JOB SUMMARY:

Perform routine and special procedures in the Microbiology department of the Laboratory.

EDUCATION, CREDENTIALS & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology, Biology or Chemistry preferred, but not required.
• Current Medical Technologist licensure from ASCP, AMT, AAB or NCA.
• Associate of Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology required.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Performs all job responsibilities in alignment with the mission and vision of the organization.
• Performs other duties as required and completes all job functions as per departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains current knowledge in present areas of responsibility (i.e., self-education, attends ongoing educational programs).
• Attends staff meetings and completes mandatory in-services and requirements and competency evaluations on time.
• Wears protective clothing and equipment as appropriate.

GENERAL SKILLS:

• Ability to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Basic Computer Skills

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• General environment: Works in a well-lighted, air-conditioned area, with moderate noise levels.
• May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.
• May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids, or infectious organisms.
• May be required to change from one task to another or different nature without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.
• May be scheduled as needed including overtime.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & DEMANDS:

• Have near normal hearing: Hear alarms/telephone/normal speaking voice.
• Have near normal vision: Clarity of vision (both near and far), ability to distinguish colors.
• Have good manual dexterity.
• Have good eye-hand foot coordination.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks/motion.
• Continuously within shift (67-100%): Standing, Walking.
• Frequently within shift (34-66%): Bending/Stooping, Pushing/Pulling, Lift/carry up to 20lbs, Lift/carry greater than 20 lbs. with assistance.
• Occasionally within shift (1-33%): Sitting, Climbing, Twist at waist, Lift/Carry greater than 50 lbs. with assistance, Reaching above shoulder.

MISSION STATEMENT:

QUALITY HEALTHCARE:

• In our continuing effort to enhance the quality of life for the communities we serve, the Hospital Authority of Miller County is committed to the delivery of superior, safe, cost-effective healthcare through the provisions of education prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

• Performs gram stains correctly from swabs, agar plates and broth as needed.
• Performs catalase, PYR, oxidase, Staph latex, cefinase, A disc and P disc tests as needed.
• Responsible for the knowledge of the differentiation of the PID, PMIC, NID, NMIC and Yeast ID panels.
• Correctly sets up Identification and AST panels for pathogenic organisms.
• Must understand the pathogenic organisms versus normal flora depending on the source and is able to successfully set up identification panels and methods for sensitivity.
• Responsible for reviewing Microbiology specimen reports, verifying purity and releasing them to the appropriate stations.
• Sends out appropriate specimens not identified at the facility.
• Correctly identifies Aerobic, Anaerobic and Pediatric blood culture bottles.
• Responsible for loading blood culture bottles to the instrument and removing negative blood cultures.
• Correctly removes positive blood cultures from the instrument, gram stains the bottle, and reports the gram stain to the appropriate personnel.
• Responsible for proper processing, logging, and setting up of specimens received in the Microbiology department.
• Successfully processes and results stat rapid kit tests.
• Reports positive covid results to appropriate personnel.
• Assures that test results are accurate by way of quality control policies; analyzes problem, takes corrective action where indicated, and notifies supervisor of out-of-control values.
• Maintains instruments by performing preventive and corrective maintenance procedures.
• Participates in development of new procedures and improvement of existing procedures.
• Participates in inventory list, receiving of supplies and ordering supplies when needed.
• Must understand and comply with laboratory safety, fire, and disaster plan procedures.
• Maintain an orderly environment; replenishes consumables daily and whenever needed.
• Maintains competency in core lab as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as requested.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Follows Code of Conduct policy.
• Adheres to dress code; appearance is neat and clean.
• Completes annual educational requirements.
• Maintains regulatory requirements.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work within designated time.
• Wears identification when on duty; uses computerized time clock system correctly.
• Completes in-services and returns in a timely fashion.
• Attends annual review and/or skills fair and department in-services, as scheduled.
• Attempts to end conversations and other interactions in a positive manner; leaves others with a good impression of the Hospital Authority of Miller County and its employees.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicates the mission statement of the organization.

GUEST RELATIONS STANDARDS:

(All guest relation violations are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination):

• Always treat others in a friendly, helpful manner.
• Refers co-workers to proper sources when unable to provide an answer.
• Interacts with others in a professional and friendly manner.
• Takes interest in others and always gives full cooperation to fellow workers.
• Always maintains an open line of communication with other departments.
• Thoroughly familiar with the hospital and the services it offers.

OTHER:

• Responsibility to Report: It is the responsibility of every employee of HAMC to comply with federal, state and local laws and regulations, as well as, HAMC Policies and Procedures. Every employee is held accountable to participate in, comply with and report concerns to his or her supervisor or the Compliance Officer if illegal or unethical behavior is suspected.
• As an employee of HAMC, you have been granted user access to applicable ePHI systems based on your position.
• This user or role-based access is intended to give you the minimum necessary access to perform your job function(s) only and should be used only as applicable.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.