Diagnostic Laboratory Technologist

Fairview has an exciting opportunity for a full time, day shift, Cytogenetics Technologist at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center-East Bank in the Cytogenetics (CG) department. This position will work Monday through Friday with 8-hour shifts, including every 3rd weekend with a holiday rotation. Start times vary between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. based on departmental needs.

Our Cytogenetics department is a local leader in pioneering chromosomal and genomic technologies for the diagnosis and management of both inherited disease and cancer. The Cytogenetics lab serves a unique and diverse patient population with our hospital recognized as a national leader in areas like bone marrow transplantation.  Our hospital has also recently been established as a rare disease center of excellence.  The 40-member Cytogenetics team utilizes highly specialized testing including: Tissue culture processing, Chromosome Microarray, Fluorescent In-Situ Hybridization (FISH), and G-banding chromosome analysis to obtain results that guide patient care.

All teams within the Cytogenetics lab collaborate to provide high quality patient care and integrated patient result reports.

• The Tissue Culture Team is responsible for specimen receipt, culturing and harvesting of specimens. They provide stained slides for G-band chromosome analysis and cell pellets for FISH processing.
• The Microarray Team is responsible for specimen receipt, DNA extraction and microarray processing which includes DNA restrictions, labeling and slide hybridization/washing to obtain data for Microarray analysis.
• The FISH Team is responsible for slide and probe preparation, slide hybridization and wash, as well as probe analysis using a fluorescent microscope.
• The Chromosome Analysis Teams utilize their expertise to analyze G-banded Neoplastic and Congenital Chromosomes using computer software and/or a brightfield microscope.

In joining the Cytogenetics lab, you will be joining a highly motivated team of professional Technologists and will be assigned to one or more of our laboratory teams dependent on previous experience and laboratory needs.  The ideal applicant will have Tissue Culture room (prenatal and congenital/oncology) and GBAND experience.

The Diagnostic Laboratory Technologist (DLT) functions independently in performing work responsibilities of professional laboratory practice. The DLT performs waived, moderate, or high complexity testing as defined by CLIA '88. The DLT possesses working knowledge of the clinical laboratory and performs routine clinical laboratory analysis, recognizes problems, identifies basic causes, and makes corrections using established protocols. The DLT correlates data based on knowledge of technical and instrumental conditions affecting test results and performs quality control procedures within established parameters and participates in laboratory performance improvement activities. Correlates' data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise, and other conditions affecting test results. Collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote customer satisfaction and works independently under general supervision.

Responsibilities

• Follows established guidelines to obtain specimens and prioritize work.
• Obtains specimens from patients of all ages and degrees of physical and/or mental disability.
• Properly verifies patient identity.
• Assesses integrity of all specimens for testing.
• Verifies correct identification of specimens before testing.
• Follows established guidelines for determining priority of specimen testing and procurement.
• Performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic and therapeutic testing.
• Performs waived, moderate or high complexity testing as defined by CLIA ’88.
• Functions independently in performing all major work responsibilities of professional laboratory practice.
• Operates laboratory instrumentation and information systems according to procedure.
• Completes specified maintenance on instruments.
• Documents and communicates lab test results thoroughly and accurately according to SOP.
• Recognizes problems and takes appropriate measures to resolve them.
• Independently performs problem solving, action steps and troubleshooting for lab procedures and unexpected events in lab operations.
• Initiates proper safety or emergency responses.
• Consults with supervisor if unable to resolve issues.
• Exercises critical thinking to maintain and improve department productivity and efficiencies.
• Evaluates testing results for accuracy and appropriate intervention.
• Determines if test results fall within normal parameters and reporting protocols. Recognizes age-specific reference ranges.
• Correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise and other conditions affecting test results.
• Takes appropriate action to recheck abnormal, discrepant, or unexpected results.
• Directly communicates abnormal and critical results to care giver.
• Obtains information from caregivers to resolve reasons for incongruent results (physiologic or methodologic).
• Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to Laboratory Quality Assurance, Performance Improvement and Laboratory Compliance Programs.
• Documents deviations and action taken.
• Documents reagent, test kit and calibrator checks.
• Recognizes and communicates values and trends that exceed the QC decision levels. Takes action to resolve and consults with supervisor as needed.
• Participates in the lab performance improvement program by collecting data, reviewing the results, and implementing action step recommendations.
• Documents compliance with regulations of governmental or voluntary regulatory agencies.
• Collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote customer satisfaction.
• Orients and mentors' new employees and students.
• Participates in orienting individuals in routine and complex testing methodology, instrumentation, and information systems.
• Checks work prior to release.
• Completes training checklists and evaluations as appropriate.
• Reports progress and problems to supervisor/manager.
• Demonstrates ability to provide care or service adjusting approaches to reflect developmental level and cultural differences of population served.
• Demonstrates commitment to customers.
• Is aware of different customer needs/desires.
• Takes action to meet customer needs/desires with respect to customer diversity.
• Helps improve processes to meet customer needs.
• Suggests and acts on ideas to improve overall customer service.
• Respects confidentiality and shares information with only those that need to know.
• Demonstrates commitment to fellow employees.
• Seeks to understand and value differences between employees.
• Treats other employees with dignity and respect.
• Demonstrates open, honest communication and behavior.
• Resolves conflict in a positive manner.
• Contributes to the productivity of the work group.
• Demonstrates commitment to Fairview.
• Lives the values of dignity, integrity, service, and compassion.
• Supports the mission/vision.
• Speaks positively about Fairview.
• Chooses to make Fairview a better place.

