PRN Medical Technologist

General Summary: The Medical Technologist performs a variety of diagnostic laboratory tests that are intended to assist with improving the overall status of patients by providing accurate laboratory results. The Medical Technologist is actively involved in department activities, transdisciplinary team activities, and LifeCare activities to ensure individualized, patient-centered health care for all patient populations admitted to LifeCare Hospital.

Patient Population: Has contact with patients in a clinical setting; understands and demonstrates appropriate behavior when interacting with patients in the adult (18-65 years of age) and geriatric (65 and older) populations.

Supervision:  Oversees and directs delegated functions of Medical Laboratory Technicians and Phlebotomists.

Standard Essential Functions

1. The knowledge and skills necessary to perform the position requirements are demonstrated through the successful completion of competencies established for the position, to include the population served and other special needs of patients or customers served by the department.
2. Adheres to LifeCare policies, procedures, all safety plans, and all standards imposed by regulatory organizations.
3. Regular attendance and timeliness are required.

Job-Specific Essential Functions

1. Obtains and accurately enters physician orders for laboratory procedures into the Laboratory Information System or manual requisitions as required. Delivers laboratory reports to the nursing unit for physician/nurse review per the facility's process. 
2. Performs venipuncture and finger stick procedures within the appropriate timeframe (e.g., stat orders, etc.) and executes specimen collection according to policy and procedures to render a specimen with good integrity. Verifies patient identification prior to the procedure and accurately labels specimen post-procedure. Identifies problems/needs for performing specimen collection.
3. Completes laboratory accession record, data collection, and filing, appropriately submitting charges and reports in a timely manner.
4. Performs complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, and bacteriological analyses, based on the test menu of the facility. Assists in the development and modification of procedures and the establishment and monitoring of programs to ensure the accuracy of tests.
5. Order supplies while participating in quality improvement and safety (e.g., safety checks). Ensure that the equipment is maintained, clean, and in working order. Report equipment maintenance and/or repair timely.
6. Plans/organizes work for assigned shifts to properly utilize time, resources, and supplies to ensure that patients receive appropriate quality care.

Values

• We COLLABORATE: We develop our treatment plans in collaboration with physicians, clinicians, and the patient’s family.
• We ADVOCATE: We advocate on behalf of every patient and family.
• We RESPECT: We recognize and value the dignity, rights, and resources of each patient.
• We EDUCATE: We educate our team members and families with purpose and compassion.
• We SERVE: We serve as a TEAM with integrity at all levels, focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Experience: Requires a minimum of twelve months training in a structured hospital program or three years hospital laboratory practice.

Education: A bachelor’s degree in a medical technology program or in one of the biological or chemical services with completion of an accredited academic program in MT, MLS, or CLS is preferred. At minimum, a graduate of an approved Medical Lab Technician program or military program who has successfully obtained a MT, MLS, or CLS license, OR must have met the CLIA qualifications for a Technologist as they were in effect on or before February 28, 1992.

Licensure/Certification: Current MT, MLS, or CLS license/certification if required in state where currently practicing.

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to lift, move, transport, and position equipment or supplies/materials up to ten (10) pounds without assistance; or over ten (10) pounds with the aid of mechanical assistance or assistance of personnel.
2. Range of motion and mobility of self by positioning or moving around the hospital to include sitting, standing, walking, bending, squatting, stooping, kneeling, crawling, climbing, and reaching.
3. Ability to communicate with patients, families, physicians, co-workers, and visitors to be able to exchange accurate information regarding patient condition and health status. Ability to exchange and express information by means of language and communicate information effectively.
4. Ability to hear the nature of sounds. Ability to detect clinical alarms and conversation. Ability to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
5. Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses if alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
6. Ability to monitor/assess performance of yourself or other individuals to make improvements or take corrective action.
7. Ability to see things at close range and match and/or detect differences between colors, including color and brightness.
8. The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble small objects.
9. Ability to keep your hand steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
10. Ability to understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. Ability to use scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
11. Ability to identify problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
12. Ability to respond to emergencies or crisis in a calm and professional manner as a team member to resolve the crisis or emergency.
13. Ability to work independently and perform routine and detail-oriented tasks. Ability to manage one’s own time and the time of others.
14. Ability to consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
15. Ability to collect and analyze numerical, written data and verbal communication to reach logical conclusions and ability to determine the time, place and sequence of operations or action.
16. Ability to review, assess, record or type data quickly and accurately.
17. Ability to observe and recognize or identify changes in patient’s health status or condition.
18. Ability to perform mathematical equations.
19. Ability to view and operate the required equipment.
20. The ability to determine resources needed to provide quality patient care.
21. Ability to make independent judgments and minor decisions is sometimes required.
22. Ability to remain in a stationary position while performing venipunctures.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

1. Category 1 - Infection exposure due to required tasks which routinely involve a potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluid tissues, or potential spills or splashes.
2. Ability to work alone or with minimal supervision.
3. Contact with patients, families, co-workers, physicians, and visitors.
4. Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner.
5. Ability to handle multiple tasks.
6. The ability to work long hours between breaks and meals may be required.
7. Exposure to high, medium, or low noise intensity.
8. Ability to take call as assigned may be required.

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements: Ability to operate all phlebotomy and applicable laboratory equipment. Ability to operate nursing call system, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, computer, printer, and calculator.