Technologist - Microbiology Lead - Day Shift - Rotating Weekends

Job Category:

Work Shift/Schedule:

Northeast Georgia Health System is rooted in a foundation of improving the health of our communities.

About the Role:

Job Summary

The lead technologist is responsible for the ongoing assessment of test systems and for ensuring timely and accurate testing in the clinical area to which they are assigned. Because of their experience and level of expertise, they are also responsible for the training and supervision of other staff technologists and technicians. The clinical areas that might designate a lead technologist are: Blood Bank, Hematology, Microbiology, Specimen Processing and Chemistry. The lead technologist must maintain sufficient clinical and managerial expertise to function as an assistant to the Laboratory Section Supervisor and perform those duties in the Section Supervisor’s absence. Also, the lead technologist is expected to display initiative, excellent verbal and written communication skills and be proactive in dealing with the day-to-day responsibilities and problem resolution in the department. This leadership role requires working closely with the Lab Section Supervisor, Lab Administration, Pathologists. This position will care for patients in the neonate, infant, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric age groups. Employee performs clinical duties in accordance with population specific guidelines and adheres to National Patient Safety Goals as outlined in policy and procedures.       
 

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Licensure or other certifications: ASCP, NCA, or AMT. Meets the requirements of the State of Georgia. Must possess a SM (Specialty in Microbiology) Certification.

• Educational Requirements: High School Diploma or GED. Associates Degree. Bachelors Degree. Technologist should have Medical Technology training through an accredited school and successful completion of examination approved from one the following agencies (ASCP, NCA, AAB and HEW) or Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution. *Technologist who possess the technician qualification under provisions above and recently moved into state or completed the academic and/or training requirements may be temporarily classified once as technicians for 18 months to afford them an opportunity to successfully complete an approved qualifying exam.

• Minimum Experience: Technical expertise in Medical Technology.

• Other:

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Preferred Licensure or other certifications:

• Preferred Educational Requirements:

• Preferred Experience: Five (5) years experience (not including internship and education).

• Other:

NGHS Core Competencies

• Being Vulnerable: Admits mistakes and shortcomings; Shares thoughts and feelings openly; Is transparent without hidden agendas; Seen as authentic and genuine; Open and non-defensive to feedback

• Communicating Effectively: Shares information fully and offers knowledge and experience; Conveys ideas in a manner that engages others; Takes unpopular positions if necessary; Engages in unfiltered dialogue; Relates to others in a respectful manner, regardless of level, personality and background

• Being Accountable: Demonstrates tenacity and perseverance; Takes initiative; Engages resources to overcome obstacles; Has the courage to do the right thing even when difficult; Acts with integrity in accordance with our Core Values

• Displaying Empathy: Shares in the joys and pains of others; Is available and offers to help others; Shows concern for the challenges of others; Has a positive and kind demeanor; Takes a non-judgmental approach with others

• Holding Others Accountable: Provides current actionable feedback, both corrective and reinforcing; Doesn’t allow problems to fester; Takes action when necessary, even if unpleasant; Uses every opportunity to give reinforcing feedback to others; Helps others see their blind spots

• Listening: Practices attentive and active listening; Listens for the unsaid; Asks questions to confirm understanding; Hears people out without interrupting; Is open to viewpoints of others

• Managing Disagreement: Acknowledges differing viewpoints and sees it as an opportunity to learn; Doesn’t run away from conflict; Strives for win/win solutions; Hammers out tough agreements; Finds common ground and solves problems for the good of all

• Promoting Teamwork: Values the contributions of all; Connects others’ roles to organizational and team success; Encourages and supports; Cuts across boundaries to get things done; Puts own needs aside for good of the team and the organization

• Striving for Continuous Improvement: Experiments regularly with new ideas and approaches; Willing to fail; Learns from mistakes; Always seeks to be better tomorrow than today; Adapts to change

Organization Expectations

• Quest: Demonstrates/utilizes Quest tools in department.

• Talent Development:  Coaches and develops staff.

• Safety:  Promotes patient, visitor and staff safety and effectively manages hazards that lead to injury or harm.

• Productivity:  Meets productivity expectations.

• Regulatory Compliance:  Ensures department’s compliance with all regulatory, DNV, mandatory education, and similar requirements.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

Identifies unit/department level goals that align with the organization's Key Performance Indicators.

HIPAA (Health Information Portability and Accountability Act)

If, in the normal course of my duties and responsibilities, I am required to access protected health information (PHI) and electronic protected health information (EPHI) for the purposes of treatment, payment and operations within Northeast Georgia Health System, I will limit such access to only the minimum necessary amount of PHI and EPHI necessary to perform the functions of my job.  If access is not required in the normal course of my duties and responsibilities, I will not access PHI or EPHI.  

