Medical Laboratory Scientist - FT / Nights / Tissue Typing / Med Center

At Houston Methodist, the Medical Laboratory Scientist position is responsible for performing both routine and complex analyses, which necessitates knowledge of laboratory techniques, principles, and equipment and their interrelationship. This position exercises good judgment by using critical thinking skills and deals with issue resolution concerning the day-to-day technical operation of the laboratory. The Medical Laboratory Scientist also ensures that specimens are accessioned and processed expeditiously in order to deliver quality laboratory results in an effective and cost-efficient manner.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSPromotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.Teaches students, new employees and others as assigned by Manager.Participates in laboratory and organization-wide initiatives.SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSPerforms qualitative and quantitative tests and examination using various analyzers and / or manual methods.Organizes workload and sets priorities. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.Meets turnaround time expectations as defined by management.QUALITY / SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSDemonstrates the six elements of competency for test systems used to generate patient test results in all areas assigned to work.Recognizes, investigates and helps resolve test discrepancies. When problems arise, takes appropriate action to investigate and address and notifies management and the medical director for follow-up.Performs instrument calibrations, validations, quality control testing, maintenance, and function checks.FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSAdjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental / organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Re-stocks section inventory levels as needed.GROWTH / INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSSeeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.Reviews and utilizes Standard Operating Procedure and offers suggestions for improvement.This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business / job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATIONBachelor's degreeWORK EXPERIENCEOne year of work or training experience in a hospital laboratory preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIREDMust meet certification eligibility upon entry into this role and have one of the following required certifications within 18 months :

• Certified as a Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, or categorical certification by Board of Certification (ASCP)
• Certified as a Medical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist or Molecular Diagnostics Technologist by American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• Certified as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist by National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)
• HLA only - One of the following is required :

◊ Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification

◊ Certified by American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ABHI)

◊ Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification

◊ Microbiology, M(ASCP) certification

◊ Clinical microbiology registry from American Society for Microbiology, RM(AAM)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESDemonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluationsSufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or securityAbility to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principlesAdapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing heavy workflow with minimal supervisionStrong attention to detail and ability to achieve and maintain accuracyDemonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective actionPossesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documentsDemonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervisionAbility to recognize changes that are critical to patient careSUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTSWORK ATTIREUniform NoScrubs YesBusiness professional YesOther (department approved) NoON-CALL