MUNSON HEALTHCARE MANISTEE HOSPITALJOB DESCRIPTIONTITLE: Laboratory Section Head FLSA: Non-ExemptJob Code: U118 Grade: Union 2Work Comp Code: 8833 Date: 6/05, 3/07, 3/20DEPARTMENT: LaboratoryGENERAL SUMMARY:Under minimal supervision, is responsible for the technical maintenance, workflow and currency of one or more MHMH Laboratory Sections, including: BloodBank, Chemistry/Immuno Chemistry, Hematology, Histology, LaboratoryInformation Systems/Send-Outs, Microbiology, Urinalysis/Drug Screening andSerology. In addition to Section Head duties, performs the duties of aMedical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technologist, or Histotech throughoutthe Laboratory on a regular basis as assigned. (Reference job descriptions:Medical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technologist, and/orHistotechnologist.)PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:1. Work is performed in accordance with established practices. Has primaryresponsibility for technical operations; oversees section operations anddirects work flow in an effective and efficient manner for theinstrumentation present. Unusual situations are evaluated and discussedwith the manager.2. Ensures compliance with section standards for regulatory and accreditingagencies.3. Drafts, reviews, tests, develops, and implements new laboratory policies,procedures and protocols. Maintains and updates policy, procedure, andprotocol manuals.4. Logs specimen and organizes tests to be run; prepares instruments andwork area and sets equipment in accordance with test specifications;clarifies test requests (when necessary) and checks specimen for propercollection and labeling.5. Processes specimen into desired testing form; centrifuges blood, preparesslides, prepares smears, prepares and incubates cultures and so forth.6. Performs/conducts multiple, varied clinical laboratory tests manually orby utilizing various automated and semi-automated equipment and machinesincluding highly sophisticated testing devices. Example: scansmicroscopic slides to identify and classify normal and abnormal celltypes to determine the presence of pathogenicity; runs antibioticsensitivity tests; reads and evaluates cultures and gram stains forpathogenic bacteria; runs coagulation studies; detects blood antibodies;evaluates blood typing discrepancies; correlation of spinal fluidanalyses; runs urine and other fluid studies, etc.Job DescriptionLab Section HeadPage 27. Calculates test results and quality controls utilizing mathematicalformulas and calculations; confirms abnormal results by reviewingprevious test results, repeating tests and correlating test results withpatient diagnosis; informs manager, nursing service and/or physician ofconfirmed abnormal results. Performs those calculations and controlswhich do not require an advanced/professional level of knowledge fortheir performance or interpretation.8. Records tests conducted; notes test date, patient name and test resultsfor reference and statistical purposes. Signs and reports test resultsto nursing floors or other area of origin in accordance with reportingpolicies and procedures; expedites STAT tests to the degree possiblewithin the limits of quality control.9. Processes specimens to be delivered to reference laboratories;prepares/maintains related paperwork.10. Implements all quality controls instituted to ensure test validity i.e.,minor troubleshooting and calibration of equipment and testing reagentsand media for sensitivity and contamination; adheres to departmentalsafety standards in responsible handling, processing and testingspecimens. Disposes of all biological hazardous waste according toestablished procedures.11. Maintains, calibrates and cleans equipment; replaces tubing andmalfunctioning parts; verifies proper function through standardizationand controls; troubleshoots and documents routine instrumentationproblems and repairs.12. Routinely performs specimen collection duties.13. Inventories and stocks supplies; reports supply deficiencies to manager.Prepares reagents (those not purchased in prepared form/solution) forlaboratory testing.14. Remains abreast of developments in the field(s) of medical technology;recommends the adoption/incorporation of advances and innovationsdesigned to facilitate departmental operations.15. Write policies, procedures and protocols for all technical areas ofresponsibility, revises as needed, and reviews annually.16. Assists with the orientation and training of departmental technicalAssociates.Job DescriptionLab Section HeadPage 317. May assist pathologist in performing autopsies.18. Works night, weekend and holiday call duty as assigned.19. Assists with clerical duties such as scheduling patients, answeringphone, filing reports and distributing reports.20. Complies with all Hospital and departmental rules and regulations,including safety, Associate health, and confidentiality.21. Participates in Hospital and lab education programs and meetings.Attends all mandatory inservices.22. Reviews all departmental/hospital safety, infection control,chemical hygiene, hazardous waste, tornado, snow emergency, massdisaster, and fire emergency plans.23. Assists the manager in the assessment of technical performance ofpersonnel, verifies satisfactory orientation of new employees, andprovides technical guidance and coaching to other laboratory associates.24. Maintains, reviews and revises issues relating to test development,monitoring of test integrity, quality control and instrument preventativemaintenance. Reviews test results and initiates follow-up and consultwith physicians, as appropriate.25. Manipulates, reviews and organizes the quality control, instrumentcalibration and proficiency testing programs. Maintains records ofpreventive maintenance of laboratory instrumentation, and are involved introuble-shooting instrumentation issues.26. Monitors and orders adequate laboratory supplies and reagents ensuringadequate inventory.27. Assists in the identification and evaluation of new