Job Specific and Unique Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good Knowledge of Microbiology laboratory testing, testing principles and regulatory requirements

• Technical expertise in Medical Technology.

• Demonstrates good clinical practices and techniques

• Demonstrates leadership skills and abilities

• Exhibits good performance
   

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

• Has ability to assess test systems for precision and accuracy and work independently in the clinical lab department that they are assigned such as: Blood Bank, Hematology, Microbiology, Specimen Processing and Chemistry. Completes at least 10 hours of continuing education to enhance professional growth and development. Possesses advanced knowledge of Laboratory testing as evidenced by compliance with policy, procedure, and protocols. Demonstrates proficiency in reviewing and ascertaining accuracy of  results and QC problems. Demonstrates preparedness with clinical data when placing and receiving phone calls to/from the MD. Performs equipment calibration and maintenance as needed. Demonstrates advanced competency and skill proficiency in operating or troubleshooting Laboratory equipment. Demonstrates advanced competency and skill proficiency in interpretation of results. Identifies and reports abnormal findings appropriately with the appropriate section supervisor. Provides evidence of quality control review to insure accurate patient testing. Prioritizes testing appropriately as required by laboratory policy. Completes all testing according to department policy and established time frame with less than three discrepancies per year as documented by variance report. Recognizes and reports significant variations in test results to section supervisor in a  timely manner and can initiate corrective action. Prioritizes work to meet turnaround requirements that are set by Laboratory Administration. Functions effectively as a preceptor of students or new staff as assigned.  Directs clinical training to enhance learning, achieve specific objectives, and promote skill mastery. Utilizes opportunities to maximize ability as a floater technologist as time allows. Functions effectively in the role of intermittent relief or routine technologist as needed.

• Document Management. Documentation of records to maintain laboratory accreditation with CAP, AABB, GDHR, and JCAHO. Consults with the appropriate section supervisor on questionable laboratory results. Assists section supervisor in preparation for inspections.  Reviews all manuals as assigned. Follows the fax/call policy for critical and documents properly. Ensures that controls and correlations are performed per policy and are documented appropriately. Completes amended result forms for correlation with clerical error report as required by CAP. Reviews pending logs and independently resolves problems with samples. Enters documentation such as “repeated, call to, consistent with previous results” in LIS when recording abnormal/critical values.

• Customer Satisfaction. Greets the patient and/or family upon arrival to the laboratory.

  Controls noise related to staff in the laboratory. Reminds others of the need to maintain a  quiet workplace environment. Answers phone in a timely and courteous manner. Transfers calls and relays messages as needed. Maintain confidentiality of patient information. Effectively communicates with physicians and nurses in order to obtain the necessary  information that will ensure accurate laboratory testing.

• Code of Conduct. Volunteers for assignment on alternate shifts. Is knowledgeable about all relevant laboratory billing and coding compliance issues. Is able to identify and report any potential laboratory coding or billing problems or concerns. Practices infection control precautions consistently with particular emphasis on proper hand washing. Maintains a safe, comfortable, clean environment as evidenced by an absence of identified injuries or events due to failure to follow policy. Demonstrates autonomy and initiative in problem identification and resolution. Reports problems as opportunities for improvement to leadership. Determines if problems are system failures, knowledge deficits, or behavior deficits. Identifies remedial actions that will minimize or correct the negative effect. Keeps informed regarding current issues. Reads memos each workday and attends staff meetings. Offers assistance to and accepts assistance from other staff. Provides support to staff during the shift to facilitate completion of work by shift end. Expedites change of shift activities to assure accurate and timely laboratory testing. Ensures that all lab compliance documents (i.e. OP requisitions, Clinipac orders, special orders) are properly executed and maintained appropriately .
   

Physical Demands

• Weight Lifted: Up to 50 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Weight Carried: Up to 20 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Vision: Heavy, Constantly 66-100% of time

• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Occasionally 0-30%

• Standing/Walking: Occasionally 0-30%

• Pushing/Pulling: Occasionally 0-30%

• Intensity of Work: Occasionally 0-30%

• Job Requires: Reading, Writing, Reasoning, Talking, Keyboarding
   

Environment and Working Conditions

• OSHA Category I: Job classifications in which the normal duties may involve contact and potential exposure to blood or other potentially infectious or hazardous materials. Appropriate personal protective equipment is to be used whenever potential exists for exposure to potentially infectious or hazardous materials.

Working at NGHS means being part of something special: a team invested in you as a person, an employee, and in helping you reach your goals. 

NGHS: Opportunities start here.

Northeast Georgia Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.