Job Objective:

Under the direction of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Supervisor, the Laboratory Assistant Director and the Laboratory Director, the Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs a variety of laboratory tests for use in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. In addition, the Clinical Laboratory Scientist operates and maintains equipment, performs and evaluates quality control, verifies and reports results, troubleshoots and corrects instrument problems, assists in evaluation of new tests or instruments, assists with writing new policies and procedures, assists with new employee training and orientation, and participates in special projects as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Clinical Laboratory Scientist
• Technical
  • Follows established procedures for collecting and processing biological specimens for analysis
  • Communicates with physicians/nursing staff on appropriate collection of samples and/or consequences on improperly collected samples and results
  • Operates equipment and performs tests in scheduled departments
  • Calibrates equipment as needed
  • Performs routine maintenance on equipment as needed
  • Prepares and maintains reagents or stains necessary in the performance of lab testing
  • Monitors temperatures of equipment and refers all out of range recordings to the designated Senior Clinical Laboratory Scientist or supervisor
  • Performs quality control, evaluates the data, and takes appropriate action to maintain accuracy and precision
  • Recognizes departures from expected results and refers them to designated supervisory personnel
  • Answers inquiries about test results, methodologies, specificity and sensitivity
  • Recognizes instrument malfunction and takes appropriate action
  • Verifies testing and reports results to physicians or nursing personnel
  • Calls all critical values to physicians or nursing personnel
  • Discusses results with physicians/nursing personnel before releasing results that significantly vary from the norm
  • Participates in proficiency testing as directed
  • Performs non-routine maintenance as required with assistance from the instrument company or supervisor
  • Troubleshoots instruments or methodologies to resolve quality control and/or testing problems
  • Assists service personnel to correct equipment problems
  • Assists in evaluating new instrumentation and/or tests
  • Participates in assigned special projects and additional duties
• Non-technical
• • Operates the LIS and HIS as required for their position
  • Recognizes departures from expected inventory and supply levels for the departments and refers inconsistencies to the designated personnel
  • Participates in Continuing Education for personal growth and maintenance of certificates and licenses
  • Assures completion of all yearly competency testing
  • Assists with writing new policies and procedures as directed
  • Assists in training and orientation of new Clinical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Laboratory Technicians and Department Technicians as instructed
  • Assumes in-charge responsibilities as needed

Non-Essential Duties:

• Transports specimens and supplies between the main hospital lab and satellite locations
• Adds support to other laboratory staff as needed

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge

• Knowledge of basic computer operations
• Knowledge of specimen and testing requirements
• Knowledge of safe handling of biological specimens
• Knowledge to recognize deviations from normal standards
• Knowledge of how lab results apply and affect the care and treatment of patients
• Demonstrates knowledge regarding special needs and behaviors of age specific groups and proficiency in required areas

Skills

• Skill needed for accuracy and precision in testing
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills

Abilities

• Ability to follow directions accurately
• Ability to learn requirements of operation for different types of instrumentation
• Ability to recognize instrument malfunction and take appropriate action
• Ability to operate Hospital and Laboratory information systems
• Ability to exhibit courteous, helpful and professional behavior in dealing with patients, public and peers

AVH Values: All AVH employees will effectively demonstrate these values:

• Patients Come First – We listen actively and communicate with our patients and families, placing safety as a top priority.
• Accountability & Ownership – We fully complete tasks, are transparent, effectively communicate, and recognize that what we do reflects on us.
• Teamwork – We build trusting relationships, promote a sense of community, and are respectful of everyone. Success is about the whole team.
• Integrity & Honesty – We tell the truth at all times, speak up when something is wrong, and do the right thing when no one is looking.
• Excellence – We take pride in our work, are goal-oriented, and on a never-ending quest for top tier quality.
• Initiative & Innovation – Our can-do attitudes, creativity, and resourcefulness empower us to improve the patient’s experience, solve our own problems, make timely decisions, and look for opportunities to add value.
• Tenderness & Compassion – We have genuine empathy, show kindness, and encourage and advocate for each other.

Education and Experience:

Education

• Bachelor's degree that will satisfy the requirements for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist license issued by the State of California Department of Public Health

Experience

• Minimum of one year experience at an acute care hospital is desirable

Required Licensure and/or Certifications:

• Possession of a current Clinical Laboratory Scientist license issued by the State of California Department of Public Health

AVH Conduct/Compliance Expectations:

• Ability to adhere with AVH Absenteeism and Tardiness Policy
• Ability to adhere with AVH Leaves of Absence Policy
• Ability to adhere with AVH Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy
• Ability to adhere with AVH Recording of Hours Worked Policy
• Ability to adhere to the department dress code
• Ability to organize work and establish priorities
• Ability to expand on own initiative in performance of duties
• Skill and ability to follow the telephone etiquette/standards
• Conforms to AVH Standards of Excellence
• Ability to function effectively under pressure and meet time parameters
• Ability to communicate effectively while maintaining good working relationships with co-workers, managers and other hospital staff
• Ability to adhere to the normal standards of courtesy and conduct as defined under the rules of hospitality at AVH
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient, hospital and department information
• Ability to adhere to safety rules and regulations
• Safely and effectively uses all equipment necessary to carry out duties
• Ability to interpret and function under hospital and department policies and procedures
• Conforms with required and appropriate CAP/Joint Commission/CDPH requirements
• Conforms with and supports hospital quality assurance and improvement guidelines
• Ability to participate effectively in department and hospital staff education
• Display a willingness to work as a team player
• Ability to give and support the highest level of patient/customer satisfaction at all times
• Supports and adheres to the values and mission statement established by the AVH Board of Directors
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Compliance & Integrity Program and its established policies.
• Ability to follow the Code of Conduct

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Ability to perform duties in a normal hospital clinical laboratory environment
• Job may require long periods of standing or sitting
• Job requires handling of biological specimens

A detailed description of the physical requirements of this job is maintained in the Employee Health Department.

Education and Experience:

Education

• Bachelor's degree that will satisfy the requirements for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist license issued by the State of California Department of Public Health

Experience

• Minimum of one year experience at an acute care hospital is desirable

Required Licensure and/or Certifications:

• Possession of a current Clinical Laboratory Scientist license issued by the State of California Department of Public Health