Medical Laboratory Scientist 1 - Microbiology at RUSH University Medical Center

Location: Chicago, IL

Hospital: RUSH University Medical Center

Department: RML General Microbiology

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0. 9 and 1. 0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (7:00:00 AM - 3:30:00 PM)

Summary:
This position is responsible for performing all assigned laboratory testing and reporting for the testing area. This position requires teamwork to achieve common goals and meet deadlines to provide quality care to clients and patients. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures. Must adhere to the Rush Code of Conduct and Rush ICARE values: Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence, executing these values with compassion.

Responsibilities:
Performs Laboratory Testing
Utilizes required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined by the lab area. Labels and processes specimens properly. Performs all laboratory procedures efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision once trained. All testing must be done following Rush approved Policies and Procedures.
Quality Control and Preventative Maintenance
Performs required quality control (QC) procedures and preventative maintenance, including corrective action and documentation, for all procedures and instrumentation. Recognizes QC problems or discrepancies and attempts to determine the cause of problem. Notifies appropriate supervisor or designee regarding QC problems or discrepancies according to the established procedure.
Troubleshooting
Performs basic troubleshooting of equipment and processes with minimal assistance, documents action and notifies appropriate personnel, for example, supervisors, of problems all the time. Able to recognize when additional help is needed and seeks out that help.
Organization of Work Area
Keeps the work area neat, clean, organized, and always stocked. Disinfects area at the beginning and end of each shift.
Specimen Acceptability
Accepts no inappropriate specimens. Notifies appropriate person of specimens that must be drawn or collected again and documents the notification.
Turnaround Time Expectations
Meets turnaround time expectations by prioritizing and organizing the workload for the shift. Monitors the pending list periodically to ensure turnaround time of all samples.
Time Management
Utilizes time effectively and seeks out additional job duties when shift tasks are complete. Completes work without incurring overtime. Assists fellow workers to finish shift tasks. Adheres to the defined allotted time for breaks and lunch.
Continuing Education
Required to obtain and document 12 hours of laboratory continuing education per year.
Special Projects
Accepts and/or volunteers for method evaluations and new procedure development or other special projects and completes them within an agreed upon time frame. Participates in procedure implementation and training of new staff and students. Encouraged to identify and participate in process improvement projects.
Tech-in-Charge
May perform the duties of the tech-in- charge for specified periods of time. Oversee operations according to departmental guidelines. Understands when to defer issues to appropriate personnel, for example a supervisor or director, and does so.
Report Reviewing and Results Reporting
Reviews lab results as required and takes appropriate action before verification and release. Recognizes and calls critical results within defined time frames. Reviews paper generated results and transcribes accurately into the Lab Information System.
Additional Job Components
Additional job duties will be defined by the laboratory's specific bench or assignment competencies.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

Other information:
Education: bachelor’s degree in laboratory science, biological science, chemistry, or education/work experience meeting the qualifications of high complexity testing personnel as defined by CLIA 42 CFR 493 1489.Certification from nationally recognized certifying agency required. Some laboratory disciplines may require more stringent certification criteria.
Acceptable credentials (can vary depending on the laboratory section):
•Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) via the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
•Medical Technologist (MT) via the American Medical Technologists (AMT)
•Blood Bank (BB) via the ASCP
•Chemistry (C) via the ASCP
•Cytogenetics (CG) via the ASCP
•Cytotechnologist (CT) via the ASCP
•Hematology (H) via the ASCP
•Microbiology (M) via the ASCP
•Molecular Biology (MB) via the ASCP
•Specialist in Cytometry (SCYM) via ASCP
•Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) via AACC or ASCP with a minimum of 5 contiguous years’ laboratory related experience.
Experience:
•Bachelor’s Degree with certification, no previous experience required.
•Associate’s degree and/or education/work experience qualifications as defined by CLIA 42 CFT 493 1489, AND MLT or other certification, AND 5 contiguous years of laboratory related experience required.
REPORTS TO:
Laboratory Supervisor or Designee
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Able to work in fast pace, often stressful, computerized environment. Able to lift 20 lbs. and perform repetitive motions. Works in laboratory with exposure to potentially infectious and hazardous materials.
CLIA QUALIFICATION FOR TESTING:
Employees in this job classification are qualified to perform moderate and high complexity testing. Employees' education and/or laboratory experience meet the requirements delineated in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment of 1996.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.