Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

Department Overview

Community Hematology Oncology provides comprehensive medical care in a community setting for adults coping with a diagnosis of cancer or serious blood disorders. The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) provides technical support in the OHSU Community Oncology Laboratory to complete laboratory testing for clinic patients. The MLS performs Hematology, Chemistry and Urinalysis testing. The position requires monitoring and interpretation of all quality control systems. The incumbent is responsible for both routine instrument maintenance and troubleshooting. Community Hematology Oncology provides appropriate age care to the age groups serviced.

Function/Duties of Position

• INSTRUMENT PROCESSING:  Performs testing in all sections of OHSU Community Oncology Laboratory with accuracy, speed and efficiency correctly using hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, and microscopic equipment. Follows all written procedures, policies, and guidelines
• SAMPLE PREPARATION: Prepares patient samples for testing. Determines acceptability of specimens and results. Repeats specimen testing as necessary to ensure accuracy. Reports result via LIS, EMR, middleware, computer applications, and phone.
• RESULT VALIDATION: Ensures all patient data, both internal and send out testing, is received and documented in the patient Electronic Medical Record (EMR).  Recognizes Critical Value results and immediately responds by notifying the appropriate provider.Observes and reports changes in patient’s condition, when apparent.
• INSTRUMENT MAINTENANCE: Calibrates and performs routine maintenance on analytic analyzers.  Uses problem solving skills to troubleshoot when indicated by patient or quality control results.
• QUALITY CONTROL: Performs all quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) tasks. This includes, but is not limited to  daily analyzer controls, instrument function checks, Proficiency Testing, documentation of QA issues involving both patients and/or instrument problems. Report all QC and/or QA problems to the Laboratory Manager or Technical Coordinator in a timely manner.
• COMPUTER SKILLS:  Performs required work using computer programs:  EPIC, Word, Excel, Beaker, E-chart, and basic navigation of Community Hematology Oncology (CHO) computer files. Review critical and outstanding lists
• INVENTORY / SUPPLIES:  Maintains adequate laboratory supplies by performing regular stock inventories and processing supply orders as needed. Ensures correct dating on lab supplies

OTHER RESPONSIBILITES:

• Completes competency training and annual review of policies and procedure manuals in a timely manner.
• Comply with Safety policies/processes and HIPAA regulations.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, site meetings, and training sessions.
• Maintain and document personal continuing education.
• Stay abreast of work unit issues and activities.
• Assists with miscellaneous and technical administrative functions to support daily laboratory activities.
• When delegated, training of new employees and mentors less experienced employees.
• Willingly cross trains and/or participate in projects.
• Multitasks effectively, accesses appropriate staff resources when needed.
• Maintains a clean environment within the laboratory.
• Fulfills job responsibilities ethically, professionally and with personal integrity; functions as a part of the team by exhibiting excellent communications, teamwork, and customer service skills.
• Demonstrates positive, respectful, and honest verbal, written and listening skills in all interactions. Willingly gives and accepts honest, constructive criticism.
• Communicates and works effectively as part of a team, and interacts with a variety of clients including but not limited to; doctors, nurses, laboratory staff and patients, maintaining a customer service focus at all times.
• Understands and complies with the OHSU’s Code of Conduct, OHSU Core Values and departmental policies/procedures and other applicable procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Follows infection control policies, maintains knowledge of personal safety, patient safety, fire and electrical safety and disaster plan.
• Performs projects assigned by lead worker, technical coordinator or lab manager.

Other job duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Lab Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Chemical or Biological field, and current certification MT (ASCP), or MLS (ASCP) within 90 days of hire.  Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004.  Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred.
• OR
• Completion of a 2-year accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, plus MLT (ASCP) or equivalent certification within 90 days of hire, and 4 years of experience in a clinical laboratory. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004.
• OR 
• Bachelor's degree in a Chemical or Biological field, and four years’ experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory performing testing and related tasks. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. Note: experience in a specialty lab area will only qualify candidate to work in that specialty area.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years or more of Hematology experience.
• 1-year recent clinical experience.
• Hem/Onc experience.
• Working knowledge of Oncology medical terminology and procedures.
• Ability to work with EPIC EMR systems.
• Generalist experience in Chemistry, Hematology, Urinalysis, Coagulation, and Specimen Processing.
• Basic computer experience; able to use software such as Word and Excel
• General knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, materials and techniques, regulations, and safety.
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory instruments.
• Skills in handling laboratory specimens, record keeping and operation of laboratory equipment.
• Accurately identifying abnormal and normal cells and cellular morphology.
• Competent in computer skills; software like Word, Excel, Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately.
• Ability to work independently within established guidelines, multitask, apply critical thinking skills, apply problem solving skills, meet deadlines, and meet urgent patient, provider and system needs.
• Demonstrates personal integrity and supportive professional behavior.
• Demonstrates evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills, with attention to detail.

Additional Details

• This position is a day position, working Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Three days with a 10-hour shift.
• Day Shift, Saturday, Sunday, Holidays and weekdays. 8 or 10-hour shifts.
• Ability to travel between the various locations of the OHSU Community Oncology Hematology (CHO) work unit.
• Environmental exposures include human tissues/fluids, chemical and cytotoxic agents.
• Wear gloves and other personal protective equipment for long periods of time.
• Working in a noisy and crowded environment and experiencing occasional temperature control problems.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without accommodation
• Frequent twisting, turning, pivoting and reaching.
• Lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds.
• Pushing/pulling up to 250 pounds.
• Frequent finger dexterity and ability to feel; grasping, pinching and touching.
• Frequent keyboarding and computer work.
• Ability to speak, read, hear, and understand English technical language.
• Continuous visual acuity for close, detailed work.
• Ability to travel between Community Hematology Oncology Lab. site assignments.
• Ability to use both simple equipment (computers, phones and office equipment) and complex laboratory analyzers.

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