Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS)

Overview

Desert Regional Medical Center Hospital is committed to providing exceptional patient care in a supportive and collaborative environment. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work with advanced technology and be part of a healthcare community dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of our patients.

At Desert Regional Medical Center, we understand that our greatest asset is our dedicated team of professionals. That’s why we offer more than a job – we provide a comprehensive benefit package that prioritizes your health, professional development, and work-life balance. The available plans and programs include:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off
• Career development and continuing education opportunities
• Health savings accounts, healthcare & dependent flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance program, Employee discount program
• Voluntary benefits include pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long term care, elder & childcare, auto & home insurance

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location and is determined by employment status

Job Summary

Shift: Nights

Job type: Per Diem

Hours:

Job Summary

Records, prepares, performs, evaluates & reports various chemical, microscopic, microbiologic, hematologic or serologic tests to obtain data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Understands the physiological and psychological differences created by age, sex, and abilities and applies them to the preanalytic, analytic and postanalytic components of laboratory testing. Communicates with physician and other appropriate staff concerning procedures, results, and their interpretation. Trains new employees in departmental procedures and theories as assigned. Evaluates appropriateness of specimens received for testing. Prepares stains and reagents as needed. Maintains inventory records and rotates supply stocks. Operates, calibrates and maintains laboratory equipment. Performs and records necessary quality control procedures and participates in quality assurance programs. Participates in and/or coordinates technical projects and the development of departmental procedures as appropriate. Coordinates subspecialty areas as assigned. Communicates professionally with coworkers as well as other Hospital employees. Performs job using the Hospital customer service strategy continuously. Uses the knowledge of the job to work productively, efficiently and harmoniously.

Responsibilities

Department Specific Duties

• Works accurately according to procedure manual and supervisor’s instructions.
• Verifies proper specimen/test/patient identification.
• Enters orders, documents on logs/worksheets and performs result entry within acceptable departmental limits.
• Correctly records and processes referral specimens.
• Notifies appropriate staff/clients when necessary, and documents action taken.
• Takes responsibility for completion of daily routine duties assigned to work area.
• Investigates and resolves pending and incomplete work, clerical and technical discrepancies.
• Communicates necessary information to next shift.
• Performs and records quality control, takes and documents appropriate action.
• Maintains neat, organized records and work station.
• Successfully completes training within an acceptable time‑frame .
• Understands and retains knowledge of department procedures.
• Teaches and/or trains new employees according to department guidelines and documents progress.
• Troubleshoots problems with procedures, QC, and  instruments.
• Successfully participates in proficiency testing.
• Correlates physiological and psychological differences created by age, sex, and abilities to appropriate components of laboratory testing.
• Has cross-trained in at least one other discipline and performs that discipline at least twice per month.
• Attends or participates in professionally related education programs to fulfill education requirement for licensure.
• Attends minimum of 3 quarterly meetings per year.
• Assists with departmental projects and management support.
• Recognizes abnormal results and/or questionable patient information; follows department protocol for resolution.
• Evaluates specimen adequacy/integrity according to departmental guidelines and optimal patient welfare.
• Investigates computer problems and resolves or reports to appropriate personnel.
• Initiates charge reconciliation.  Takes responsibility for charging and crediting tests not handled by normal operation (e.g., test not performed, etc.).
• Functions responsibly in the absence of supervisory personnel
• Demonstrates the ability to assess a situation, consider alternatives, and choose an appropriate course of action.
• Knows when to involve supervisor and/or manager.
• Minimizes waste of supplies and equipment.
• Consistently completes testing within departmental turn‑around‑time guidelines.
• Finishes assignments with minimal supervision and  assistance from fellow employees.
• Produces acceptable quantity of work.
• Is able to organize and complete several tasks simultaneously without loss of accuracy.
• Productivity remains constant under pressures associated with the job.
• Uses available time productively contributing to Lab needs.
• Suggests and supports implementation of improvements to  make department more efficient.
• Restricts personal phone calls/activities
• Performs ordering, stocking, stock rotation and cleaning.
• Reports to work as scheduled, in accordance with hospital policy, and takes responsibility to prevent absences and tardiness.
• Demonstrates a consistently well organized approach to all activities.
• Complies with hospital policy regarding breaks and lunch periods.
• Follows established hospital procedures for clients and/or patient requests.
• Complies with hospital and department policies regarding scheduled time off (vacation) requests.
• Practices appropriate safety and infection control procedures.
• Maintains clean and safe work areas.
• Reports safety hazards to appropriate personnel immediately.
• Attends all mandatory safety sessions.
• Participates in regular departmental safety reviews.
• Accepts work assignment readily
• Supports all Lab and Hospital structural standards (i.e. policies, procedures and regulations)
• Observes work hours and attends work as scheduled
• Wears photo I.D. badge at all times while on hospital property.
• Provides proper identification in personal and phone communications
• Respects the patient’s right to privacy by only discussing clinically relevant information in appropriate surrounding.
• Responds to difficult situations with self-control and positive attitude.
• Communicates with co-workers with clarity and respect
• Shares responsibilities and willingly offers assistance to co-workers.
• Recognizes and acknowledges the contribution of each department/specialty. Encourages interdepartmental communication and team-work.
• Sensitive to cultural, religious, sexual diversity

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Medical Technology or related science  
• State of California licensure in medical technology or categorical area.
• Proficiency in laboratory procedures. 
• Computer experience preferred. 
• Communication and organizational skills. 
• Ability to perform accurately and consistently under high stress.
• Excellent physical stamina, which includes the ability to walk or stand from 6 to 10 hours a day, do repetitive bending/reaching, climbing of stairs, and sitting. 
• Ability to carry 10 pounds constantly and to lift up to 25 pounds on occasion. 
• Ability to do constant repetitive motion, using hands, fingers, wrists to perform testing, and other related functions. 
• Ability to work at computer terminals for varying periods of the day which can range from one to three minutes or as long as several hours.
• Emotional stamina to handle the unexpected and stressful situations that may arise while working with sick or injured patients.
• Must be able to hear and speak the English language well enough to communicate instructions by spoken conversation and phone. 
• Must be able to see well enough to read labels, reports and computer screens. 
• Ability to perform all work duties and/or move around in areas of restricted space.
• Ability to evaluate each situation and handle it with the utmost professionalism, dedication, and concern for the health and welfare of others.
• Ability to perform uncomfortable tests (bleeding time) while helping patients feel cared for as individuals.

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Organization Description

Desert Care Network serves the healthcare needs of the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin regions in Southern California with three hospitals Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio and Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree. The hospital network provides advanced care with services such as comprehensive stroke care, a cancer center, a Level 1 Trauma Center and the only Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the Coachella Valley. Desert Care Network is committed to healthcare equality. Join our team!

Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other legally protected status. Tenet will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.
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Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other legally protected status. Tenet will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.