Laboratory Technologist

Job Summary

The Laboratory Technologist is a vital member of our team at South Shore Health, responsible for the analysis of laboratory specimens and subsequent result reporting according to laboratory protocol and procedures.

This is a 7 on 7 off night position, 9:00pm to 7:00am, including every other weekend. In addition, this position is eligible for a $5,000 sign on bonus.

Key Responsibilities

• Test Performance
  • Performs accurate and appropriate testing of specimens received in the laboratory, according to established laboratory protocol and procedures.
  • Evaluates specimens for acceptability for proper testing.
  • Investigates and documents problems with unacceptable specimens.
  • Organizes workload for maximum efficiency in order to complete tests being performed.
  • Accurately performs tests as ordered on specimens received.
  • Verifies accuracy of results as those belonging to the corresponding specimen before reporting results.
  • Collects data as required by supervisor on unacceptable specimens and specimens without orders or with ambiguous orders.
  • Notifies Microbiology supervisor or designee of any preanalytical, analytical, or post analytical variances.
  • Handles specimens according to appropriate storage temperature requirements and as per laboratory procedures.
• Test Result Reporting
  • Reports test results in a timely manner and according to established laboratory protocol and procedures.
  • Reports results within time limits established for test procedures.
  • Documents proper notification process required for test results in the reporting of all critical values that the employee results that meet the established criteria.
  • In the event of an occurrence resulting in incorrect results reported on a patient, employee consistently follows the established policy on Correcting Results including the notification and documentation of corrective actions taken.
  • Notifies the Infectious Disease provider or primary care provider regarding Microbiology alerts in a prompt fashion and documents communication in the LIS system.
  • Notifies the Infection Control Nurse or designee regarding Microbiology alerts in a prompt fashion and documents communication in the LIS system.
  • Notifies the Massachusetts State Laboratory Institute regarding reportable diseases in a prompt fashion and documents communication in the LIS system.
• Quality Control and Maintenance
  • Performs appropriate quality control for the test procedure.
  • Accurately analyzes and evaluates QC results obtained before accepting and reporting patient test results.
  • Records results obtained for quality control testing as defined in test procedure.
  • Appropriately notifies supervisor of discrepant QC results.
  • Performs maintenance according to the schedule for the instrument/equipment.
  • Documents performance of maintenance procedures for the instrument/equipment.
  • Performs calibration of equipment according to scheduled intervals or receipt of reagents.
  • Documents calibration of equipment.
• Troubleshooting and Safety
  • Follows established guidelines for troubleshooting procedures.
  • Follows established guidelines for resolving patient specimen problems.
  • Documents steps taken during the troubleshooting process.
  • Immediately notifies supervisor when unable to solve problems.
  • Consistently adheres to established Laboratory and Hospital policies for Universal Precautions, Chemical Hygiene and Safety procedures.
  • Wears lab coat, gloves, goggles and protective devices as required when handling specimens.
  • Follows safety policies for dress.
  • Follows safety policies when using chemicals.
  • Reports any safety hazards to the appropriate supervisor.
  • Uses protective barrier equipment as required.
  • Disinfects and clean work benches/areas according to established protocol during and at the end of assigned shift.
  • Properly disposes of contaminated and hazardous waste materials.
  • Knows where to find material safety data sheets (MSDS) for items used to perform job.
  • Knows the location and procedures to follow in the containment of blood, body fluid and chemical spills.
  • Wears gloves when working at the bench in the Microbiology area.
• Communication and Teamwork
  • Assists coworkers when main bench duties are completed.
  • Assists with specimen processing during lunch time breaks to ensure continuous flow of work.
  • Assists Microbiology Supervisor with special projects when main bench duties are completed.
  • Consistently communicates with Microbiology team to ensure that daily work is completed.
• Education and Competence
  • Demonstrates competence in assigned work areas according to section schedule.
  • Consistently acknowledges, through documentation, of changes to established testing procedures in all skilled areas.
  • Completes assigned CAP surveys with the expectations that results reported score in the acceptable performance category, in all skilled areas.
  • Completes department generated competencies as required with acceptable results in all skilled areas.
  • Participates in a formal continuing education program sponsored by Professional Organizations in one or more of the skilled areas.
• Inventory and Supply Management
  • Maintains appropriate supplies for work being performed.
  • Assures that supplies are sufficient for ongoing testing. Notifies supervisors when supplies are below established levels.
  • Regularly performs inventory of supplies and notifies appropriate Supervisor of departments need.
• Orientations and Training
  • Actively participates with orientation and training of new employees and students in laboratory procedures and policies.
  • Introduces new employees/students to the members of the department.
  • Engages new employees/students in daily routines within the department.
  • Maintains visibility in orienting new employees/student.
  • Acts as a resource for new employees/student, acclimating them to the organization.
  • During orientation period communicates to Supervisor progress of new employees and Identifies key areas that may be problem prone.
• Relief and Technology
  • Reports to workstation/assignment on schedule, ready to start work, and works entire shift as assigned, unless absence/tardiness/leaving early is pre-approved, or appropriate notice for unscheduled absence is given to the employee's manager.
  • Assists in the performance of duties required for relief in higher classification in supervisor's absence.
  • Partners with Microbiology Supervisor in discovering new technology which will benefit patient results and turnaround time.
• Safety Awareness
  • Acknowledges, adheres, and demonstrates commitment to a safe environment as stated in the Laboratory Policies for Chemical Hygiene, Infectious Disease Control and Safety.
  • Assists in providing quality patient care through the evaluation of proper patient specimen labeling in accordance with the Laboratory Specimen Labeling criteria prior to performance of laboratory testing.
  • Verifies accuracy of results as those belonging to the corresponding specimen before reporting results.
  • Will ensure that all revised reports for previously reported incorrect (erroneous) results are identified as revised, corrected or amended according to established procedure and will appropriately notifies the patient care giver.