Laboratory Coordinator, POC - DCH Health System

The Coordinator/POC is accountable for the development, maintenance and documentation of all point of care testing within the DCH System.  In addition to POC, this individual serves as the primary liaison between the Laboratory and Nursing Services.

1. Maintains appropriate documentation on point of care initiatives within the DCH Healthcare System.
2. Makes recommendations to the Administrative Director on technical and operational changes that might improve efficiency and lower cost of point of care testing.
3. Answers customer questions concerning their areas of responsibility, investigates customer complaints and initiates corrective actions when appropriate.
4. As required, monitors and/or prepares and submits reports pertaining to point of care testing to the Administrative Director and/or the Administrative Supervisor(s).
5. Supports Nursing Services, DCH Health System Laboratories, outreach clients, the Administrative Supervisors and Technical Specialists in maintaining a robust point of care testing program. Provides instruction, consultation and documentation – in the form of policies and procedures – as necessary.
6. Maintains an up-to-date laboratory point of care testing plan that is representative of current regulatory requirements. Assists the Administrative Director in evaluating costs and benefits of point of care testing.
7. Functions as the Laboratory’s primary liaison with Nursing. Consults and works with all levels of Nursing to maintain a positive, productive relationship between Nursing Services and the Laboratory.  Attends the Nursing Manager’s meetings and shares concerns with the Laboratory’s leadership.
8. Reviews professional journals, attends workshops, seminars and lectures to remain current in technical knowledge.
9. Provides input to the Administrative Director for the annual Laboratory operational budget for point of care testing and continuing education. Reviews and justifies variances when appropriate.  Makes recommendations and provides supporting documentation and justification for capital equipment.
10. Actively participates with other Laboratory leadership in Laboratory strategic planning, goal definition and problem resolution. Assists in aligning Laboratory goals to the organizational goals and strategies of customer service, operational excellence and growth.
11. Communicates point of care needs with all customers through appropriate media (memorandums, email, staff meetings and direct conversation).
12. Maintains records and statistics to comply with all pertinent regulatory agencies.
13. Provides technical support and/or guidance to other laboratories within the DCH Health System.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.

• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.

• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Minimum education is a baccalaureate degree in clinical laboratory science or biological science, with certification as a clinical laboratory scientist or medical technologist by one of the nationally recognized certification agencies: American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) preferred; the American Medical Technologist (AMT) acceptable.  At least three years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting is required.  Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.  Working knowledge of point of care methodologies and regulatory requirements required.

Abilities are demonstrated in areas of assigned responsibilities by successful completion of annual laboratory competency testing.  Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must possess manual dexterity and fine motor skills. Able to stand, walk, and sit for long periods of

time, reach and bend. Is able to lift a maximum of 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing

up to 20 pounds. Vision and hearing must be normal or corrected to within normal. Normal color vision for those tasks requiring color differentiation. 

Includes exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, laboratory chemicals and hazardous material.  Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment.  Physical presence on site is essential.  Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Frequent interaction with others in the Laboratory and other departments in person, by telephone or by email, to resolve issues with patient care that are impacted by laboratory testing.  Due to the emotional and/or emergency nature of patient care some customers may be unpleasant, angry or discourteous in their requests for Laboratory services.