Medical Laboratory Scientist

Department Overview

OHSU is proud to be designated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Just 9 percent of U.S. healthcare organizations hold this designation. We pride ourselves in not only serving our community with the highest of accolades but also pushing a multifaceted mission that strives for excellence within the OHSU Culture.

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Community Hematology Oncology provides comprehensive medical care in a community setting for adults coping with a diagnosis of cancer or serious blood disorders. The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) provides technical support in the OHSU Community Oncology Laboratory to complete laboratory testing for clinic patients. The MLS performs Hematology, Chemistry and Urinalysis testing. The position requires monitoring and interpretation of all quality control systems. The incumbent is responsible for both routine instrument maintenance and troubleshooting. Community Hematology Oncology provides age appropriate care to the age groups that are indicated.

Function/Duties of Position

INSTRUMENT PROCESSING: Performs testing in all sections of OHSU Community Oncology Laboratory with accuracy, speed and efficiency using Sysmex XN 1000, Beckman Coulter AU 480, Beckman Coulter Access, Abbott Piccolo Express, Microscope.

• Follows all written procedures, policies and guidelines.

SAMPLE PREPARATION: Prepares patient samples for testing. Determines acceptability of specimens and results. Repeats specimen testing as necessary to insure accuracy. Reports results via computer and phone. RESULT VALIDATION: Ensures all patient data, both internal and send out testing, is received and documented in the patient Electronic Medical Record (EMR). Recognizes Critical Value results and immediately responds by notifying the appropriate provider. INSTRUMENT MAINTENANCE: Calibrates and performs routine maintenance on analytic analyzers. Uses problem solving skills to troubleshoot when indicated by patient or quality control results. COMPUTER SKILLS: Performs required work using computer programs: EPIC, Word, Excel, Portal, E-chart and basic navigation of Community Hematology Oncology computer files. QUALITY CONTROL: Performs all quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) tasks. This includes, but is not limited to: daily analyzer controls, instrument function checks, Proficiency Testing, documentation of QA issues involving both patients and/or instrument problems. Reports all QC and/or QA problems to the Laboratory Manager in a timely manner. INVENTORY / SUPPLIES: Maintains adequate laboratory supplies by performing regular stock inventories and processing supply orders as needed. Maintains a clean environment within the laboratory. OTHER RESPONSIBILITES:

• Completes competency training and annual review of policies and procedure manuals in a timely manner. Complies with Safety policies/processes and HIPAA regulations.

• Attends and participates in staff meetings, site meetings, and training sessions. Maintains and documents personal continuing education. Keeps abreast of work unit issues and activities.

• Assists with miscellaneous technical administrative functions to support daily laboratory activities. When delegated, performs training of new employees and mentors less experienced employees.

• Observes and reports changes in patient's condition.

• Multitasks effectively, accesses appropriate staff resources when needed. Willingly cross trains and/or participates in projects.

• Carries out job responsibilities ethically, professionally and with personal integrity; functions as a part of the team by exhibiting excellent communications, teamwork and customer service skills.

• Demonstrates positive, respectful and honest verbal, written and listening skills in all interactions. Willingly gives and accepts honest, constructive criticism, and communicates effectively with all our customers (patients, coworkers, providers, and caregivers, etc.).

• Understands and complies with Code of Conduct, OHSU and departmental policies/procedures and other applicable procedures, rules and regulations.

• Follows infection control policies, maintains knowledge of personal safety, patient safety, fire and electrical safety and disaster plan.

• Other job duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Medical Technology with one (1) year of MT training in a clinical lab in an accredited hospital under the supervision a Pathologist and MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) certification within 90 days of hire;

• OR completion of a two (2) year accredited MLT certification program and four (4) years general experience in a clinical lab and MLT (ASCP) certification within 90 days of hire;

• OR Bachelors (BS) degree in a chemical or biological science and four (4) years of experience as a MT in a specialty lab area with certification as a MLS (ASCP) or MLT (ASCP) or by AMT preferred.

• Successful national accreditation with an OHSU recognized organization; MLS (ASCP), MLT (ASCP) or equivalent, within 90 days of hire.

• Generalist experience in Chemistry, Hematology, Urinalysis, Coagulation, and Microbiology.

• Basic computer experience; able to use software such as Word and Excel.

• General knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, materials and techniques, regulations and safety.

• Skills in handling laboratory specimens, record keeping and operation of laboratory equipment.

• Skills in identifying abnormal cells and cellular morphology.

• Skills in computer usage: competency with software such as Word, Excel, Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems.

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately.

• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory instruments.

• Ability to work independently within established guidelines, apply problem solving skills, meet deadlines and meet urgent patient, provider and system needs.

• Demonstrates personal integrity and supportive professional behavior.

• Demonstrates evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrates strong organizational skills, with attention to detail.

• Ability to demonstrate performance of job duties to trainees.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, prioritize workload and display technical skills at many different workstations throughout the laboratory.

• Ability to work accurately and without constant supervision.

• MLS (ASCP) or MLT (ASCP) or equivalent, within 90 days of hire

• Compliance with Code of Conduct, Respect in the workplace and Applicable policies, procedures and agreements related to position, department or OHSU as a whole

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications

• Past Oncology experience.

• 2 years or more of Hematology experience.

• 1 year recent clinical experience.

• Previous EPIC Electronic Medical Record experience.

• Working knowledge of Oncology medical terminology and procedures.

• Ability to work with EPIC EMR systems.

Additional Details

Pay Range: $35.81 - $49.17 per hour

• Day Shift, Monday-Friday.

• Ability to travel between the various offices of the OHSU Community Oncology work unit.

• Environmental exposures include human tissues/fluids, chemicals and cytotoxic agents.

• Wearing gloves and other personal protective equipment for long periods of time.

• Working in an environment of potential harmful exposures: including human tissues/fluids, chemicals and cytotoxic agents.

• Wearing gloves and other personal protective equipment for long periods of time.

• Working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment.

• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without accommodation

• Frequent twisting, turning, pivoting and reaching.

• Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.

• Pushing/pulling up to 250 pounds.

• Frequent finger dexterity and ability to feel; grasping, pinching and touching.

• Continuous ability to speak, read, hear, and understand English language.

• Continuous visual acuity for close, detailed work.

• Frequent keyboarding.

• Ability to travel between site assignments.

• Ability to use both simple equipment (computers, phones and office equipment) and complex laboratory analyzers.

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.