Laboratory Support Coordinator Intern

The Laboratory Support Coordinator Intern enhances efficient operations in the Central Processing Area, focusing on tasks such as phlebotomy and ensuring stakeholder satisfaction.  As the intern gains competency and experience, the internship provides an opportunity for training towards the Laboratory Technologist I role.

INTERNSHIP TRAINING: CPA

1. Support the efficient and effective operation of the Laboratory Central Processing Area by assisting with various assigned tasks and ensuring a smooth workflow. 
2. Assist in phlebotomy processes, including review and understanding of policies and procedures, restocking supplies, and assisting with timely blood draws.
3. Collaborate with the data coordinator and UNOS liaison responsible for completion of all patient related UNOS forms and understanding their importance.
4. Provides assistance during the annual OSHA safety assessment for the laboratory.
5. Learns to monitor and log laboratory tests and samples following quality assurance guidelines established by Midwest Transplant Network.
6. Gains experience in aliquoting and storing antibody screens, A1 titers, and long-term retention serum samples under supervision.
7. Assists in ensuring samples are taken to their appropriate departments in a timely manner and communicates any necessary information to departmental staff.
8. Observes and learns about establishing and maintaining professional interactions with clients of the laboratory to understand the importance of excellent customer service. 
9. Supports the process of sending out final reports to requesting clients via secure access under supervision and guidance.
10. Observes and learns about appropriate and effective communication regarding urgent or STAT lab testing with lab staff during morning meetings and throughout the day as needed.
11. Gains exposure to maintaining and updating the UNOS listing for all MTN affiliated transplant centers in conjunction with those centers and the MTN HLA lab.

INTERNSHIP TRAINING: LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST

1. Follows the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting, and maintaining records of patient test results within departments:

a.   ABO Blood Group Testing

                            b.   HLA Molecular Typing

c.   Flow Cytometry: T & B Cell Flow Cytometry Crossmatch

d.   Infectious Disease Donor Screening and Confirmatory Testing

                            e.   Antibody Detection and Identification

                            f.   DCU Limited-Service Laboratory

1. Recognizes and reports to laboratory leadership any issues or problems, which may adversely affect test performance and patient outcome. 
2. Assists in performing quality control procedures as directed by Technical Specialists or Laboratory leadership.
3. Collaborates with Laboratory leadership to optimize the functions of MTN laboratory departments.
4. Informs Laboratory leadership of any information that may potentially impact the actual operation and/or strategic direction of the laboratory and/or organization.
5. Maintains records demonstrating that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
6. Adheres to the laboratory's quality control policies, documents all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and maintenance performed.
7. Follows the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.

QUALIFICATIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program pursuing a bachelor degree in a biological, chemical or physical science, preferably an undergraduate degree in clinical laboratory science, fulfilling the CLIA requirements for highly complex testing with an expected graduation date within the next 12 months. 
2. Completion of at least 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses or 24 hours of science courses that include: 6 hours of chemistry, 6 hours of biology, 12 hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination.
3. Ability to work a minimum of 10 hours per week.  
4. Must maintain a valid driver’s license in accordance with MTN motor vehicle policy.  Must have reliable personal automobile transportation to be used with company reimbursement using IRS guidelines.  Must be able to travel within the service area by ground or air.
5. Excellent organization and time management skills; ability to function independently and collaboratively; demonstrated problem-solving and creative thinking skills and well-developed personal stress management skills.
6. Ability to lift 50 pounds and transfer short distances.
7. Possess manual dexterity sufficient to operate telephones, computers, and surgical equipment.
8. Ability to speak and communicate clearly to accurately convey information in person or by phone.
9. OSHA Category I – Exposed regularly to bloodborne pathogens while performing assigned job duties.  Bloodborne pathogens protection is required.
10. Home internet and wireless phone access may be required.

MTN BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

Belonging: Intentionally connects with colleagues by embracing differences and finding commonalities to create a workplace where all employees feel safe and genuine at work. Models the philosophy that lived experiences make individuals unique by respecting and seeking to understand beliefs, values and opinions that are new or different from their own. Represents through actions and influence, the idea that diverse perspectives make MTN stronger as we serve our mission.

Respect: Builds a positive and supportive foundation inviting open, honest, and clear communication. Fosters a sensitive, supportive, and trustworthy environment, which promotes active listening and strengthens rapport throughout all interactions. Cultivates teamwork through acceptance and inclusion by valuing differences and empowering strengths.

Excellence: Demonstrates excellence by going above and beyond, while maintaining compassion and humility in all interactions. Demonstrates a high rate of achievement and success for the organization through proactive objectives centered on the overall mission and vision. Consistently models a positive attitude, a willingness to help others, and a dedication to improvement. Takes full responsibility for their role and challenges themselves to find workable solutions.

Accountability: Demonstrates the highest ethical standards, by honoring commitments to each other and professional partners. Executes all interactions through honesty and transparency. Demonstrates responsibility and integrity through ownership of the mission. Utilizes resources appropriately.

Leadership: Empowers, mentors and encourages all staff, while displaying a high-level of professionalism. Demonstrates ability to cultivate teams and relationships through open lines of communication, honesty and respect. Handles challenges with compassion by developing trust through respectful feedback and support. Acts as a resource by providing the tools, which enable others to reach their highest potential.

It is the policy of Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment.  No person will be discriminated against in employment because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnic origin, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, arrest record, or any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.  In addition, the organization complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, training, employee activities and general treatment during employment

MTN is committed to complying with state and federal disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position they desire, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of MTN’s mission.