Medical Lab Scientist-Student

at  Lexington Medical Center

JOB SUMMARY

The Medical Laboratory Scientist Student (MLS-S) provides laboratory services for the consumers of healthcare to include both LMC inpatients and outpatients. The MLS-S ensures excellent quality in laboratory testing and accurate forms of analysis that improve patient outcomes. The MLS-S performs both routine and emergency testing only after formal clinical training as been successfully completed and signed approval from the instructor and supervisor of that department. All testing is performed under direct supervision of MLT/MLS senior technologists and is performed only within the department that provided the completed training. All responsibilities are carried out in accordance with the mission, vision, and strategic imperatives of Lexington Medical Center.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education: A Baccalaureate Degree from a regionally recognized accredited college or university with courses in the physical and biological sciences.
Minimum Years of Experience: None.
Substitutable Education & Experience: None.
Required Certifications/Licensure: None.
Required Training: None.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs under the supervision of an MLS/MLT instructor.
• Collection of specimens: May be required to perform venipunctures to include capillary punctures for blood specimens from patients of various ages requiring developmentally appropriate techniques.
• The Medical Laboratory Scientist Student (MLS-S) performs laboratory testing under supervision of an MLS/MLT instructor according to laboratory accreditation requirements and LMC Laboratory established procedures/policies. (Automated laboratory testing requiring instrumentation to complete testing and Manual laboratory testing requiring no or little automation).
• Independently reports test results only upon the conclusion of formal clinical training with satisfactory evaluation/testing and signed approval from the instructor and supervisor of that department.
• Restricted to only the sections of the laboratory in which formal clinical training has been completed.
• Upon conclusion of the formal clinical training of that laboratory department, the MLS -S exhibits knowledge and expertise in the following job duties: Process laboratory specimens related to assigned departments; Select, perform, evaluate, and monitor the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques; Perform instrument calibration and verify data to meet manufacturer’s specifications; perform routine quality control, preventative maintenance, and verification of correct instrument operation; recognize indicators of malfunction; Perform trouble-shooting procedures and appropriate corrective action steps when needed; document appropriately and notify problems to the supervisor; Review patient and instrument data for accuracy and maintain proper records (i.e., quality control records); Recognize abnormal results, correlating with existing information related to the patient, seek appropriate assistance with problems; Perform proper notification of abnormal results per policy; Achieve and maintain competency for waived, moderate and high complexity testing (checked semi-annually the first year of hire and annually thereafter) in all testing assigned; Adhere to safety policies and procedures as established by LMC; Provide patient care/support that is appropriate to the cognitive, physical, and emotional needs of the patient group served
• Works with others (e.g. coworkers, nurses and physicians and other healthcare workers, laboratory and hospital administration, patients and families) in a teamwork approach that promotes/encourages each person’s contributions toward achieving optimal goals.
• Informs other personnel of circumstances that may affect the quality of testing and takes the responsibility to initiate appropriate follow-up.
• Notifies appropriate personnel of critical test results or results that are deemed “alert” values.
• When interpretation or explanation of test results is sought, the MLS-S takes the responsibility that the appropriate information is given or refers the problem to a supervisor/pathologist.
• Is courteous and accurate in all communications and follows LMC confidentiality policies.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrates the ability to facilitate learning that could include both formal and informal facilitation of learning.
• Continues to strive towards increasing his/her knowledge and expertise through observation and mentoring.
• Possesses sensitivity to recognize, appreciate, and incorporate differences into the provision of care. Differences may include, but are limited to, cultural differences, spiritual beliefs, gender, race, ethnicity, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, age and values.
• Demonstrates the ongoing process of questioning and evaluating to achieve a higher level of knowledge and expertise.
• Demonstrates clinical reasoning. The MLS-S is under constant supervision by MLT/MLS senior technologists and all critical level decisions are approved. The MLS-S does not supervise any employees.
• Maintains accreditation criteria (e.g. correct documentation of quality control results and outliers).
• Assists with all other duties as assigned (e.g. inventory).
• Adheres to laboratory/hospital procedures and policies to include safety/infection control policies and attendance policies of the laboratory, dress code, professional conduct, performance criteria, and other directives as issued.
• Works scheduled hours that may include weekends and shifts other than first (second or third). Work schedule may be modified to meet the requirements of the department.
• Maintains clean and orderly appearance of work areas.
• Maintains a positive, enthusiastic attitude and constructively responds to criticism, conflicts, and problems.

We are committed to offering quality, cost-effective benefits choices for our employees and their families:

• Day ONE medical, dental and life insurance benefits
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Employees are eligible for enrollment into the 403(b) match plan day one. LHI matches dollar for dollar up to 6%.
• Employer paid life insurance – equal to 1x salary
• Employee may elect supplemental life insurance with low cost premiums up to 3x salary
• Adoption assistance
• LHI provides its full-time employees employer paid short-term disability and long-term disability coverage after 90 days of eligible employment
• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan forgiveness