Medical Laboratory Technician, Full-Time

At Central Maine Healthcare our team members are committed to providing exceptional care and experiences for our community and for each other every day.

Position Summary:

The Medical Laboratory Technician performs specimen collection, under the direction of the supervisor or Medical Technologist, routine clinical laboratory testing using automated and manual procedures to obtain data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease, following established standards and procedures.

A Medical Laboratory Technician with HEW or ASCP certification and 3 years of laboratory experience, meets the CLIA definition for General Supervisor and functions in that role for the following tasks as assigned: review of daily work, review of maintenance logs, and review of quality control.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:

1.Performs clinical laboratory procedures according to established standards and procedures, using proper technique and equipment in the performance of duties to assure biological and physical safety, and accuracy. Work must be performed accurately in the judgment of the supervisor and with no more than two documented major errors per evaluation year.

a. Follows written procedures to independently perform routine diagnostic testing which may include, but is not limited to, the following:

b. Hematology, Urinalysis, Coagulation, Chemistry, Clinical Microscopy, Immunohematology, Donor Collection and Processing, Therapeutic Drug monitoring, Microbiology, Serology.

c. Plans, organizes and prioritizes work duties to complete tasks within normal work hours and utilize time efficiently.

d. Consistently notifies supervisor or charge technologist of all unusual or significantly abnormal results.

e. Communicates specimen requirements, normal ranges, and basic technical information to other personnel.

f. Assists in the departmental inventory program as assigned.

g. Consistently phones results to physicians or nursing staff, and/or communicates alarm values appropriately.

h. Identifies questionable orders for review by supervisor.

2.Routinely performs quality control and maintenance procedures as a part of normal workflow.

a. Performs and documents QC tests on all instruments at the appropriate times. Identifies significant problems with quality control and equipment as they arise with no more than two major, documented errors per evaluation year.

b. Accurately identifies problems encountered in routine workflow, and reports these problems to the appropriate supervisor or charge technologist, as determined by supervisory observation and review.

c. Performs basic troubleshooting, and corrective maintenance procedures independently as determined by supervisory observation.

d. Consults with supervisory/charge personnel related to corrective procedures and responds to their direction, as determined by supervisory observation with input from charge personnel.

3.Properly collects and prepares specimens with efficiency and accuracy for subsequent testing to ensure the accurate and timely reporting of results used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The following assignments are monitored by the supervisor with input from the phlebotomy supervisor, and must have no more than 2 documented major errors per evaluation year.

a. Properly identifies all patients, according to Laboratory protocol, prior to collection of any specimens.

b. Properly labels, according to laboratory protocol, all specimens collected.

c. Performs all phlebotomy procedures (venipuncture, capillary collection, and assisting nursing service in collection from lines), according to laboratory protocol.

d. May be required to perform sample collection by capillary puncture in the neonatal age group and to document specific competencies in this procedure.

e. Performs phlebotomy rounds as scheduled and responds to STAT orders as required.

f. Performs successful venipuncture and capillary collections within an acceptable time period. Can organize and prioritize workload and perform tasks without loss of accuracy and composure.

g. Collects throat swabs for subsequent testing by microbiology.

h. Performs template and duke bleeding times, according to laboratory procedure.

i. Instructs patients in the collection of urine, stool, sputum, and semen specimens according to departmental requirements to ensure accurate reporting of tests.

j. Identifies adverse reactions encountered during specimen collection and handles appropriately.

4.Utilizes functions of the information system including all functions associated with ordering and resulting laboratory tests.

a. Maintains patient confidentiality as it applies to patient information with no willful or careless violations of the confidentiality policies of the institution during the evaluation year.

b. Interprets physician orders and enters their test requests into the computer assuring information is consistently accurate as determined by supervisory observation.

c. Accurately records and verifies the results and findings of procedures via the computer system with no more than two major documented errors per evaluation year.

5.Maintains and increases professional knowledge. This aspect of performance will be assessed by supervisory review.

a. Assumes responsibility for own competency and continuing education by participating in continuing education, as evidenced by CED documentation record.

b. Assists in the development of new procedures and testing methods as assigned, under the direction and supervision of other technical personnel.

c. Participates in the orientation and training of new employees by job shadowing.

6.Customer Service: Interacts with all individuals in a consistent manner, providing attention, support, and assistance to foster an environment of exceptional personal service.

a. Maintains a pleasant and helpful demeanor, and presents a professional appearance toward all internal and external customers at all times.

b. Consistently initiates interaction to provide assistance to individuals who may not be direct customers of the employee (i.e. asks patients who appear to be lost if they need assistance in finding their way).

c. Takes appropriate action to recover from a service difficulty, ensuring that the necessary action is taken to affect a resolution to the customer's problem.

d. Conducts all work activities with respect for coworkers, including the maintenance of a pleasant and professional environment, fostering calmness during stressful situations.

e. Interacts with supervisory personnel in a professional, supportive and courteous manner, venting emotions appropriate to time and place.

f. Demonstrates a commitment to service by consistent attendance and punctuality, scheduling absences according to departmental requirements, and incurring unplanned absences only when unavoidable circumstances exist.

Regulatory Requirements:

• Registration as a Medical Laboratory Technician by ASCP or equivalent.
• A.S. degree in Medical Laboratory Science or related science from an accredited school. Non-traditional routes to establish skill level may be accepted after review of experience and education.

Language Skills:

• Able to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.

• Strong written and verbal skills.

• Additional languages preferred.

• Basic computer knowledge.

Physical Demands:

For physical demands of position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion and environment, see following description:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising client care.

If you are passionate about making a difference and are looking for your next great career opportunity, we look forward to reviewing your application!