The posting
At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.
Job Summary
Position is responsible for evaluating, performing, and overseeing various laboratory tests/procedures as assigned. Assists in development of new or revised procedures. Serves as the person in-charge of the department in the absence of the Laboratory Director, Manager, or Medical Laboratory Specialist.
Job Description
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
-For generalist MLS positions
- Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science/Clinical Laboratory Science from an accredited institution OR
- Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Science AND Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, biological, clinical/medical laboratory science
-For SW/TMC Microbiology positions – Doctoral, Masters, or Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science/Clinical Laboratory Science or biological science
-For SW Molecular positions – Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science/Clinical Laboratory Science, Molecular Biology, Biology,
Biological Science, Molecular Genetic Technology or Biochemical Chemistry
Equivalency Required for Foreign Education
Licenses/Certifications:
For generalist MLS positions - Medical Technologist (ASCP or ASCP-International), Medical Technologist (AMT), MLS (ASCP or ASCP-International), CLS (ASCP), MLS (ASCP or ASCP-International)CM or ASCP Certification eligible and become certified within one year.
For SW and TMC Labs working in Microbiology ONLY - Any of the above OR Medical Laboratory Specialist in Microbiology (ASCP-M)
For SW Lab working in Molecular ONLY - Any of the above OR Medical Laboratory Specialist in Molecular Biology (ASCP-MB)
For SW and TMC Labs working in Blood Bank ONLY - Any of the above OR Medical Laboratory Science in Blood Banking (ASCP-BB)
For TMC Lab working in Hematology ONLY - Any of the above OR Medical Laboratory Science in Hematology (ASCP-H)
For TMC Lab working in Chemistry ONLY - Any of the above OR Medical Laboratory Science in Chemistry (ASCP-C)
Experience/ Knowledge/ Skills:
- Three (3) years of pertinent experience in a high complexity laboratory in the assigned/specified area.
Principal Accountabilities
- Manages daily laboratory operations including specimen collections, specimen processing, quality control, waived/moderate/high complexity testing, result reporting, and distribution.
- Interprets, correlates, and verifies test results using knowledge of techniques, principles, and instrumentation.
- Maintains testing analyzers and corrective actions according to policy/procedure. Assists with instrument troubleshooting as needed.
- Maintains reagent inventory in assigned area and collaborates with Supply Chain partners to ensure adequate reagents are always on hand.
- Oversees system pipette calibrations.
- Collaborates with vendors on analyzer installations and validations.
- Performs clerical duties as required to maintain efficient workflow.
- Maintains ongoing education and test competencies according to the age/needs of the patient/populations served.
- Follows laboratory procedures while handling chemicals, biological specimens, or hazardous materials, ensuring a safe work environment.
- Directs personnel (as appropriate). Communicates exceptional circumstances to appropriate personnel. Interacts with hospital personnel, volunteers, physicians, and patients as to specimens and orders coming into the Laboratory and/or reporting results out according to the policies and procedures of Laboratory Services.
- Supports point of care testing throughout the hospital.
- May serve on quality teams and system laboratory service technical teams.
- Evaluates the performance of testing, quality control, and maintenance for assigned areas.
- Evaluates and maintains technical procedures as appropriate to the department/facility; in area assigned.
- Prepares monthly quality summary reports documenting the performance of instruments, quality control, linearity, service visits, and clinical service issues in assigned areas. Coordinates service visits.
- Participates in the peer interview process.
- Participates in discipline technical team meetings.
- Supports point of care testing throughout the hospital, interfaces with Nursing educators and leaders to ensure point of care quality metrics are met, quality control is performed in a timely manner, and all policies and procedures are followed.
- Assists with Nursing/PCT training of point of care testing to maintain regulatory compliance.
- Supports Blood Bank operations for trauma services including massive transfusion protocols for adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients.
- Processes reference laboratory specimens and monitors pending results, ensuring strict adherence to specialized send-out protocols and timely follow-up of test results; may process or perform testing on Memorial Hermann-approved research specimens as assigned.
- Gains/maintains functional knowledge of system computers and vendor software as required by job assignment.
- Teaches, assesses competency, mentors and/or preceptors to other laboratory employees and students in the area assigned.
- Serves as an on-call leader for weekends, off-hours, codes, and other special events.
- Provides input into Medical Laboratory Scientists’ initial, six (6) month, and annual training, performance appraisals, and annual competencies. Coaches and provides input to Lab Director or Manager for counseling sessions associated with performance, error reports, and employee recognition programs.
- Supports intradepartmental cohesiveness; practices teamwork, acknowledges and appreciates other employees’ strengths, communicates effectively with laboratory staff, MLS, and Laboratory Director, provides and asks for feedback, accurately documents and reports issues, observations and solutions for the Laboratory Director or Manager.
- Complies with policies, procedures, and initiatives of Laboratory Services, the hospital, and the system; understands, communicates, and complies with standards and conditions set forth by various governmental and accrediting agencies including TJC, FDA, CAP, AABB, CMS, HCFA, and CLIA.
- Maintains knowledge of the regulatory standards and compliance and participates in CAP mock inspections and off-site system inspections as needed.
- Meets/exceeds competency requirements for all workstations; writes procedures; exhibits working knowledge of laboratory equipment and laboratory information systems.
- Attends and participates in MHHS System Lab Disciplinary-specific team meetings and events.
- Demonstrates leadership and performs duties in a manner to promote quality patient care and support system and hospital customer service initiatives. Recognizes customer satisfaction issues and responds appropriately. Builds and maintains effective relationships with other employees. Develops an effective working relationship with all customers, solicits input, and collaborates with customers to implement mutually satisfying corrective actions.
- Interacts with hospital personnel, volunteers, physicians and patients regarding specimens and orders coming into the Laboratory and/or reporting results according to the policies and procedures of Laboratory Services and with sensitivity to customer needs.
- Ensures safe care for patients, staff, and visitors. Adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity, and quality of service. Maintains a commitment to the Performance Improvement process.
- Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.
- Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor and resource for less experienced staff. Serves as a mentor and performs competency assessment when indicated.
- May take part in the peer interview process of job applicants or evaluation of competency.
- Other duties as assigned.
Additional Duties at the Texas Medical Center Laboratories
- Supports moderate and high complexity laboratory services for trauma, transplant, neonatal, ECMO, and other high-acuity patient populations at MH TMC.
- Oversees specialty laboratory procedures as assigned such as special coagulation assays, sweat chloride collection and analysis, fetal hemoglobin (Kleihauer-Betke) staining, manual platelet counts, specialized CBC testing for intrauterine transfusions, and pneumocystis direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) testing.
- Supports Blood Bank operations for Level 1 trauma services including massive transfusion protocols for adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients, specialized transfusion protocols for transplant, neonatal, and ECMO patients, exchange transfusions, and additional procedures for processing blood products, technical procedures and policies, quality control, maintenance procedures, performance improvement, production efficiency, and customer service.
Additional Duties at the Southwest Core Laboratory
- Oversees specialty laboratory procedures and workflow in the following assigned areas:Cytopathology Electrophoresis Fetal hemoglobin Kleihauer-Betke staining Manual platelet counts Flow Cytometry to include leukemia panels and lymphocyte subset testing Sickle cell screening Malaria testing to include staining, parasitemia, and identification Specialized immunology for infectious disease testing Body Fluid Highly Infectious Disease/Molecular System reference lab testing
