Logo
South Shore Health System

Lab Technologist/Technician Microbiology

South Shore Health System, Weymouth, Massachusetts, us, 02188

Save Job

Overview Job Description Summary

Seeking Microbiologist with bench experience sufficient to independently perform, distinguish, and interpret: specimen and colony gram stains, normal flora versus pathogenic bacteria morphologies on routine and selective media, selection and isolation of pure colonies for identification and susceptibility testing from mixed plated growth for aerobes and anaerobes, able to associate various biochemical tests with their correct applications, normal and abnormal sensitivity patterns (automated mic, Kirby Bauer, and E-test), utilize CLSI antimicrobial guidelines for sensitivity results, troubleshoot extent of workup and additional antibiotic testing, ability to associate body site, disease state, and bacterial pathogen. Plate experience required. Job Schedule: 64 hours per pay period 7:00am - 3:30pm dayshift. Every other weekend, some weekdays, and holiday rotation.

Job Description ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Test Performance

Performs accurate and appropriate testing of specimens received in the laboratory, according to established laboratory protocol and procedures.

Evaluates specimens for acceptability for proper testing.

Investigates and documents problems with unacceptable specimens.

Organizes workload for maximum efficiency in order to complete tests being performed.

Accurately performs tests as ordered on specimens received.

Verifies accuracy of results as those belonging to the corresponding specimen before reporting results.

Collects data as required by supervisor on unacceptable specimens and specimens without orders or with ambiguous orders.

Notifies Microbiology supervisor or designee of any preanalytical, analytical, or post analytical variances.

Handles specimens according to appropriate storage temperature requirements and as per laboratory procedures.

Test Result Reporting

Reports test results in a timely manner and according to established laboratory protocol and procedures.

Reports results within time limits established for test procedures.

Documents proper notification process required for test results in the reporting of all critical values that the employee results that meet the established criteria.

In the event of an occurrence resulting in incorrect results reported on a patient, employee consistently follows the established policy on Correcting Results including the notification and documentation of corrective actions taken.

Notifies Infectious Disease provider or primary care provider regarding Microbiology alerts in a prompt fashion and documents communication in the LIS system.

Notifies the Infection Control Nurse or designee regarding Microbiology alerts in a prompt fashion and documents communication in the LIS system.

Notifies the Massachusetts State Laboratory Institute regarding reportable diseases in a prompt fashion and documents communication in the LIS system.

Follows established procedures for laboratory quality control and reports discrepancies to the appropriate supervisor.

Performs appropriate quality control for the test procedure.

Accurately analyzes and evaluates QC results obtained before accepting and reporting patient test results.

Records results obtained for quality control testing as defined in test procedure.

Appropriately notifies supervisor of discrepant QC results.

Performs instrument and equipment maintenance

Performs daily, weekly, monthly or as needed maintenance on instruments and equipment as appropriate. Performs calibration of equipment as required.

Performs maintenance according to the schedule for the instrument/equipment.

Documents performance of maintenance procedures for the instrument/equipment.

Performs calibration of equipment according to scheduled intervals or receipt of reagents.

Documents calibration of equipment.

Troubleshoots instruments, equipment, reagents and patient specimens; notifies the supervisor if unable to solve the problem.

Follows established guidelines for troubleshooting procedures.

Follows established guidelines for resolving patient specimen problems.

Documents steps taken during the troubleshooting process.

Immediately notifies supervisor when unable to solve problems.

Adheres to Universal Precautions and Safety procedures

Wears lab coat, gloves, goggles and protective devices as required when handling specimens.

Follows safety policies for dress and when using chemicals.

Reports any safety hazards to the appropriate supervisor.

Uses protective barrier equipment as required.

Disinfects and cleans work benches/areas according to established protocol during and at the end of assigned shift.

Properly disposes of contaminated and hazardous waste materials.

Knows where to find MSDS for items used.

Knows the location and procedures to follow for containment of spills.

Wears gloves when working at the bench in the Microbiology area.

Communicates with Microbiology team to ensure daily work is completed.

Assists coworkers when main bench duties are completed.

Assists with specimen processing during lunch breaks to ensure continuous workflow.

Assists Microbiology Supervisor with special projects when main bench duties are completed.

Demonstrates competence in assigned work areas

Acknowledges changes to testing procedures in all skilled areas.

Completes assigned CAP surveys with acceptable performance.

Completes department competencies with acceptable results.

Participates in continuing education programs sponsored by professional organizations.

Rotates through all work stations in the Microbiology department including Bench areas, Blood cultures, PCR and EIA testing, and Specimen Processing.

Maintains work area and inventory

Maintains appropriate supplies and ensures sufficiency for ongoing testing.

Notifies supervisors when supplies are below established levels.

Performs regular inventory of supplies and notifies appropriate supervisor.

Orientation and training

Participates in orientation and training of new employees and students in laboratory procedures and policies.

Introduces new employees to department members and engages them in daily routines.

Maintains visibility in orienting new employees and acts as a resource.

Communicates progress and identifies problem-prone areas during orientation.

Work schedule adherence

Reports to workstation on schedule, ready to start work, and works entire shift as assigned unless absence/tardiness is approved or pre-notified to supervisor.

Reviews daily work for accuracy.

Relief duties

Assists in duties required for relief in higher classification in supervisor's absence.

Identifies and reports errors to a supervisor; ensures daily operations and staffing requirements are met.

Technology and safety initiatives

Participates in recommendations and selection processes for technology and process improvements in the department.

Fosters a culture of safety and adheres to Laboratory Policies for Chemical Hygiene, Infectious Disease Control, and Safety.

Engages in patient specimen labeling checks and ensures revised reports are identified and notified appropriately when corrections are made.

Job Requirements Minimum Education - Preferred

Baccalaureate degree in relevant science preferred

Minimum Work Experience

One (1) year clinical laboratory internship preferred.

Required Certifications

MT or MLS (ASCP) or MT or MLS (ASCP Equivalent) required. Medical Technician or Medical Laboratory Scientist certification is required within 1 year from the date of hire. Individual ASCP certifications in Chemistry or Hematology or Microbiology or Blood Bank meet requirements.

#J-18808-Ljbffr