Benefis is one of Montana's largest and premier health systems, and we are committed to providing excellent care for all, healing body, mind, and spirit. At Benefis, we work hard to support our employees in every aspect of their careers by offering outstanding benefits and compensation, state-of-the-art facilities, and multiple growth opportunities. The only thing missing is you!

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist is responsible for obtaining specimens for laboratory testing and performing laboratory tests at a highly complex level on various instruments that include hematological, blood banking, chemical, microscopic, or microbiology examinations. An acceptable level of performance is maintained throughout all aspects of Pre-Analytical, Analytical and Post-Analytical processes. Has competency in quality systems, provides orientation and evaluation of new personnel, has knowledge of patient's unique needs in all age groups, and has the ability to communicate effectively. Shows ability to work with a minimum of supervision. Uses good technique consistently.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Obtains blood specimens using correct technique, labels legibly and completely. Properly processes laboratory requisitions and specimens.
• Ability to function in all areas of the clinical laboratory: blood bank, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and serology/immunology.
• Responsible for performing high-complexity testing.
• Alters or adjusts methods and procedures for the neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient.
• Sets up laboratory instruments; performs and assesses quality control studies; maintains and repairs laboratory instruments, centrifuges, and microscopes with appropriate documentation. Performs quality control procedures and instrument checks
• Assures remedial action whenever test systems deviate from established expectations, ensuring that patient test results are not released until corrections are made.
• Can work independently and trouble shoot systems and methods for problems resolution. Consuls section supervisor, supervisor, or lab manager at appropriate times for assistance or notification of issues.
• Demonstrates knowledge of expected lab values for the neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient.
• Notifies patient care unit and/or physician of critical lab values.
• Maintains accurate laboratory records on procedures performed for statistics and billing.
• Meets current documentation standards and policies.
• Interacts professionally with the manager, supervisor, and section supervisors, of Clinical Laboratory, Pathologist and clinical laboratory personnel.
• Consults with other departments to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Follows standard precautions at all times.
• Manages and operates laboratory equipment safely and correctly.
• Demonstrates knowledge of new testing methods, products, instrumentation; remains informed on all current technologies.
• Maintains current knowledge of hospital policy, CLIA, CAP, JCAHO, state and other regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Demonstrates the value of team concept on a consistent basis.
• Professional Requirements:
• Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean
• Completes annual educational requirements.
• Maintains regulatory requirements.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work within designated time.
• Wears identification while on duty; uses computerized punch time system correctly.
• Completes inservices and returns in a timely fashion.
• Attends annual review and departmental inservices, as scheduled.
• Attends department staff meetings as required within the department.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the hospital, as well as the focus statement of the department.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Registration as Clinical Laboratory Technician/Medical Laboratory Technologist with one-year experience in highly complex methods is preferred
• Montana license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist required at the time of commencement of work required
• Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or Laboratory Science required

Language Skills:

• Able to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.

Other Skills:

• Basic computer knowledge, data entry and/or word processing.

Physical Demands:

• For physical demands of position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion and environment, see Description of Physical Demands.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.