procedures, operates instruments and performs testing in assigned areas of the laboratory to complete requested work according to lab standards. Performs high complexity testing. Processes send-out tests. Demonstrates age specific knowledge for tests performed. Collects lab specimens from patients as required using prescribed patient identification and collection procedures. Establishes and maintains chain of custody for legal purposes. Uses laboratory information system (LIS) appropriately and efficiently. Performs daily, weekly, monthly, or as needed maintenance on instruments and equipment as appropriate, to ensure that all equipment is in working order. Performs calibration of equipment as required. Troubleshoots instruments, equipment, reagents, and patient specimens when problems occur. Notifies the BSJ Lab Operations Manager if unable to solve the problem.
Quality Assurance, Improvement and Control. Conducts established quality control procedures and reports discrepancies to the Lab Operations Manager to ensure the highest quality throughout lab functions. Evaluates results of quality control, implements corrective action when indicated and documents actions. Assesses the feasibility of laboratory results through the correlation of data with common physiological conditions. Anticipates and recognizes errors. Evaluates suitability of specimens for analysis. Performs and reviews Proficiency Testing. Participates in and recommends changes to the LIS and Downtime Test Management system. Participates in the BSJ Lab Quality Management Program including performance improvement activities and occurrence management. Participates in compliance with all regulatory agencies (i.e. CAP, JCAHO, CLIA and OSHA).
Personal and Professional Growth and Image. Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment. Completes Continuing Education lessons to stays abreast of laboratory methodology, instrumentation, procedures, and policies to offer the highest quality testing to the laboratory.
Attendance and Dependability. Punctual as defined by department policy to ensure that work is started and completed on time. Follows department rules regarding scheduling and schedule changes. Demonstrates willingness to adjust schedule to meet departmental needs. Takes call according to department policy.
Safety. Complies with established laboratory and hospital policies for Employee Injury, Infection Control, Hazard Surveillance and Chemical Hygiene Programs.
Financial Resources. Assists in cost control through efficient use of supplies to maximize allocated resources. Proficiently uses the laboratory inventory system to order supplies. Puts up supplies and maintains supplies in a neat and orderly fashion.
Compliance/Policy Development. Reads and follows all organizational and departmental policies and procedures to remain in good standing with the organization and lead by example. Assists in updating policy and procedure manuals.
Other Duties as Assigned. Assumes supervisory responsibilities in the absence of a designated supervisor to ensure that the department continues to operate as normal.

Required Education and Experience
Education: Associates Degree, Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Required Licensure and Certifications
MLT (ASCP) MLT (AMT) or CLT (NCA) certification and licensure