Day (United States of America)

Charge Medical Technologist - Microbiology

Provides timely and courteous service to patients, physicians, and hospital staff by performing laboratory analyses accurately and efficiently on newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. Uses sophisticated instruments, equipment, methods and techniques to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Detects unusual conditions and assumes responsibility for problem solving. Provides technical expertise, decision making and problem solving based on knowledge of laboratory techniques, principles, and instruments. Communicates effectively with lab staff, nurses and physicians.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical technology or related laboratory science from an accredited institution.

• Hospital based, formal internship required.   

• State of Florida Technologist License; Certification with American Society of Clinical Pathologists or equivalent.  Completion of 4-6 week orientation period is required. 

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, LICENSURE:

• 1-3 years experience in the clinical laboratory. Must be skilled in testing on newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Functions as supervisor of the shift in the absence of the supervisor for the smooth functioning of the shift.

• Works with section supervisor and other leadership to improve overall laboratory processes and service to patients and physicians. 

• Takes steps to resolve conflicts, complaints, and issues and notifies supervisor of final outcome.

• Performs routine procedures and techniques on newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients in chemistry, microbiology, hematology, blood bank or other areas of the clinical or anatomical laboratory.

• Recognizes, determines steps, and implements actions necessary to resolve problems.

• Uses independent judgment to determine acceptability of test results; detects problems and develops resolutions. 

• Prioritizes and performs tests/tasks/ procedures within acceptable turnaround time.

• Multitasks to meet simultaneous demands.

• Demonstrates technical competency through ability to correctly perform skills on annual technical competency evaluation checklist without error.

• Performs quality control with each test and/or instrument to check accuracy and reproducibility.

• Performs QC according to policy. 

• Recognizes and determines steps necessary to resolve quality control and implements actions necessary to resolve.

• Reviews and evaluates the validity of test results. 

• Accurately records and reports results to include phoning Stat, timed, and panic values.

• Correlates abnormal results with patient status or treatment.

• Verifies critical results and documents notification to nurse or physician. 

• Performs routine maintenance and calibration of instruments; recognizes malfunctions and performs troubleshooting.

• Recognizes, determines steps, and implements actions necessary to resolve problems.

• Uses independent judgment to detect problems and develop resolutions.

• Collects, receives and prepares specimens for analysis; processes and prepares specimens for reference laboratories.

• Assumes responsibility for acceptable specimen integrity and patient identification.

• Monitors and takes action to resolve uncollected specimens and identifies problem/process affecting specimen integrity and patient identification; initiates corrective action.

• Stocks and prepares solutions, reagents or test media following laboratory procedures and formulae.

• Manages inventory such that stock is rotated and maintained at sufficient levels to meet demand. 

• Accurately prepares reagents.

• Assists in instructing, training, or supervising new or less skilled lab personnel. 

• Time permitting, helps other techs with their work, and may direct the daily activities in the absence of the Supervisor.

• Provides bench training to students, new employees, and co-workers. 

• Helps and supports co-workers; Treats co-workers with respect and courtesy; Volunteers to flex personal work schedule to help laboratory meet interdepartmental goals.

• Performs various clerical duties; recording and phoning of reports; answering telephones and statistics, etc.

• Recognizes work needs and shares clerical duties as needed within department. 

• Anticipates customers’ needs and responds appropriately.

• Develops an awareness of new techniques, procedures, and instruments. 

• Participates in continuing education and general laboratory meetings.

• Assist in evaluating new methods; writes or revises procedure manuals. 

• Completes annual continuing education hours. 

• Attends and participates in educational inservices and meetings.

• Maintains a clean, hazard free work environment; observes and practices safety and hazard precautions.

• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of safe handling of equipment and specimens.

• Reports problems and requests service as necessary.

• Uses PPE with no exceptions.

• Identifies safety problems; Responds according to protocol to fire drills and disaster drills.  

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Willingly shares in less desirable tasks/schedules. 

• Recognizes the need for assistance in other areas and assists as workload allows.