LAB POINT-OF-CARE TESTING COORDINATOR

Job Description Summary

Under the general direction of the Director of Laboratory Services, and in conjunction with the Technical (Pathologist) Director and Laboratory Medical Director/Chief of Pathology, is responsible for the coordination of Point of Care Testing (POCT) conducted under the Laboratory's CLIA licenses.

Job Description

Essential Functions

1 - Coordinates the Point of Care testing program for the laboratory.  This includes, but is not limited to responsibility for quality of all tests performed, organizing workflow and prioritizing work as needed.
   a - Reviews all tests results and QC data generated by Point of Care testing, as per established criteria by CAP and other regulatory agencies.  Review is timely and effective, as per established accreditation requirements.
   b - Maintains a procedure manual that is accurate, up-to-date and in compliance with format and content established by Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute, CAP and other regulatory agencies.  Reviews and updates at least annually and maintains documentation of all changes to procedures.  Formally communicates all procedural changes to staff and documents staff acknowledgement of these changes.
   c - Oversees Instrument Maintenance Program and assures maintenance is performed, as defined in the policies and procedures.  Establishes written maintenance logs, troubleshooting guidelines, written problem/resolution logs and works with vendors to assure all activities, including preventative maintenance are performed to maintain the instruments to perform optimally.
   d - Assures consistently high-quality test result records as evidenced by data review, quality control, proficiency testing, CAP inspections and feedback from clinicians.
   e - In collaboration with Nursing Education, assures competency of staff to perform assigned duties, including interpretation and assessment of quality control data.
   f - Develops comprehensive system to monitor the quality of work. This plan (QC, QA and Proficiency Testing) is written and shared with staff to ensure consistent compliance.

2 - Establishes and maintains an effective inventory control system that assures inventory levels that consistently meet the demands of the workload.
   a - Prepares laboratory purchase orders and submits for approval.  Adheres to procedures regarding acquisition of, and payment for, goods and services.
   b - Establishes a formal procedure for assessing inventory levels and involves the staff in participation in this process.
   c - Focuses on efficient use of reagents and supplies that is consistent with workload volume and budgeted resources.
   d - Provides consultation for non-Laboratory areas to ensure systems are in place to provide adequate inventory.
   e - Periodically audits non-Laboratory areas to ensure products are not expired.

3 - In collaboration with Nursing Education, and other department leaders with POC testing, trains and assures competency of staff.
   a - Through a “train-the-trainer” approach coordinates the orientation and training of new employees to perform all Point-of-Care testing procedures following established protocol.  
   b - Coordinates the training of all employees when new procedures, instruments or methods are established.  Provides appropriate staff with written and practical exercises and tools to learn procedures and demonstrate compliance. Maintains current documentation of these activities.
   c - Oversees the implementation of annual competency plans by departments using point-of-care testing and ensures documentation of technical competency of all staff who perform Point of Care testing is maintained per departmental and hospital competence policies and procedures.

4 - In collaboration with the Director of Laboratory Services and the Technical Director (Pathologist), assists in the evaluation, selection and documentation of testing of all new instruments, methods and procedures for Point of Care testing compliant to CAP/CLIA, and DPH standards.
   a - Participates in the ad hoc Point-of-Care committee when considering any Point of Care testing proposed to be performed under the South Shore Hospital Laboratory's CLIA license.
   b - Researches proposed methodologies, instruments and procedures for clinical acceptability.
   c - Follows established protocols for implementing new instrumentation and procedures as per CLSI Guidelines.
   d - Solicits feedback for physicians and other caregivers as to the adequacy of testing protocols.

5 - In consultation with the Director of Laboratory Services is responsible for ensuring user eligibility for Point-of-Care testing activities and compliance with related regulations and accrediting body standards
   a - Manages and maintains accurate, up-to-date Point-of-Care testing user databases.
   b - Manages and maintains documents/records to satisfy CLIA and accreditation body personnel standards requirements.
   c - Coordinates with Human Resources to ensure required documents are obtained and documents received meet requirements.

6 - Safety Awareness - Fosters a "Culture of Safety" through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.
   a - Serves as a role model for all Hospital and Departmental Safety Standards through consistent compliance with the established Safety Policies and Procedures (including General Safety, Clinical Hygiene Plan, Blood Borne Pathogen and other OSHA and regulatory requirements.
   b - Seeks opportunities to improve Patient Safety and encourages the staff to do the same.  Implements changes to existing operations to support the goal of keeping our patients safe.

7 - Functions as a liaison between the Department of Laboratory Services and the other departments of the South Shore Hospital.
   a - Coordinates investigations of and resolution to Point-of-Care testing issues.
   b - In collaboration with Nursing Education, may present laboratory topics to nursing staff to foster better understanding and interdisciplinary teamwork.
   c - In collaboration with Nursing Education, communicates changes in Laboratory Point-of-Care testing policy or procedure to nursing staff.

8 - Technology - Embraces technological solutions to work processes and practices.
   a - Utilizes point-of-care databases to manage data, extract information, and provide support to non-Lab areas performing Point-of-Care testing.
   b - Participates in continued learning and possesses a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures to further develop in their role and throughout the organization.
   c - Embraces technological advances that allow us to communicate information effectively and efficiently based on role - for example, Lotus Notes or Meditech System.9 - Other

9 - Other

   a - Maintains and updates technical and leadership knowledge and skills through reading and attending workshops and seminars.
   b - Collaborates with Supervisors, Managers, Directors and Pathologists in achieving departmental goals.  Is an effective team member and consistently demonstrates behaviors consistent with a highly functioning team.  Shares in the work of the Team, is outcome focused and follows through with responsibilities assigned to the Team.
   c - Reports deviations from policy and procedures, as appropriate, using the Hospital Incident reporting Database.  Provides timely and thorough follow-up and corrective action to all assigned incidents.
   d - Performs work of equal skill and responsibility as directed.  May also perform work of higher level in preparation for increased responsibility and may be requested to perform work of lesser responsibility, when workload of the department so requires.
   e - Participates in special project work, as assigned by the Director of the Department.  Performs other tasks as assigned by the Director or Chief of Pathology.
   f - Readily accepts assignments and completes work, as assigned, on time.
   g - Works collaboratively with the Information Systems Department (LIS Applications Specialist) to assure accurate and efficient utilization of Laboratory Meditech systems.
   h - Tests new LIS codes and interfaces with direction from LIS and IS support (LIS Documentation).

Minimum Education - Preferred

Baccalaureate degree in Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science.

Any bachelors in a chemical or biological science (meeting CLIA qualification) with 1 year clinical laboratory internship or experience.

Minimum Work Experience

Minimum five (5) years of applicable clinical laboratory experience, three (3) of which must be in Chemistry and/or Hematology

Required Certifications

MT or MLS (ASCP) or MT or MLS (ASCP Equivalent) required. 
Medical Technician or Medical Laboratory Scientist certification is required at time of hire.

Required additional Knowledge and Abilities

Must be knowledgeable and experienced in laboratory regulatory and accreditation standards compliance, quality control, and quality assurance. Skilled at managing multiple priorities. Must possess well-developed organizational and interpersonal and communication skills. Able to successfully teach theory and practice of point –of-care testing applications to laboratory, nursing and other hospital personnel performing POC analysis.