Med Laboratory Technician

At Houston Methodist, the Medical Laboratory Technician position is responsible for performing both routine and complex analyses, which necessitates knowledge of laboratory techniques, principles, and equipment and their interrelationship. This position exercises good judgment by using critical thinking skills and deals with issue resolution concerning the day-to-day technical operation of the laboratory. The Medical Laboratory Technician also ensures that specimens are accessioned and processed expeditiously in order to deliver quality laboratory results in an effective and cost-efficient manner.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

• Teaches students, new employees and others as assigned by Manager.

• Participates in laboratory and organization wide initiatives.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs qualitative and quantitative tests and examination using various analyzers and/or manual methods.

• Organizes workload and sets priorities. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.

• Meets turnaround time expectations as defined by management.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrates the six elements of competency for test systems used to generate patient test results in all areas assigned to work.

• Recognizes, investigates and helps resolve test discrepancies. When problems arise, takes appropriate action to investigate and address and notifies management and the medical director for follow-up.

• Performs instrument calibrations, validations, quality control testing, maintenance, and function checks.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Restocks section inventory levels as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

• Reviews and utilizes Standard Operating Procedure and offers suggestions for improvement.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section

WORK EXPERIENCE

• One year of work or training experience in a hospital laboratory preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• CLA - Certified Laboratory Assistant (ASCP) within 1 year OR
• MLT(ASCP) - Medical Laboratory Technician (ASCP) within 1 year OR
• MLT - Medical Laboratory Technician (AMT) within 1 year

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing heavy workflow with minimal supervision

• Strong attention to detail and ability to achieve and maintain accuracy

• Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action

• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents

• Demonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision

• Ability to recognize changes that are critical to patient care

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional Yes
• Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL
Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call Yes

TRAVEL
Travel specifications may vary by department

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of America's "Best Hospitals." As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation's largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist's primary academic affiliates are among the nation's leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. With 948 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and more than 8,400 employees, Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.