Medical Technologist ~ Nights

NMC is currently recruiting a Medical Technologist, in the Laboratory, for night shift. The position is full-time (80 hours bi-weekly), generally 9p-7:00a Monday- Thursdays (weekends as needed). Northwestern Medical Center's mission is to provide exceptional health care to our community. Join our high reliability team! With "people" as one of our core values, valuing our employees is a top priority for Northwestern. We care about our employees, their families, and their overall health & well-being. We are proud to offer a generous benefits package, with recognized national carriers, designed to help our people stay healthy, balance work & life responsibilities, protect your assets & plan for a secure financial future.Hiring Range $28.50 to $39.52 USDMedical TechnologistJOB SUMMARY:This Medical Technologist generalist position performs clinical testing and associated duties in all Laboratory sections. Processing of specimens in the assigned Laboratory Section following written procedures and documenting action taken using the Laboratory Information System. Additional functions include daily and weekly cleaning of equipment and work area, conducting Quality Control procedures on analytical tests, instruments, re-agents, media and other products, calibrating of instrument in designated area and complying with established Safety and Infection Control procedures. The Technologist works independently, organizing work to meet job requirements. May be required to perform a variety of specimen collections including blood draws.PRE-REQUISITES:Education: Requires American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board Certification (COP) as a Medical Laboratory Scientist - or equivalent nationally recognized credentials within 6 months of hire. Baccalaureate degree in Medical Technology or a baccalaureate in a related science with approved Clinical Laboratory Scientist training is preferred. Non-traditional route to established skill level may be accepted after review of education and experience. Experience: None required.Other: The Medical Technologist must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently on varied shifts which include nights and weekends (at least two a month). Possess an ICHP Visa Screen Certificate, if applicable. RELATIONSHIPS:•Reports To:o Laboratory Director, Assistant Laboratory Manager•Supervises:o None specified•Other Contacts: o Section Specialists, Pathologists, patients, other employees, physicians, and Technical and Service Representatives.SCOPE:•Machinery or Equipment Used: o Laboratory analyzers and equipment, glass slides, microhematocrit tubes, microscope, computer, pipettes, centrifuge, wheeled cart, dolly, vacuum, phone, safety shields, glue sticks, media plates, specimen loop, incubators, dry block heater, vortex mixer, anti-fatigue mats.•Physical Demands:o Infrequent:§ Overhead reaching up to 90 inches for retrieval of equipment and supplies. Step stool available.o Occasional:§ Pushing/pulling/lifting up to 45 lbs; pushing/pulling of wheeled cart or dolly. Lifting, crouching, squatting and overhead reaching when stocking or retrieving supplies. Sitting for computer work, meetings and breaks/lunch. Exposure to wet/slippery surfaces. Balance required when exposed to the wet/slippery surfaces. Exposure to cold temperature in the walk-in cooler (3 degrees Celcius) or walk-in freezer (-20 degrees Celcius).o Frequent:§ Standing/walking when performing job tasks. Forward reaching for retrieval and placement of accessories, specimen and cleaning of equipment or touching of control panels. Must have good gross and fine motor dexterity and tactile sensation of the digits. Requires both red/green and blue/violet color discrimination.•Working Conditions: o Occasional potential for exposure to infection form disease bearing specimens, infectious and contagious diseases, or blood-borne diseases. Occasional potential for exposure to odorous chemicals and equipment. Occasional potential for exposure to emergency crisis situations and pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries.•Required Protective Equipment:o Lab Coat, gloves. Routine Standard Precautions PPE as indicated by protocol.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Performs functions in the laboratory setting that include testing, resulting and documentation of data in all required locations and collaboration amongst staff to achieve maximum efficiencies in the laboratory setting:o Performs phlebotomy and collects venous or capillary specimens for processingo Performs testing in all areas of the Laboratoryo Demonstrates ability to manage workload and perform testing on multiple shiftso Performs tests requiring specialized skill or advanced knowledgeo Prioritizes tasks and efficiently manages workloado Pending Logs are checked and outstanding tests are resolved in a timely manner during and at the completion of each shifto Recognizes shifts in work load and assists other Sections and Support Staffo Operates Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) according to established guidelineso Supports efforts to evaluate and validate new tests and/or methods.Testing performed with accuracy and precision to ensure consistent level of high quality:o Processes specimens following written procedureso Uses judgment to evaluate results before reportingo Reports values accurately. Testing activities performed in a manner that is consistent with the Quality Management Plano Consults with Pathologist regarding unusual or abnormal findingsPerforms quality management/control/assurance procedures aligning with policies, regulatory agency requirements, troubleshooting processes and documentation guidelines:o Prepares, controls, re-agents, solutions, etc. according to protocolso Recognizes and corrects issues that have the potential to affect the performance of tests, including anything with the potential to create pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical erroro Conducts/evaluates performance checks and may be required to calibrateo Performs and documents quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) duties, and preventative maintenance (PM)o Evaluates QC/QA/PM, implements appropriate corrective action, and documents action takeno Effectively communicates issues to the Section Specialist or supervisoro Completes Lab and NMC Event Reports in a timely mannero Recommends system changes to improve processeso Performs proficiency testing as assignedEnsures that all instruments and equipment are maintained in good operating condition and any issues are promptly resolved:o Performs and documents preventative maintenance (PM) seeking out opportunities to assist MTII's with weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual maintenance activitieso Proactively manages unplanned instrument and assay downtimes utilizing backup equipment and procedureso Promptly notifies key customers when instruments/assays are unavailable and takes steps to minimize the impact to the patiento Troubleshoots instrument and assay problems, documenting action taken. Consults with technical help hotlines, Field Service Engineers, and other technical expertso Effectively communicates issues to the Section Specialist or supervisorPerforms administrative duties to meet the needs of the laboratory department and the customers served by the laboratory:o Uses supplies and resources cost effectivelyo Maintains inventory levels to avoid expired, overstocked, or under-stocked supplieso Assists Section Specialists or supervisors with special projects that may include method validations, crossover studies, and other taskso Aids in the review and revision of procedure manuals as neededo Reviews procedure updates within 30 days of posting and demonstrates knowledge of changeso Actively Participates in the teaching and training of new employees (including technologists, support staff, and staff from other departments), students, and house staffo Assists with job shadows and laboratory toursUses a variety of communication skills to meet the needs of the laboratory department and the customers served by the laboratory:o Communicates effectively when covering for breaks and/or at shift change to ensure continuity of worko Updates whiteboard(s) during and at the end of each shifto Provides guidance and technical assistance to coworkers including support staff to promote a cooperative work environmento Coordinates absences from the work area to minimize workflow disruptionso Attends and constructively contributes to departmental meetingso Supports efforts to improve relations among shifts, job categories within the Lab, and between NMC departments.Participates in continuing education and departmental development functions to support professional growth and departmental initiatives:o Participates in continuing education opportunities and acquires sufficient annual CME creditso Demonstrates a willingness to learn and perform new procedureso Willingly shares technical knowledge and experience with coworkers and customerso Participates in committees and workgroupso Demonstrates active and supportive efforts with Performance Improvement initiativeso Supports and participates in departmental initiatives and goals Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.