Clinical Laboratory Scientist at Coalinga Regional Medical Center – Coalinga, California

POSITION TITLE: Clinical Laboratory Scientist

DEPARTMENT: Laboratory

EMPLOYEE REPORTS TO: Director of Lab Services

SUPERVISES: N/A

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time, Part-time or Per Diem

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

This job description is a record of the essential functions of the listed job. The

job description provides the employee, CEO, Human Resources, applicants,

and other agencies with a clear understanding of the job, where it fits into the

organization, and the skill and work requirements in relation to other jobs. Jobs

are always changing to some degree and the existence of the approved job

description is not intended to limit normal change and growth. The facility will

make reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals who are

capable of performing the essential functions of the job with or without

reasonable accommodation.

POPULATION SERVED

The position involves direct and indirect patient care for a population of

patients ages 18 and older. Age specific experience and/or special training

and/or expertise is required to serve this population.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Clinical Laboratory scientist performs a variety of laboratory tests, which

may be complex and involve numerous steps and techniques. Tests may be

performed in hematology, urinalysis, transfusion service, chemistry,

coagulation, serology, and microbiology. Professional application of the

principles, theories and techniques of laboratory science are used to produce

reliable test results, which aid the physician in diagnosis and treatment. The

Clinical Laboratory Scientist will need to exercise professional judgment and

perform in a professional manner. The Laboratory Scientists are accountable

for accurate results employing proper use of Quality Control materials. They

must recognize the interdependency of tests and the conditions that may affect

the results. They are expected to correct their own errors. They must maintain

and make small repairs and adjustments to a variety of complex instruments.

They may be responsible for the work of others in the absence of a supervisor.

They are required to continually update their knowledge. They must comply

with all applicable law and regulation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Specimen collection and processing:

• Phlebotomy skills.
• Venipuncture/finger stick.
• Prepare specimens for pathology
• Prepare samples for daily workload and for reference lab.

Clerical Procedures:

• Read and record temperatures of various instruments, refrigerators and incubators.
• Help with daily inventory and replenishment of blood bank.
• Inventory and request supplies and reagents for ordering.
• Perform and record quality control data in all departments.
• Be adept in the procedures involved with charges, charts, logging tests or patients in and out, mailing specimens, receiving reports, and other duties of a clerical nature.
• Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care and/or services appropriate to the age of the patients served in his/her assigned area. The skills and knowledge needed to provide such care may be gained through education, training or experience.

Technical Detail:

• Perform routine and special tests in chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, transfusion service and serology.
• Set up, read, subculture, identify, and report microbiology cultures.
• Perform quality control procedures for media and VI TEK panels.
• Perform and record daily, weekly and monthly preventative maintenance on instruments.
• Be able to trouble shoot and solve procedure and instrument malfunctions.
• Maintain a neat and clean work area.
• Perform as a generalist technologist and be adept in moving from department to department in order to complete workload.
• Assume responsibility for reporting tests results to appropriate personnel

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

California State Licensure. Must be able to perform complex analysis, which

require a definite network of steps and variables. Must have an in-depth

knowledge of techniques, principles and instruments. Must be able to

recognize problems, identify their cause, create alternatives and determine

solutions. Must possess good communication skills. Must be responsible for

own work and decisions and must be able to supervise and teach others. Must

be able to evaluate procedures and instrumentation

DEMANDS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WORK, EQUIPMENT USAGE,

AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

PERCENTAGE OF WORK TIME 1-33% 34-66% 67-100%

• Standing/Walking -67-100%
• Sitting -1-33%
• Twisting -1-33%
• Lifting/Carrying -1-33%
• Pushing/Pulling -1-33%
• Climbing (Ascending/descending) -1-33%
• Bending/Stooping -1-33%
• Using arm muscles frequently or for extended periods. -34-66%
• Using leg muscles frequently or for extended periods. -1-33%
• Using back muscles frequently or for extended periods. -1-33%

LIFTING REQUIREMENTS — Individuals in patient care positions are required to lift a patient with or without assistance.

• 2-10 Pounds -1-33%
• 11-20 Pounds -1-33%
• 21-30 Pounds -1-33%
• 31-40 Pounds -1-33%
• 41-50 Pounds -1-33%
• 51 Pounds or More -1-33%

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Working in hot, cold, wet surroundings -1-33%
• Working outdoors -1-33%
• Working with or near chemicals -67-100%
• Working near radiation sources -1-33%
• Potential exposure to communicable diseases -1-33%
• Working with hazardous waste materials -34-66%
• Utilizing essential upgraded or adaptive equipment as industry standards require -67-100%
• Using hand tools -67-100%
• Potential for cuts and bruises -1-33%

EXCHANGE OF IDEAS

• Ability to express or exchange ideas. -67-100%
• Ability to understand communication of others with or without adaptive devices. -67-100%
• Ability to perform secondary math. -67-100%
• Ability to read at a secondary level -67-100%

WORKPLACE BEHAVIORS

RESULTS ORIENTATION — Meets current objectives and positions the

organization for future growth. Completes daily tasks and assignments

and processes large volumes of work associated with the operation of

the department.

SOCIAL SENSITIVITY - Builds positive relationships based on respect

for others. Demonstrates a helpful, positive attitude. Maintains effective

communication with peers, medical staff, patients, visitors, and families.

QUALITY OUTCOMES — Meets and exceeds expectations of internal and

external customers. All organizational and departmental standards

regarding quality of performance are met. Demonstrates a strong

commitment to confidentiality. Participates in quality improvement

programs as directed.

SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT - Demonstrates an awareness of and

adherence to safety and legal requirements established at the facility with an

emphasis on maintaining a safe environment for all persons working in the

facility.

Accident/lnjury Reporting — Reports any accidents, injuries, and unsafe

equipment and conditions to supervisor by the end of the shift and reports

any pre-existing conditions as identified by the ADA.

Unsafe Conditions — Immediately reports and corrects, if possible, unsafe

conditions or equipment.

Workplace Standards — Compiles with relevant regulations, standards and

policies governing safe workplace environment (OSHA, Accreditation, etc.)

Safety Techniques — Maintains current knowledge of all aspects of the

facility's safety program by attending safety-related training as mandated

upon hire and thereafter as required by facility.

Modified Work — Accepts modified work assignments after receiving the

physician's release to return to work following an accident] injury.

Follows Prescribed/Recommended Treatment — Follows the

prescribed/recommended treatment given by treating physician(s) after

an accident/injury.

EDUCATION — Participates in required in service and educational programs

on an ongoing basis.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY - Follows all facility guidelines

outlining standards of attendance and punctuality. Responsible for

reporting to and completing work at assigned times.

UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS

Universal precautions will be observed in order to prevent contact with blood

or other potentially infectious materials. Under circumstances in which

differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body

fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials. All blood or other

potentially infectious materials will be considered infectious regardless of the

status. The categories shown below are designed to communicate the risk

of exposure for this particular position.

Category I

Tasks involve light contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or

mucous membranes. Department procedures define and require use of

minimum protective measures to perform the task.

Category Il

Tasks involve no contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or

mucous membranes; however, employment may require performing

unplanned Category I task. Appropriate protective measures are readily

available.

Category Ill

Tasks of employment involve no contact with moist body substance, nonintact skin or mucous membranes.

The employee must have the ability to perform essential functions without

posing a "direct threat" in the workplace.