Responsible, under the direction of a Pathologist and the Manager/Supervisor, for assuring good laboratory practice for assigned pre-analytic, analytic and post analytic laboratory workflows, specifically those processes related to sample handling/retention, quality control, testing and result reporting. Responsibilities include: 1) monitoring team member adherence to policy, 2) lean process improvement, 3) regulatory and accreditation compliance, 4) inspection readiness, 5) equipment, supplies and document management and 6) CLIA waived, and moderately complex testing.

Why UnityPoint Health?

• Culture – At UnityPoint Health, you matter. Come for a fulfilling career and experience a culture guided by uncompromising values and unwavering belief in doing what's right for the people we serve.
• Benefits –Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options like 401K match, paid time off and education assistance that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment– We’re committed to ensuring you have a voice that is heard regardless of role, race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
• Development– We believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is an essential part of delivering a remarkable employment experience.
• Community Involvement – Be an essential part of our core purpose—to improve the health of the people and communities we serve.

Hear more from our team members about why UnityPoint Health is a great place to work at https://dayinthelife.unitypoint.org .

Pre-Analytic workflows

• Greets everyone with a pleasant and professional manner, using patient experience best practice guidelines (AIDET, 5/10 Rule and No-Point, etc).
• Identifies patients and samples using two patient identifiers, always labeling samples in the presence of the patient.
• Performs medical venous and capillary blood collections independently for patients of all ages within specified safety parameters, timelines and pace.
• Performs sample processing, aliquoting, and preparation for transport/testing.
• Utilizes supply items in a cost-effective manner, recognizing when to reorder, facilitating supply orders and assisting with unpacking and/or restocking items.
• Achieves advanced understanding of lab tests to answer patient, provider and team member questions in an easy to understand way.

Analytic workflows

• Leads clinical testing with such duties as slide preparation and staining, microbiology set up and plating, reagent prep, instrument loading and quality control.
• Performs CLIA waived and moderately complex testing on medical samples in accordance with manufacturer specifications using good laboratory practice.
• Works efficiently with the workflow and workload.
• Performs and documents routine instrument function verification, quality control and maintenance.
• Troubleshoots, resolves and documents non-routine instrument issues; contacts service as needed.

Post-Analytic workflows

• Follows appropriate reporting protocols including critical value reporting.
• Reviews reports and recognizes clerical errors.
• Monitors pending logs and work queues and resolves pending tests and registration errors.
• Prepares and logs samples for proper storage and retention.
• Assists with auditing non-technical practices to meet necessary standards, recommendations and requirements of voluntary and government agencies (CAP, TJC, CLIA).

Leading

• Assists Laboratory Managers in the day to day operations of the clinical departments. Monitoring team member adherence to standard work and policies.
• Participates in maintenance of process control activities, such change control, proficiency testing program, as applicable, including evaluation and presentation of new kits, monitoring of survey results and auditing documentation for completeness.
• Assists with the resolution of technical problems and issues, utilizing resources as needed and providing consultation and advice.
• Assists in developing and assuring the continuing effectiveness of all technical, clerical and quality improvement activities of assigned workflows.These activities include equipment and test validation, staff training, troubleshooting, procedure updating, result reporting, and quality assurance.
• Assists with development of the competency assessment program to ensure a properly functioning process that meets regulatory requirements.
• Participates in the design and implementation of validation studies for new and changed critical processes and instrumentation, as applicable.
• Works on administrative activities and on clinical workload as scheduling, staffing and workload allows. Scheduling is at the discretion of a Manager.
• Communicates clearly, openly, and consistently with management and team members to assure common access to hospital and department information to promote trust and confidence.

High School graduate or equivalent.

Two (2) years clinical laboratory experience.

Certification through a national certifying body upon hire, or within twelve months of employment. Exam eligible candidates must attempt the exam within nine months of hire to allow time for retesting within the twelve-month timeframe.

Must maintain active certification throughout employment. Certification options include:

Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) or eligible.

Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.

Multicultural sensitivity.

Microsoft Office – basic computer skills.

Customer/patient focused.

Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions.

Demonstrates advanced knowledge of computer programs for patient identification, registration, order, and sample tracking.

Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of computer programs for reporting test results.

Demonstrates knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately.

Intermediate knowledge of computer systems used on analyzers, Sunquest and EPIC.

Continually improves the work performance of self/others by proactively applying new knowledge/skills and training and/or supporting others within or outside the department.

Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.