Clinical Laboratory Technologist Level 3 - Chemistry (Part-Time)

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue is America's oldest public hospital, established in 1736. Affiliated with the NYU School of Medicine, the 844-bed hospital is a major referral center for highly complex cases, with its 6,000 employees including highly skilled, interdisciplinary clinical staff. It sees more than 110,000 emergency room visits and 500,000 outpatient visits annually. Bellevue is an academic medical institution of international renown. We have served as an incubator for major innovations in public health, medical science, and medical education. Bellevue is a Level I Trauma Center delivering around-the-clock care in adult, pediatric, psychiatric and pediatric psychiatric emergencies as well as in the nationally-designated categories of cardiology, neurology, toxicology, and neonatology. In addition to providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient state-of-the-art care Bellevue is a city-wide medical specialty referral source. Bellevue's clinical centers of excellence include: Emergency Medicine and Trauma Care; Cardiovascular Services; Designated Regional Perinatal Center and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU); Comprehensive Children's Psychiatric Emergency Program; and Cancer Services.

At NYC Health + Hospitals, our mission is to deliver high quality care health services, without exception. Every employee takes a person-centered approach that exemplifies the ICARE values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) through empathic communication and partnerships between all persons.

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for performing and assessing clinical laboratory tests on specimens for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in a timely manner. Assist with Supervision of the Technical Staff and works independently under general direction to address laboratory needs as the occasion arises.

Demonstrates knowledge of the organization's Service Standards and incorporates them into the performance of Duties.

Principal Responsibilities

I. SUPERVISORY ASSISTANCE - Employee training/Technical Assistance with staff.

Assists with the supervision of the technical staff and provides support to the supervisor.

Performance Criteria

a. Assists in monitoring and compliance of organization's Service Standards by laboratory employees.

b. Trains newly hired technical staff effectively in the procedures of the department and pertinent policies

c. Trains new and current employees; oversees the technical performance of new employees during orientation and less qualified personnel assigned to the same area.

d. Offers continuing guidance and technical assistance to employees on work activities and procedures Informs supervisor of problems with equipment, reagent, media, etc

e. Assists with troubleshooting technical problems by utilizing expertise in the field

f. Provide assistance in monitoring laboratory productivity; including supervisory review of abnormal and critical results, following up on incompletes, and monitoring turn-around-time.

g. Provide mentoring and guidance to employees in the absence of a supervisor.

h. Reviews printouts and or reports from assigned areas for technical and clerical accuracy. Brings discrepancies to the attention of the supervisor.

i. Maintains technical leadership by providing technical guidance during supervisor's absence, and or holidays.

2. LABORATORY SET-UP

Processing of Chemistry specimens from pre to post- analytical phase

Performance Criteria

a. Receipt of Samples
1. Reviews labels and requisition forms for accuracy of data.
2. Identifies discrepancies between forms and specimen labels.
3. Labels and relabels specimen containers or tubes as necessary
4. Centrifuges/aliquots specimens according to protocol.
5. Prepares samples, manually or on pre-analytical analyzer, for distribution.
6. Properly stores batch samples for later testing
7. Sorts specimen containers or tubes for distribution to appropriate areas.
8. Identifies and expedites 'STAT' request
9. Records inappropriate requests - containing incomplete data and/or unsuitable specimens.

b. Accessioning of Samples into Chemistry
1. Accurately enters information into EMR - identifying and expediting 'STAT" request
2. Bring any computer or instrument malfunctions immediately to the attention of the IT department or instrument manufacture

c. Workstation
1. Performs preventive maintenance of centrifuge and pre-analytical analyzer.
2. Keeps work-bench neat and organized

3. Prepares racks and trays to minimize clutter and ease work transitions

3. SPECIMEN PREPARATION AND TESTING

Prepares specimens to be tested; Performs manual and automated tests on blood, urine and body fluids according to established laboratory procedures.

Performance Criteria

a. Identifies and prepares accurately specimens which have been collected by phlebotomy team, nurses or physicians in according to laboratory policies and procedures.

b. Checks samples to ensure correct identification and that it matches with accompanying label to ensure accuracy of recording and reporting of results.

c. Completes all scheduled and stat tests in a timely fashion.

d. Report any incomplete assignments/tests to assure continuity of procedures.

e. Performs all Preventative Maintenance procedures on instruments as stated in the laboratory Policy and Procedures.

f. Perform all laboratory testing according to the Policy and Procedures

g. Finalizes normal results in the Laboratory Middleware and EMR

h. Maintains accurate and up-to-date maintenance log book an accurate and timely manner

i. Properly document problems and workflow issues as well as corrective action taken

j. Ensures that critical reports are communicated and documented as per laboratory Policies and Procedures.

k. Adheres to Laboratory's/Manufacturers' safety policies while operating and troubleshooting instruments.

l. Operates instruments according to Laboratory / Manufacture's established procedures.

4. INTERPRETATION AND RECORDING OF RESULTS

Analyzes, interprets, and reports test results.

Performance Criteria

a. Exhibits sound judgment in handling and reporting test results.

b. Makes a determination of normal and abnormal test values accurately as per laboratory Policies and Procedures.

c. Promptly documents results in the hospital information systems and reports abnormal results via telephone.

d. Reviews incomplete lists

e. Seeks information or ask assistance from supervisor when necessary regarding difficult or questionable results.

5. QUALITY CONTROL AND ASSURANCE

Monitors testing equipment, solutions and work environment by following laboratory Quality Control procedure, ensuring the overall reliability of test results.