and replacementinstrumentation.28. Performs job responsibilities in an ethical, compliant manner consistentwith the organization's values and the hospital's Corporate ComplianceProgram, policies, procedures and protocols.29. Applies CQI concepts and methods throughout related activities.In addition to the duties and responsibilities #1 thru #30 above, the SectionHead for Laboratory Information Systems:1. Functions as the LIS Module Coordinator, including the laboratory,microbiology, blood bank, histology, pathology, and cytology sections.Job DescriptionLab Section HeadPage 42. Assists I.S. with analysis, installation, in-services, maintains computerapplications, procedures, and other systems that satisfy the needs of theLaboratory.3. Analyzes and develops necessary design work, including testing anddocumentation and installation. Reviews, evaluates customer needs asappropriate with the software vendors.4. Assists with computer applications to ensure proper use and security.5. Analyzes problems, determines cause and initiates technical correctiveaction.In addition to the duties and responsibilities #1 thru #30 above, the SectionHead for Histology:1. Receives histologic specimens obtained through surgical and autopsyprocedure, ensuring proper identification and labeling; logsaccessionally pertinent information according to established procedures.2. Prepares tissue specimens for gross initial inspection by pathologist;processes tissue samples utilizing processing instrument in order toproperly infiltrate tissue with paraffin by immersion in varioussolutions.3. Prepares permanent tissue section slides: embeds tissues into paraffinblocks; slices blocks into very thin sections utilizing microtome;affixes sections on slides; stains slides; mounts and labels completedslides for pathologist's inspection and diagnosis.4. Assists Pathologist in the performance of frozen sections for statdiagnosis utilizing cryostat and accelerated procedure.5. Observes time deadlines for presenting slides to the pathologist toassist in rapid reporting of results.6. Performs special stains on selected sections according to pathologist'srequest.7. Performs related service and maintenance duties: monitors inventory ofsupplies and reorders such when necessary; monitors and records alltemperature regulated instruments; troubleshoots equipment and documentssuch activity; cleans work area; disposes of specimens according toprescribed procedure.Job DescriptionLab Section HeadPage 58. Maintains report, slide, block and wet/frozen specimen files for futurereference and research purposes according to Hospital policy;retrieves and re-files such as requested by pathologist.9. Forwards Histology reports, slides, blocks and tissue samples forreferral/consultation analysis as directed by pathologist; recordspertinent information.10. Maintains records and prepares reports of procedures performed, workload,and related activities.11. Applies CQI concepts and methods throughout related activities.12. Performs job responsibilities in an ethical, compliant manner consistentwith the organization's values and the hospital's Corporate ComplianceProgram, policies, procedures and protocols.MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:1. Completion of two years of advanced technical training (MLT), including asix month clinical internship, or completion of a bachelor's degree inmedical technology (MT), ASCP certification as a Histologic Technician2. A minimum of five years of experience in Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital's Laboratory, or another CLIA licensed laboratory.3. Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), orcertification by the American Society of Medical Technologists (ASMT), orother recognized national certification for medical laboratory personnel.4. The analytical ability to interpret and analyze test results and thelaboratory information system noting abnormalities and discrepancies.5. Ability to perform calculations, calibrate instruments, and laboratoryinformation system programming modifications. Ability to identify andresolve physiological and computer abnormalities and contradictions.6. The manual dexterity and visual acuity necessary to prepare specimens andsolutions and microscopically examine specimens.7. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local lawsand regulations, as well as other policies and procedures in order tomaintain laboratory licensure and certifications.Job DescriptionLab Section HeadPage 68. Persistently demonstrates knowledge and application of WSMC's BehavioralExpectations in all matters. Must have a well developed set ofinterpersonal skills for frequent and successful interactions with ourcustomers, Associates of the Hospital and Medical Staff Members.9. Analytical ability as well as visual, hearing and sensory touch acuitynecessary to assess patients' condition, developmental needs, and utilizeprofessional judgment in providing care to patients of all agepopulations (i.e. peds, geriatric, adolescent, and adult).10. BCLS certification required.11. Please check the appropriate age specific competencies:XPrenatal & Perinatal (0-2) XYoung Child (2-8)XAdolescent (9-15) XAdult (16-28)XMiddle-Aged Adult (29-53) XGeriatric (54-74)XFrail Adult (75+) Not applicable, no clinicalcontactWORKING CONDITIONS:1. Please check the appropriate health and safety requirements:XExposure to blood and/or body fluidsXExposure to Hazardous Chemicals or PharmaceuticalsRepetitive bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, 25 lbs to equivalentof associate's weightMinimal bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, 0-25 lbsModerate bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, 10-25 lbsContinual standingContinual sittingXSporadic keyboarding, sitting, standingXUtilization of personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, gowns,boots, etc)_Continual keyboarding2. Encourages subordinates and works in a safe and health manner to preventinjury or illness.