Covenant Health

Lab Technical Specialist

Full time, 80hours per pay period, Day shift

With more than 30 specialties from Cardiology and Neurosurgery to Orthopedics and Vascular care, Methodist Medical Center was one of the first hospitals in East Tennessee to offer cutting-edge treatments and technologies that benefit people with life-threatening aneurysms, severely damaged knee, hip and shoulder joints, sudden heart failure, and non-healing wounds.

• 301 licensed beds
• 25 ICU beds
• 8 step-down beds
• 38 emergency suites
• 2 cath labs
• 1 electrophysiology lab
• 8 LDRP suites
• 205 active and courtesy physicians
• 1,192 employees

Position Summary:

Responsible for technical and scientific oversight of his/her specialty or section within the laboratory. Provides guidance in problem-solving and troubleshooting in organization, implementation, and technical performance of diagnostic procedures within the section. Must also meet job requirements of either the Medical Technologist or Laboratory Technologist.

Recruiter: Kathleen Rice || kkarnes@covhlth.com || 865-374-5391

• Selects test methodology appropriate for the clinical use of test results. These decisions are made in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager and Medical Director.
• Schedules and coordinates work activities of employees working in respective area.
• Prepares documentation for discipline or commendation for review by Lab Manager.
• Verifies test procedures performed and establishes the test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and system.
• Enrolls and participates in an approved proficiency testing program commensurate with the services offered. Maintains proficiency testing records and ensures that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
• In conjunction with Laboratory Manager and Medical Director, establishes a quality control program appropriate for the tests performed and establishes the parameters for acceptable levels of analytic performance. Ensures that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process.
• Implements and adheres to the Laboratory quality control policies, documents all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performance. Reviews and evaluates data on a routine basis. Prepares monthly QC report for pathologist review.  Performs correlation and comparison studies.
• Ensures that patient results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly.
• Identifies training needs and assures that each individual performing tests receives appropriate, regular in-service training.
• Resolves technical problems and ensures that remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications, and documents all actions. Operates, maintains and troubleshoots department equipment.
• Evaluates the competency of all testing personnel and assures that competency is maintained, including direct observation, monitoring of test results, review of intermediate records, assessment of test performance and problem-solving skills, etc.
• Oversees and assists with the training of all employees and students in respective departments.
• Performs all responsibilities of testing personnel in his/her section as required.
• Composes new procedures and performs annual review/revision of sections technical procedural manuals. Have Laboratory Medical Director approve changes.
• Provides clinical consultation and/or evaluation pertaining to interpretation and clinical evaluation of laboratory tests and procedures.
• Ensures an adequate inventory of supplies and reagents necessary for timely performance of all required testing.
• Performs review and interpretation for tests sent to reference laboratories.
• Prepares and submits new test formats, and changes to existing tests to the LIS specialist.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested by Laboratory Manager or Pathologists, i.e. relieves and assists with daily operational duties of department.
• Remains mentally alert and maintains concentration with attention to detail for prolonged periods, at times under stress. Maintains adaptability, flexibility, initiative, persistence, and efficiency of time management and action.
• Does not pose a direct threat to health or safety of self or others. Provides safe, efficient, competent care to population assigned. Meets MMC Environment of Care Standards.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.

Minimum Education:

None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.

Minimum Experience:

Five (5) years experience preferred, chemistry experience preferred

Licensure Requirement:

Must be licensed as a Medical Technologist in the State of Tennessee.