Job Title: Medical Technologist Department: Laboratory
Reports to: Support Services Revision Date: 8/2/2020
Grade Level: 25 Status: Non-Exempt
Job Summary:
The Medical Technologist performs routine and/or specialized laboratory analysis either manually or automated in one or more laboratory sections. Analysis may involve reagent preparation, calibration and verification of instruments and procedures and the accurate analysis and reporting of patient specimens and appropriate interactive use of LIS. Works collaboratively with healthcare team, and independently while also interacting with all patients from newborn through geriatrics.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Perform phlebotomy and other specimen collection procedures, correctly determining the appropriateness and adequacy of specimens to be tested; noting hemolysis, lipemia, icterus and requesting a new specimen when necessary; Correctly prepare specimens for analysis by properly processing, affixing bar code labels and aliquoting them; correctly identify patients.
- Advise patients and/or health care workers on proper collection techniques for various specimens.
- Reconstitute and prepare reagents, controls or media in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
- Evaluate and solve problems related to specimen collection and processing that will affect the accuracy and diagnostic usefulness of the result (i.e., incorrect draw times, insufficient volume, IV infiltrates); resolve special or unexpected problems (i.e. rarely antibody or bacterial identification) interruptions with reagent of fluid flows, and/or failures in optical systems.
- Perform and record daily maintenance procedures as required on the various instruments (i.e. Chemistry analyzers, cell counter, blood gas analyzer, coagulation instrument, etc.) prior to operating the equipment.
- Perform all necessary calibration procedures needed by the various instruments prior to commencing patient testing.
- Analyze the appropriate quality control material and record the results prior to patient testing.
- Recognize unacceptable quality control data and does not release any patient reports from run where the QC data is outside the expected ranges; notify section supervisor of problem.
- Perform routine testing in one or more sections of the laboratory after demonstrating competency and proficiency to the section supervisor.
- Perform complex and special procedures in one or more laboratory sections after demonstrating competency and proficiency to the section supervisor.
- Utilize the Laboratory Information System (LIS) to review, verify and release patient results in addition to specimens collection, test orders, work lists, retrieving data and generating reports.
- Recognize abnormal test results, their importance and take appropriate action(s), (i.e. confirmation, notification of supervisor or contacting appropriate health care personnel).
- Recognize test results of communicable disease that must be reported to the NYSDOH and OCHD; follows proper protocol, including documentation when notifying these agencies.
- Schedule work in order to maximize efficiency by simultaneously working on multiple assignments if they do not require constant hands-on attention.
- Inquire about STATS, pending work and instrument status when coming on duty; Respond to changes in the work flow to be able to accommodate STATS, special requests or change in the testing volume.
- Help evaluate new procedures by designing, running and assembling data from comparative or correlation studies, and reviews the results with the section supervisor.
- Assist in the selection of new instrumentation by reviewing the technical literature, participating in site visits and writing comparison reports.
- Review laboratory results from various sections and correlate these with particular disease processes and provide physicians and clinicians with the clinical significance or interpretation of the results.
- Consistently resolve special or unexpected problems (i.e. rarely antibody or bacterial identification) interruptions with reagent of fluid flows, and/or failures in optical systems.
- Evaluate the performance of student interns and provide feedback as to the progress of new employees to the section supervisor.
- Perform routine checks and maintenance on equipment including refrigerators, freezers and incubators in assigned laboratory section (recording required temperatures), instruments and equipment in assigned laboratory section, and analyzers, reporting any malfunctions to the section supervisor and correcting issues.
- Maintain inventory of supplies and reagents; receive shipments of supplies, dating, labeling, log in data and rotating items as appropriate; notify supervisor of incomplete orders, back orders, and depleted stock; use all resources in cost-effective manner.
- Print out a pending log at the end of each shift and review it with the appropriate personnel on next shift.
- Handle telephone requests for information with courtesy, accuracy and with respect for patient confidentiality; receives information and distributes messages appropriately.
- Provide technical support and assistance for Phlebotomist, Central Receiving, and Laboratory Technicians.
- Maintain confidentiality with all patient, hospital and physician-related information; demonstrates complete discretion when discussing patient information.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities (Unit Specific):
- Excellent computer skills required.
- Excellent time management skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to handle several tasks simultaneously.
- Professionalism and business acumen appropriate for working with guests, clients, physicians, employees and volunteers.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Basic office skills such as sorting, printing, faxing and record keeping.
Education and Experience:
- NYS SED License as a Medical Technologist or NYS Limited Permit for 1 year required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology required.
Working Conditions:
- Position requires department specific orientation.
- Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer; subject to intermittent interruptions.
- Ability to perform prolonged or extensive standing, walking, and/or traversing.
- Exposure to patient blood, urine, and other body fluid samples along with other hazardous materials
- Requires ability to lift, move, carry, push or pull up to 30 lbs. using proper body mechanics and/or available equipment.
- Attendance ensures that job requirements are met.
- Actively participates in Quality Assurance, CQI, cross-training, in-service programs; attend all mandatory classes, meetings and committees as required; complete department-specific requirements/competencies; accept assignments to other units/shifts as hospital needs require.
- Comply with DOH requirements for annual health assessments and required immunizations.
Pay Range: $34.00-$39.15/hr
Employee salary is based on commensurate experience and other qualifications.
The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Oswego County. As a nonprofit healthcare system that was established in 1881, Oswego Health is proud to continue to be one of Oswego County’s largest employers. More than 1,200 employees spread throughout its 17 locations, work for the Oswego Health system, which includes the 164-bed community hospital with a brand new Medical Surgical Unit, a 32-bed state-of-the-art psychiatric acute-care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations, The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, and Springside at Seneca Hill, an independent retirement community. The health system also operates Oswego Health Home Care, the only hospital-based certified home healthcare agency in the County as well as two outpatient centers, including the Fulton Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy, and occupational health services; and the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, and physical therapy services. In addition, Oswego Health includes the Oswego Health captive professional corporation, Physician Care P.C., providing physician services in orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, breast care, audiology, general surgery, bariatrics, and primary care.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Oswego Health is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment-related matters, without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race), creed, color, religion, sex/gender, national origin, age, marital or familial status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, citizenship status, ancestry, arrest/conviction record, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, reproductive health decision making, relationship or association with a member of a protected category, or any other legally protected characteristic. Decisions affecting your position including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, training, tuition assistance, leaves of absence, disciplinary action, layoff/recall, and terminations will be made in accordance with this policy.
