Medical Laboratory Scientist

Navajo Preference Employment Act

In accordance with Navajo Nation and federal law, TCRHCC has implemented an Affirmative Action Plan pursuant to the Navajo Preference in Employment Act. Pursuant to this Plan and corresponding TCRHCC Policy, applicants who meet the necessary qualifications for this position and (1) are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, or San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe will be given preference in hiring and employment for this position, (2) are legally married to enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, or San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe and meet residency requirements will be given secondary preference, and (3) are enrolled members of other federally-recognized American Indian Tribes will be given tertiary preference.


POSITION SUMMARY The Medical Laboratory Scientist performs specimen processing, testing, and reporting of test results in compliance with regulatory requirements, policy and procedures, and the TCRHCC's goal of providing quality patient care. The position is located in a laboratory that provides sub-specialties of service in a hospital setting; chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, phlebotomy, blood bank, microbiology, and clinical microscopy. The laboratory provides 24-hour coverage and incumbent's work rotational, day, evening, or night shifts, weekends, holidays and occasional overtime.

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS Education: A Bachelor's degree in a laboratory, chemical, physical, biological science, Allied Health, Healthcare, or Healthcare Management related field AND shall have completed at least 35 hours of coursework across various subjects related to clinical laboratory sciences such as biological science, microbiology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, etc.
License/Certification: Medical Laboratory Science certification from a nationally recognized certification agency must be obtained within eighteen (18) months of hire. Certification must remain unexpired, in good standing, for the duration of employment.
Experience: Must have at least one (1) year documented bench experience in each specialty of clinical, high complexity testing.
Other Skills and Abilities: Positive working relationships with othersPossession of high ethical standards and no history of complaintsReliable and dependable; reports to work as scheduled without excessive absences.Ability to take initiative, apply teamwork principles and build rapports with othersEffective communication skills to deal effectively with all levels of co-workersAbility to multi-task, prioritize and manage time to strict deadlinesMust have the ability to read, write, understand and follow written and verbal instructionsMust be able to work in situations of little supervisionExcellent verbal and written communication skills; capable of maintaining multiple communication channelsBasic computer skills and literacy for communication, records, forms, and orderingAble to respond appropriately in stressful situationsPossess technical skills and understand how to operate complex equipmentSuccessful completion of and positive results from all background and reference checks, including positive employment references from authorized representatives of past and current employers demonstrating to the satisfaction of TCRHCC a record of satisfactory performance and that the applicant can perform the essential functions of the job.Successful completion of fingerprint clearance requirements, physical examinations, and other screenings indicating that the applicant is qualified to be employed by TCRHCC and demonstrating to the satisfaction of TCRHCC that the applicant can perform the essential functions of the job.Submission of all required employment-related documents, application, resumes, references, and other required information free of false, misleading, or incomplete information, as determined by TCRHCC.PROBLEM SOLVING The Medical Laboratory Scientist must have the ability to independently identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or test result reporting and correct the problem or notify the appropriate supervisor. They must have the skill to utilize logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Incumbent will be part of the team responsible for solving highly complex diagnostic problems.
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL EFFORT The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical: This position requires prolonged (3/4 workday) ability of dexterous skill; handle tools effectively such as needles and precise laboratory instruments; simple and firm grasping; and use of keyboards. The incumbent must have the ability to frequently (at least ½ workday) sit, stand, walk, bend, maintain balance, and reach. This job also requires the occasionally (less than ¼ day) to kneel, climb, crouch, and twist, and drive. The position requires the prolonged ability to lift; and push/pull frequently up to 34 pounds. The incumbent must possess the stamina to handle working on their feet for long periods. This position requires the ability for prolonged use of far vision; near vision; color vision; depth perception; seeing fine details; hearing norm speech; and hearing overhead pages. The incumbent must have the ability to frequently use the telephone.
Mental: Incumbent must have good analytical judgment, ability to work under pressure, attention to detail and follow instructions to perform the correct tests or procedures. This position requires incumbent to possess technical skills and understand how to operate complex machinery. Incumbent must have the ability to prioritize and coordinate a variety of issues while being frequently interrupted. The incumbent needs to be able to communicate effectively and with tact in stressful situations. This position requires the prolonged mental and emotional requirements to cope with high level of stress; make decisions under high pressure; manage altercations; concentrate; handle a high degree of flexibility; handle multiple priorities in stressful situation; demonstrate a high degree of patience; adapt to shift work; work in areas that are close and crowded. The incumbent must be able frequently work alone.
Environmental: This position involves prolonged exposure to infectious diseases, chemical agents, dust, fumes, gases, extremes in temperature and humidity, hazardous or moving equipment, and loud noises. This includes the following working with blood borne pathogens, pathogenic organisms, and operating laboratory equipment. Incumbent must be able to don and doff PPE equipment as needed to complete the task at hand.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Follows the laboratory's established policies, processes and procedures for specimen collection, handling and processing, test analysis, reporting, and maintaining records of patient results in all specialties of service.Performs and documents Corrective Actions when test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.Adheres to the laboratory's Quality Assurance policies by performing and documenting all Quality Control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and instrument preventative maintenance.Performs proficiency testing and document attestation that proficiency testing samples are tested according to protocol(s).Maintains skills and knowledge required for performing tests methods for proper instrument use, performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration procedures related to each test performed.Stays abreast of factors that influence test results and skills required to assess and verify the validity of patient test results.Maintains inventory control to assure adequate supplies and reagents needed for continuous laboratory operation(s).Participates in the laboratory training for non-laboratory personnel or affiliate student programs and new hires. Actively participates in the maintenance of Laboratory Accreditation by adhering to standards in safety, performance improvement, document control, quality assurance, proficiency and competency.Actively participates in Continuing Education by attending laboratory department meetings and in-services.Develops and maintains working relationship with the Medical and Nursing staff regarding the processing of specimens and evaluation and interpretations of results. Provides verbal consults in various aspects of the clinical laboratory.Expected to provide superior customer service, dedication, positive attitude, confidence, reliability and eagerness to provide safe patient care.Participates in departmental workflow and/or testing teams as related to electronic health record or other project initiatives.Expected to provide continuous communication as necessary, including hand off communications, with colleagues between shifts and laboratory leadership team.Responsible for electronic health records data entry pertinent to patient service role.Ensure proper PPE is worn at all times while on duty including but not limited to, face mask, gloves, gown, isolation gown, NIOSH-approved N95 filtering face piece respirator or higher, if available), and eye or face shield.Complete all donning and doffing tasks in a safe acceptable method and discard of used PPE accordingly. (see CDC website for most current updates)Complete task training for all routine cleaning and decontamination processes for all surfaces contaminated by a communicable disease to ensure a high level of patient, visitor, employee and external customer satisfaction.Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
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