The Department of Laboratory Medicine serves as a regional resource for clinical laboratory services required for patient care, research and educational programs in laboratory medicine. The department currently employs 900 people who work at the award-winning University of Washington Medical Center (ranked among the top medical centers in the United States as rated by U.S. News & World Report), Harborview Medical Center (the region's only Level I Trauma center, known for innovations and excellence in trauma care and its centers of emphasis: Trauma, Burn, Neurosciences, AIDS/STD CARER, and mentally- and medically- vulnerable populations.), and many other clinical and research facilities in the area. The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement and natural beauty.
The Laboratory Medicine department has an outstanding opportunity for a full-time MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST 1 OR TRAINEE. The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) 1 or Trainee will perform clinical laboratory tests used in the screening, diagnosing, and treating of pathological conditions. Testing is performed at a professional level and may include all facets of pretransfusion testing using both automated and manual methods, routine and complex antibody identification, component preparation, unit confirmation testing, shipping and receiving units and tissue, and sample processing, information processing, and quality control. Duties may also include delivery and facilitation of blood products to the bedside. This position also includes training of students and new employees in the performance of such testing. This position may also include participation in special projects as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
TECHNICAL QUALITY OF WORK
Perform analysis of blood and blood products with accuracy and precision in the transfusion service laboratories
Follow current established procedures and guidelines for performing and documenting tests
Complete routine tasks without direct supervision
Work with attention to detail and with critical review to avoid errors
Use job knowledge to make critical judgments regarding the acceptability of test results and donor compatibility for transfusion
Investigate and solve problems involving specimen collection or handling; follow procedures for reporting and documenting to assure quality and timeliness of patient results
Take appropriate action on critical, abnormal or unusual results
Follow hospital procedures for communication of critical results to the appropriate health care provider
QUANTITY OF WORK
Complete patient and quality control procedures within defined time limits
Simultaneously coordinate multiple procedures with accuracy
Prioritize workload in response to STAT requests
Meet test completion deadlines through efficient workload organization
TEAMWORK/ENABLE LABORATORY OPERATIONS
Use work time appropriately
Work as a team member - show initiative and cooperation to maintain work flow
Communicate between team members to facilitate optimal patient care
Maintain awareness of needs within the lab, such as heavy workload on benches or special projects to be completed, and assist in the completion of those tasks
Display flexibility in adapting to new routines and modifications of work assignments and schedule
Share responsibility for emergency coverage, overtime, on-call and call-back needs of the laboratory
Maintain a neat, clean and efficient work area including cleaning benches and equipment and replenishing supplies
Maintain awareness of supply stock and inform lead technologist before supplies are depleted
QUALITY ASSURANCE ACTIVITIES
Perform and document daily quality control
Analyze QC data and make judgments concerning results
Institute and document corrective action when QC results exceed tolerance limits
Verify acceptability of QC prior to reporting any patient values
Follow maintenance protocols for all instruments, and document appropriately
Monitor QA indicators on instruments and institute corrective action as needed
Document other laboratory or specimen issues and problems appropriately
INSTRUMENTATION/COMPUTER SKILLS
Understand principles of operation for a variety of laboratory equipment, including equipment requiring interpretative knowledge such as multi-parameter cell counters and automated coagulation analyzers
Maintain basic troubleshooting skills on all instruments. Appropriately document problems and notify lead technologist and/or request assistance for instrument issues
Exhibit working knowledge of laboratory information system software
TEACHING SKILLS
Effectively teach and train medical technology students, new employees or others in theory and performance of laboratory testing
Complete necessary paperwork and training documents during daily interactions with trainees. Review training documents to ensure trainee makes satisfactory progress towards completion of training requirements
Provide adequate supervision of trainees when assigned
Verify performance of trainee prior to allowing trainee to report results
Provide feedback on trainee's performance as required
COMMUNICATION/CUSTOMER SERVICE
Represent the department professionally when interacting with other members of the healthcare team, including other divisions of the laboratory
Demonstrate good communication and conflict resolution skills
Communicate clearly, directly and on a timely basis appropriate information to customers and co-workers, both orally and in writing
Maintain neat, legible and organized written work documents with appropriate dates and initials
JOB KNOWLEDGE/PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
Maintain competency and keep job knowledge current
Attend inservices and continuing education opportunities as available
MAINTAIN SAFE WORKING HABITS
Exercise knowledge of laboratory safety and proper precautions when dealing with biohazardous, radioactive, corrosive, explosive and/or flammable materials
Practice "Universal Precautions" at all times
Report hazards and unsafe practices to supervisor
Keep abreast of safety procedures including fire plan, disaster drills, evacuation routes, etc.
Know location of safety information and supplies, and be able to access in response to queries or emergency situations
Participate in laboratory disaster preparedness drills
PERFORM RELATED DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
Perform accurate analysis on CAP and other proficiency testing materials.
Make and verify quality of reagents
Assist in development and/or evaluation of new procedures and instruments as assigned
Perform special projects and related duties as assigned
May be required to perform venipunctures
May be required to prepare and process samples for transport and/or testing, or respond to trauma codes or deliver blood to the bedside
This position will be offered as a Medical Laboratory Scientist 1 or Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate.
REQUIREMENTS:
Requirements for MLS Trainee:
Accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science OR equivalent education/experience, AND Eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Science certification examination from the American Society for Clinical Pathology, with successful completion and certification within one year from date of hire. Failure of Medical Laboratory Science graduates to attain certification within one year of date of hire will result in a recommendation for termination.
Requirements for MLS 1:
Accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science OR equivalent education/experience
AND
Current Medical Laboratory Science certification with the American Society for Clinical Pathology or equivalent certifying organization; or certification with specialty organization appropriate to the laboratory division.
AND, One year of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee. Up to one year of on-the-job experience performing clinical testing in a Medical Laboratory Science Program externship may count towards the experience requirement.
DESIRED:
Two years experience in all aspects of pretransfusion testing in an acute care environment and automation experience
This position provides opportunities to work in a fast-paced, challenging, diverse and rewarding environment. As an employee you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.
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