Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) - job 2 of 2

Department Overview

Community Hematology Oncology provides comprehensive medical care in a community setting for adults coping with a diagnosis of cancer or serious blood disorders. The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) provides technical support in the OHSU Community Oncology Laboratory to complete laboratory testing for clinic patients. The MLS performs Hematology, Chemistry and Urinalysis testing. The position requires monitoring and interpretation of all quality control systems. The incumbent is responsible for both routine instrument maintenance and troubleshooting. Community Hematology Oncology provides age appropriate care to the age groups that are indicated.

Function/Duties of Position

INSTRUMENT PROCESSING: 

• Performs testing in all sections of OHSU Community Oncology Laboratory with accuracy, speed and efficiency using Sysmex XN 1000, Beckman Coulter AU 480, Beckman Coulter Access, Abbott Piccolo Express, Microscope. 
• Follows all written procedures, policies and guidelines.

SAMPLE PREPARATION: 

• Prepares patient samples for testing. 
• Determines acceptability of specimens and results. 
• Repeats specimen testing as necessary to insure accuracy. 
• Reports results via computer and phone.

RESULT VALIDATION: 

• Ensures all patient data, both internal and send out testing, is received and documented in the patient Electronic Medical Record (EMR).  Recognizes Critical Value results and immediately responds by notifying the appropriate provider.

INSTRUMENT MAINTENANCE: 

• Calibrates and performs routine maintenance on analytic analyzers. 
• Uses problem solving skills to troubleshoot when indicated by patient or quality control results.

COMPUTER SKILLS: 

• Performs required work using computer programs: EPIC, Word, Excel, Portal, E-chart and basic navigation of Community Hematology Oncology computer files.

QUALITY CONTROL: 

• Performs all quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) tasks. This includes, but is not limited to: 
  • daily analyzer controls, instrument function checks, Proficiency Testing, documentation of QA issues involving both patients and/or instrument problems.  Reports all QC and/or QA problems to the Laboratory Manager in a timely manner.

INVENTORY / SUPPLIES: 

• Maintains adequate laboratory supplies by performing regular stock inventories and processing supply orders as needed. 
• Maintains a clean environment within the laboratory.

Other Responsabilites as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Science which includes a clinical lab externship, and current certification as MT (ASCP), or MLS (ASCP) within 90 days of hire.  Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. OR
• Completion of a 2 year accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, plus MLT (ASCP) or equivalent certification within 90 days of hire, and 4 years of experience in a clinical laboratory. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. OR 
• Bachelor's degree in a Chemical or Biological field, and four years experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory performing testing and related tasks. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004.  Note: experience in a specialty lab area will only qualify candidate to work in that specialty area.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• General knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, materials and techniques, regulations and safety.
• Skills in handling laboratory specimens, record keeping and operation of laboratory equipment.
• Skills in identifying abnormal cells and cellular morphology.
• Skills in computer usage: competency with software such as Word, Excel, Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately. 
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory instruments.
• Ability to work independently within established guidelines, apply problem solving skills, meet deadlines and meet urgent patient, provider and system needs.
• Demonstrates personal integrity and supportive professional behavior. 
• Demonstrates evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to demonstrate performance of job duties to trainees.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, prioritize workload and display technical skills at many different workstations throughout the laboratory. 
• Ability to work accurately and without constant supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Past Oncology experience.
• 2 years or more of Hematology experience.
• 1-year recent clinical experience.
• Previous EPIC Electronic Medical Record experience.
• Working knowledge of Oncology medical terminology and procedures.
• Ability to work with EPIC EMR systems.

Additional Details

• Day Shift, Monday-Friday.
• Ability to travel between the various offices of the OHSU Community Oncology work unit.
• Environmental exposures include human tissues/fluids, chemicals and cytotoxic agents.
• Wearing gloves and other personal protective equipment for long periods of time.
• Working in an environment of potential harmful exposures: including human tissues/fluids, chemicals and cytotoxic agents.
• Wearing gloves and other personal protective equipment for long periods of time.
• Working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment.

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.