POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of supervisors is directly responsible for the prompt, efficient and accurate performance of a variety of microbiology, mycology, parasitology, virology and mycobacteriology procedures using both automated and manual methods.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have served an approved 12 month internship in an accredited school for clinical microbiology or medical technology.

EXPERIENCE:

• Must have experience in a clinical microbiology laboratory. Experience is defined as the workup of bacterial, virology, parasitology, and acid fast cultures including organism identification and antibiotic sensitivity testing. Experience in mycology is preferred.
  Preference will be given to an individual that has the most experience in culture workup and susceptibility testing.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Possesses a pleasant personality for dealing with all people.
• Makes logical and sound decisions based on knowledge and available resources.
• Continually strives to maintain good rapport and cooperation with all hospital departments, patients, medical staff, visitors, or anyone requiring departmental services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs all work promptly and accurately.
• Prepares specimens for processing by always accurately identifying appropriate specimen, logging into the department, entering all patient information required, and assuring the proper testing as ordered.
• Promptly transfers specimen to proper medium for growth, isolation and identification of microorganisms using morphological, biochemical, immunoflourescent, microscopic and other methods as instructed in procedure manuals.
• Assures quality control criteria are always met before releasing reports. Immediately repeats any procedures which appear to be out of control following established departmental protocol at all times.
• Always keeps work organized to avoid confusion and potential for error.
• Consistently reviews reports for accuracy and completeness before releasing.
• Promptly responds to and communicates effectively with anyone requiring assistance or service from the lab. Is able to provide information regarding proper specimen collection and handling for all microbiology testing.
• Assists in training of technical personnel by demonstration of techniques and review of work performance as requested by supervisor.
• Always seeks assistance from supervisor when difficulty in proper identification or interpretation is encountered or when very rare abnormal findings occur.
• Participates in all proficiency testing or quality assurance activities as instructed.
• Maintains current knowledge of laboratory and hospital policies and procedures as well as performance standards for microbiology personnel.
• Demonstrates continuous awareness of and compliance with safety, infection control and quality assurance procedures. Advises supervisor of potential hazards when noted.
• Demonstrates constant awareness and compliance with departmental and hospital policies.
• Suggests ways of improving laboratory services when appropriate.
• Always complies with policies for release of patient information and appropriately documents the time and other required information when reports are released.
• Maintains all departmental equipment and supplies.
• Checks the performance of all instruments daily and maintains all equipment, including any back up equipment, in working condition at all times. Communicates any problems to supervisor promptly. Notifies affected patient care areas if delays may occur.
• Assists with maintaining sufficient inventory of departmental reagents and supplies at all times. Promptly submits information or requests to supervisor when additional materials are anticipated or when problems are encountered with any current supplies or reagents.
• Maintains cost control in utilization of materials and suggests ways to improve conservation of same as appropriate.
• Rotates, dates and tests reagents as they are received or prepared to insure accuracy, avoid expiration, and to provide availability for use at all times.
• Assists with the implementation of new procedures and/or evaluation of new products or equipment.
• Evaluates new products, procedures or techniques and provides written information when requested regarding findings to supervisor as soon as possible after evaluation.
• Suggests changes in methodologies, work flow, etc. which will increase accuracy and/or efficiency of service.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.
• Accepts additional assignments as assigned from lab supervisors.
• Ordinarily works in microbiology but may be assigned to rotation in other departments as workload necessitates.
• Voluntarily assists co-workers when patient care priorities and workload fluctuate.
• Will be scheduled to work weekends or holidays as required for laboratory coverage and when assigned by the supervisor. Shift rotation may be required for laboratory coverage and will be assigned on basis of seniority.