Required Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university in a chemistry or biological sciences field. • Diploma with field of study listed or transcript must be provided. or
• At least 60 semester hours from an accredited college/university with a minimum of 24 semester hours of science courses that include: • Twenty-four semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses ◦ Transcript must be provided. or
• At least 60 semester hours from an accredited college/university with a minimum of 24 semester hours of science courses that include: • Six semester hours of chemistry; -AND- • Six semester hours of biology; -AND- • Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination. ◦ Transcript must be provided.
• less than 1 year experience in a clinical or anatomic diagnostic laboratory.
• Due to differences in scope of care, practice, or service across settings, the specific experience required for this position may vary.
• Phlebotomy and other specimen collection techniques.
• Knowledge of developmental stages and age-appropriate outcomes and interventions.
• Knowledge of cultural differences and culturally appropriate approaches.
• Verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Customer Service standards.
• Priority setting skills.
• Problem solving skills.
• Working knowledge of instrumentation and ability to take action steps.
• Working knowledge of laboratory information and reporting systems.
• Knowledge of safety protocols, ergonomics, and body mechanics.
• Knowledge of infection control principles and practices.
• Knowledge of emergency and other relevant policies and procedures.
• Critical Thinking.
• Knowledge of laboratory testing and significance in human physiology.
• Knowledge of relevant factors which can influence testing results.
• Knowledge of laboratory policies and procedures that are based on CAP, COLA, AABB, FDA Blood Bank regulations and TJC standards, as appropriate to the work setting.
• Knowledge of quality assurance principles and practices.
• Knowledge of learning styles.
• Ability to accept cultural differences
• Basic Life Support (American Heart Assoc or Red Cross) certification required when working in clinic setting within 90 Days

Preferred Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university in clinical or medical laboratory science, medical technology, or related laboratory field including the related lab practicum or equivalent routes to qualify as high complexity testing personnel as specified in CLIA ’88. • Diploma with field of study listed or transcript must be provided.
• 2 years documented laboratory training in the specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing.

Fairview offers a generous benefit package including but not limited to medical, dental, vision plans, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, PTO and Sick and Safe Time, tuition reimbursement, retirement, early access to earned wages, and more! Please follow this link foradditional information: https://www.fairview.org/careers/benefits/noncontract

An individual's pay rate within the posted range may be determined by various factors, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, experience, and market conditions. Additionally, our organization prioritizes pay equity and considers internal team equity when making any offer. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical. If your role is eligible for a sign-on bonus, the bonus program that is approved and in place at the time of offer, is what will be honored.