Medical Laboratory Scientist I

The Cancer Center of Kansas (CCK) is seeking a full-time, on-site Medical Laboratory Scientist to join our team in our Wichita, KS offices. The typical work week is Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM with no major holidays, no on-call and no weekends.

As part of The US Oncology Network and with over 40 years being established in Kansas, CCK delivers quality, personalized cancer care to communities across the state. Our physicians and staff treat patients in over 18 locations throughout the state. Our management and physician teams continue to be recognized in our communities for Excellence in Healthcare! With our mission in mind, we value each and every employee for their life-saving expertise and the role they play in making our patients' lives as easy and comfortable as possible. Our employees are our most valuable resource. They help us create and continue to deliver on our mission. In CCK's partnership with the US Oncology Network, one of the nation's largest networks of community-based oncology physicians dedicated to advancing cancer care in America and supported by McKesson Corporation, we are able to extend an extremely competitive offering of benefits to employees, including:

• Medical Health Care

• Dental Care

• Vision Plan

• 401-K with a matching component

• Life Insurance

• Short-term and Long-term disability

• FSA and HSA

• Legal Insurance

• Competitive Paid Time Off Plan

• Wellness & Perks Programs

What does this position entail?

Under indirect supervision, this role is responsible for accurately performing specimen analysis, instrument maintenance, and quality control procedures including moderate and high complexity laboratory tests. Initiates and follows quality assurance and safety policies and procedures. Performs specimen collection and assists with patient flow as needed. Trains employees in laboratory procedures. May act as primary operator for at least one laboratory instrument. Acts as a resource for laboratory science information. May oversee daily laboratory activities in absence of supervisor. Performs clinical tests used in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases. Demonstrates the clinical thinking and technical skills needed to assess the appropriateness of results and the need for retesting or equipment recalibration. Performs and monitors specialized diagnostic laboratory tests. Works within clearly defined standard operating procedures and/or scientific methods and adheres to quality guidelines. Supports and adheres to the US Oncology Compliance Program, to include the Code of Ethics and Business Standards.

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position are:

• Assists with performing phlebotomy and collecting appropriate specimens from patients as ordered.

• Assures pre-authorization and completes appropriate consent forms (ABN) prior to collection of limited coverage tests. -Assists with special procedures as needed (i.e. bone marrows in the room).

• Follows the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting, and maintaining records of patient results.

• Performs specimen analysis of all Chemistry, Hematology and Immunology specimens.

• Maintains and operates all laboratory equipment. Performs daily, weekly and monthly instrument maintenance as indicated.

• Adheres to the laboratory's quality control policies and documents all QC activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and instrument maintenance. Records proper lot numbers of all controls, calibrators, and reagents.

• Participates in proficiency testing by performing sample analysis and reporting results at least once a year.

• Prepares peripheral blood smear and competently performs complete WBC differential on normal and abnormal smears.

• Performs microscopic examination of urinary sediment.

• Records results on appropriate worksheet and computer system and performs file maintenance. Processes specimens for send-out testing.

• Follows the laboratory's policies whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance. Identifies problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either corrects the problem or notifies supervisor. Documents all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.

• Maintains proper documentation as described by the quality assurance program including accessioning logs, test report logs, quality control logs, equipment records and checklists. Verifies all critical results and documents with accurate follow-up.

• Maintains adequate inventory of supplies and ensures that all supplies are viable before using in patient testing. Prepares reagents, stains and other chemical solutions as needed. Restocks the laboratory area as needed.

• Sends specimens to reference laboratories for any testing not performed in house.

• Processes incoming orders for lab testing including reference laboratory specimens. -Processes in-house and in-coming results for charting.

• Charts patient results in a timely manner as needed.

• Properly identify and band patients for blood product transfusion. Processes properly labeled specimens according to local bloodbank policy.

• Trains employees in laboratory procedures.

• May act as primary operator for at least one laboratory instrument.

• Participates in development of new instruments and procedures as needed.

• Acts as a resource for laboratory science information.

• May oversee daily laboratory activities of in the absence of supervisor.

• Complies with quality assurance standards.

• Adheres to all OSHA compliance laws and Universal Precaution procedures. Complies with applicable regulatory agency standards.

• Properly disposes of hazardous materials.

• Maintains a clean working environment.

• Maintains confidentially of all information related to patients and medical staff.

• Demonstrates an understanding of PHI confidentiality to protect the patient and clinic.

• Attends required, applicable meetings.

• Remains current on all compliance requirements.

• Ensures all applicable policies and procedures of the company and Network are followed.

• Performs other tasks as reasonably requested, as applicable to the role and for departmental coverage.

The ideal candidate for the position will have the following qualifications:

Basic Work Requirements:

• Ability to read, understand and follow oral and written instructions.

• Ability to perform clerical tasks at a high level.

• Ability to time manage according to appointment lists and inbound requests.

• Ability to deal courteously directly with providers, patients, co-workers, and outside facilities.

• Ability to operate a telephone system and utilize appropriate telephone etiquette.

• General knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft, Adobe and EMR system.

• General knowledge of standard office equipment such as computers, multifunction machines and desk phones.

• General knowledge of medical terminology.

• Ability to speak clearly and concisely. Ability to hear sounds concisely.

Education/Training/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or related health care field.

• Current state license if required.

• AMT, ASCP or equivalent certification preferred.

• Position is entry level and requires no experience.

• Other levels of this position require certain, minimum years of experience.

• Licensure and certification requirements depend on the state.

• Except for grandfathered situations, bachelor's degree in Medical Technology required.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of policies of regulatory agencies, Laboratory guidelines and practices, medical terminology, clinical medicine, and oncology.

• Displays good verbal and written communication skills

• Basic computer skills

• Ability to assist with lifting and guiding patients

• Ability to operate laboratory equipment and office equipment.

• Ability to detect colors and color changes.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work may require sitting for long periods of time; also stooping, bending and stretching for files and supplies. Occasionally lifting files or paper weighing up to 30 pounds. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, calculator, telephone, copier and other office equipment. Vision must be correctable to 20/20 and hearing must be in the normal range for telephone contacts. It is necessary to view and type on computer screens for prolonged periods of time. Requires corrected vision, color perception and hearing to normal range. Requires legible handwriting.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, medical preparations and other conditions common to an oncology/hematology clinic environment may occur. Work is performed in an office environment. Requires comfort in working in a team environment and having frequent interaction with staff, patients, visitors, and physicians.