Performance Criteria

a. Perform proficiency testing

b. Runs and interprets control values to ensure all values are within the laboratory Quality Control guidelines.

c. Performs reagent validations, QC validation, and other activities related to laboratory quality

d. Cleans and calibrates testing equipment according to established preventive maintenance guidelines.

e. Inspects reagents, calibration and control solutions to ensure that they are of high quality, that lot numbers, expiration dates are noted, initialed

f. Runs and interprets control values to ensure standardization within deviation guidelines.

g. Reads and records temperatures of pertinent pieces of equipment daily. Includes but not limited to refrigerators, freezers

h. Adhere to all laboratory infection and safety procedures

i. Disposes of needles and sharps in designated red bins

j. Stores and disposes of contaminated and hazardous materials according to departmental procedures.

k. Troubleshoots malfunctioning equipment and reports any prolonged instrument related problems to the lead technologist or Supervisor.

l. Document all instrument problems in appropriate log books.

m. Communicates with manufacturer's service department dispatch office when unable to rectify inoperable instrument. Receive an ETA and document in shift-to-shift log book

n. Follows all departmental procedures and instructions given by Associate Chemist II,III and directors

6. INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

Assists with inventory management

Performance Criteria

a. Follow lab reagent protocol

b. Minimize reagent waste

c. Informs Supervisors when inventory is low

7. PLANNING AND TIME UTILIZATION

Efficiency in adapting to changes in order to facilitate adequate staffing and effective demonstration in identifying and acting on priorities in a timely manner.

Performance Criteria

a. Demonstrates alertness and adaptability to changes in schedule and work conditions; responds appropriately.

b. Uses time effectively by completing all assigned tasks in a timely manner.

c. Recognizes and deals with priorities

d. Utilizes spare time to review stored collection of abnormal slides, textbooks, periodicals, tech samples, safety videos, etc. to enhance theoretical knowledge and technical skills

8. EMPLOYEE TRAINING

Trains new and current employees

Performance Criteria

a. Oversees technical performance of new employees during orientation and less qualified personnel assigned to same area.

b. Teaches new employees established procedures and orients existing employees to new or modified procedures

c. Provides technical leadership during supervisor's absence and or holidays

9. TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT

Participates in in-services, continuing education courses and complete 12 CE credits per year

Performance Criteria

a. Maintains an up to date knowledge of policies and procedures in assigned area and responds to, or initiates changes which enhance patient care, for supervisor's review.

b. Maintains and improves technical expertise by attending continuing education programs and reading current literature in the field.

c. Attends all in-service sessions as required

d. Participates actively in developing, evaluating, and implementing approved new procedures, or modifications to existing policies or procedures.

e. Participates in all CAP and State Proficiency Testing.

Other duties as assigned

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS

a. Communications / Relations with Others: Communicates information accurately, clearly and concisely to ensure understanding. Listens carefully in order to respond appropriately answer questions or obtain needed information. Respects and maintains the confidentiality of all patient, physician and hospital-related information. Cooperates and communicates with all Medical Center Staff and the General Public in courteous and professional matter. Adhere to all hospital policies regarding the use of computers and internet, secure all access codes.

b. Judgment / decision-making: Seeks information or ask assistance from supervisor when necessary regarding difficult or questionable results; is prepared to report on results of initial investigation and discuss possible causes and solution. Decides necessity for additional testing to confirm findings.

c. Initiative: Volunteers assistance to others or seeks additional work when assigned work is done. Identifies and pursues a program of technical development by attending seminars, continuing education, reading professional journals, in-services, professional affiliations, etc. Participates in developing, evaluating, and implementing approved new procedures, or modifications to existing policies or procedures. Keeps current in departmental communications by reading the problem book and incorporates its instructions into routine.

d. Attendance/Reliability: Provides proper notification of absences or tardiness. Arrives at work on time as scheduled. Adheres to department guidelines concerning sick time, vacation, and paid/unpaid leave. Does not abuse sick time.

e. Safety Standards: Observes Hospital and departmental safety and infection control policies; comply with safety training; maintains a professional

appearance; and wears an identification badge at all times.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education and experience equivalent to the guidelines mandated by CAP, CLIA, and NYSDOH requirements.

• After September 1, 2013, have received an education, including a bachelor's degree from an approved clinical laboratory technologist program or the substantial equivalent
• Be licensed as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist by New York State Department of Education, Office of the Professions.

• Master's degree in the major of biology, chemistry or physical sciences from an accredited college or university and at least four (4) years of pertinent laboratory experience of which not less than two (2) years have been spent working in the designated laboratory specialty in a clinical laboratory having a director at the doctoral level.
• Bachelor's degree in Clinical Laboratory Technology from a program registered by the NYS Department of Education or Bachelor's degree in the major of biology, chemistry or physical sciences from an accredited college or university and at least six (6) years of pertinent laboratory experience of which not less than two (2) years have been spent working in the designated laboratory specialty in a clinical laboratory having a director at the doctoral level.
• Knowledgeable in Quality Control procedures and Laboratory Automation
• Effective oral, written, communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree and NCA/ASCP certification in addition to the minimum requirements
• Working knowledge of related theory, principles, practices, applicable instrumentation, analytical methods, quality control, statistical analysis, current government regulations and leadership

NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week
• Retirement Savings and Pension Plans
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts
• College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities
• Multiple employee discounts programs