Medical Lab Scientist
Desert Regional Medical Center
Palm Springs, CA
5x8 hrs

Shift: 10HR Day shift 

Job type: Full Time

Hours:  07:30 – 18:00, with the days variable and working every other weekend

Job Summary 

Records, prepares, performs, evaluates & reports various chemical, microscopic, microbiologic, hematologic or serologic tests to obtain data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Understands the physiological and psychological differences created by age, sex, and abilities and applies them to the preanalytic, analytic and postanalytic components of laboratory testing. Communicates with physician and other appropriate staff concerning procedures, results, and their interpretation. Trains new employees in departmental procedures and theories as assigned. Evaluates appropriateness of specimens received for testing. Prepares stains and reagents as needed. Maintains inventory records and rotates supply stocks. Operates, calibrates and maintains laboratory equipment. Performs and records necessary quality control procedures and participates in quality assurance programs. Participates in and/or coordinates technical projects and the development of departmental procedures as appropriate. Coordinates subspecialty areas as assigned.  Communicates professionally with coworkers as well as other Hospital employees. Performs job using the Hospital customer service strategy continuously. Uses the knowledge of the job to work productively, efficiently and harmoniously. 

Department Specific Duties

• Works accurately according to procedure manual and supervisor’s instructions.
• Verifies proper specimen/test/patient identification.
• Enters orders, documents on logs/worksheets and performs result entry within acceptable departmental limits.
• Correctly records and processes referral specimens.
• Notifies appropriate staff/clients when necessary, and documents action taken.
• Takes responsibility for completion of daily routine duties assigned to work area.
• Investigates and resolves pending and incomplete work, clerical and technical discrepancies.
• Communicates necessary information to next shift.
• Performs and records quality control, takes and documents appropriate action.
• Maintains neat, organized records and work station.
• Successfully completes training within an acceptable time‑frame .
• Understands and retains knowledge of department procedures.
• Teaches and/or trains new employees according to department guidelines and documents progress.
• Troubleshoots problems with procedures, QC, and  instruments.
• Successfully participates in proficiency testing.
• Correlates physiological and psychological differences created by age, sex, and abilities to appropriate components of laboratory testing.
• Has cross-trained in at least one other discipline and performs that discipline at least twice per month.
• Attends or participates in professionally related education programs to fulfill education requirement for licensure.
• Attends minimum of 3 quarterly meetings per year.
• Assists with departmental projects and management support.
• Recognizes abnormal results and/or questionable patient information; follows department protocol for resolution.
• Evaluates specimen adequacy/integrity according to departmental guidelines and optimal patient welfare.
• Investigates computer problems and resolves or reports to appropriate personnel.
• Initiates charge reconciliation.  Takes responsibility for charging and crediting tests not handled by normal operation (e.g., test not performed, etc.).
• Functions responsibly in the absence of supervisory personnel
• Demonstrates the ability to assess a situation, consider alternatives, and choose an appropriate course of action.
• Knows when to involve supervisor and/or manager.
• Minimizes waste of supplies and equipment.
• Consistently completes testing within departmental turn‑around‑time guidelines.
• Finishes assignments with minimal supervision and  assistance from fellow employees.
• Produces acceptable quantity of work.
• Is able to organize and complete several tasks simultaneously without loss of accuracy.
• Productivity remains constant under pressures associated with the job.
• Uses available time productively contributing to Lab needs.
• Suggests and supports implementation of improvements to  make department more efficient.
• Restricts personal phone calls/activities
• Performs ordering, stocking, stock rotation and cleaning.
• Reports to work as scheduled, in accordance with hospital policy, and takes responsibility to prevent absences and tardiness.
• Demonstrates a consistently well organized approach to all activities.
• Complies with hospital policy regarding breaks and lunch periods.
• Follows established hospital procedures for clients and/or patient requests.
• Complies with hospital and department policies regarding scheduled time off (vacation) requests.
• Practices appropriate safety and infection control procedures.
• Maintains clean and safe work areas.
• Reports safety hazards to appropriate personnel immediately.
• Attends all mandatory safety sessions.
• Participates in regular departmental safety reviews.
• Accepts work assignment readily
• Supports all Lab and Hospital structural standards (i.e. policies, procedures and regulations)
• Observes work hours and attends work as scheduled
• Wears photo I.D. badge at all times while on hospital property.
• Provides proper identification in personal and phone communications
• Respects the patient’s right to privacy by only discussing clinically relevant information in appropriate surrounding.
• Responds to difficult situations with self-control and positive attitude.
• Communicates with co-workers with clarity and respect
• Shares responsibilities and willingly offers assistance to co-workers.
• Recognizes and acknowledges the contribution of each department/specialty. Encourages interdepartmental communication and team-work.
• Sensitive to cultural, religious, sexual diversity