Specialist, Point of Care - Quest Diagnostics

The POC Specialist is responsible for the accuracy and reliability of all laboratory testing provided by Point of Care staff (nurses, perfusionists, ED physicians, clinics, Respiratory Therapy, etc.) within the Hospital system.

• The POC Specialist assists in drafting all necessary policies, procedures and POC training and competency documents utilized by POC testing personnel. 
• The POC Specialist plans and schedules POC activities for hospitals as needed. 
• The POC Specialist assumes responsibility for the proper application of laboratory policies and procedures while providing oversight of Quality Control and Proficiency Testing ensuring regulatory compliance. 
• Metrics for POC testing are maintained by the POC Specialist
• Provides nursing reports daily, weekly, monthly or as needed and reviews with supervisor and/or Laboratory Director. 
• Responsibility for equipment validation, correlation, linearity and precision lies with the POC Specialist. 
• POC Specialist, will assist in regulatory preparation, i.e. CAP, CLIA and TJC prep and attend hospital meetings for regulatory compliance. POC Supervisor is responsible to keep abreast of all changes in POC testing and regulations and serves as the subject matter expert in advising the Medical Director. 
• The POC Specialist assists in investigating, reviewing, overseeing and implementing all new POC assays. 
• The POC Specialist is responsible for making regular rounds to all entity units to speak with nurse managers/directors to ensure quality and patient care and to maintain rapport and a cohesive working relationship with hospital staff and physicians. 
• It is imperative the POC Specialist possess exemplary customer service skills. He/she must work with laboratory management team members and laboratory staff in a collaborative basis to ensure the teamwork necessary to support POC testing 24/7. 
• The POC Specialist is required to address all POC issues. 
• Maintains POC testing equipment inventory list. 
• Maintains POC test list by site and location. 
• The incumbent actively supports and complies with all company, hospital and departmental policies and procedures. 
• Assures that all point of care testing (POCT) is performed in accordance to hospital policy and procedure and in accordance with the HCFA, CLIA'88, TJC and Department of Health State guidelines and standards.   
• Responsible for the development and on-going maintenance of a detailed POC policy and procedure manual following selecting a format that meets accreditation and licensing requirements. 
• Resolves technical issues with equipment and reagents in accordance with established policies and procedures. 
• Administers Quality Assurance programs, evaluates and reports findings, and issues and maintains corrective action responses. 
• Ensure that remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the Laboratory's established performance specifications.  
• Enforces hospital policy and removes POCT access when a tester has violated policy. 
• Develops training/orientation programs for POC testing staff. 
• Maintains and oversees the POCT laboratory central processing station (computer hardware/software) to ensure timely reporting of testing, Quality Control, billing, and regulatory compliance.  
• Responsible for RALs interface of POCT analyzers. 
• Attends hospital, department and laboratory management meetings and committees as required. 
• Informs the Supervisor of any problems associated with the proper performance of test procedures. Shares all complaints concerning the validity of test results, turnaround times, etc.
• Oversees equipment and test supply inventories to assure adequate supplies for uninterrupted operations.    
• Maintains records of Quality Control and Proficiency testing as required for regulatory agencies. 
• Assists with in-house and off-site inspections and educational programs as required.  
• Adheres to all established laboratory safety requirements.  Required to use (a) personal protective equipment, including latex gloves (b) engineering controls and/or (c) work practice controls as directed by management.  
• Actively supports and complies with laboratory policies and procedures. 
• Performs other job-related/miscellaneous duties as assigned by the Medical Director or Regional Director of Laboratory Services.

Required Work Experience:  

• At least three (3) years work experience in the core laboratory   

Preferred Work Experience:  

• Two to three years of point of care experience preferred. 

Physical and Mental Requirements:  

• Physical activities include frequent walking, sitting, bending, lifting, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting and squatting. The ability to lift up to 30 lbs. in weight to a height of 5 feet and carrying moderately light loads for a distance of 50 feet. Color vision is required for accuracy in work.  Atmosphere and environment associated with a clinical laboratory setting – toxic and/or hazardous chemicals/specimens with unpleasant odors. 

Knowledge:  

• Basic theoretical and operational knowledge of laboratory technologies and POC testing required. 
• Working knowledge of Google Workspace programs (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar) as well as POC software. 
• Knowledge of organizational/departmental policies and procedures. 
• Basic knowledge of HIS and LIS computer operations and interfaces. 

Skills:  

• Possess the communication skills necessary to effectively manage client concerns. 
• Communication skills necessary to handle telephone inquiries from clients. 

EDUCATION
Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science (Highly Preferred)

Bachelor’s Degree in a chemical, physical or biological science with at least 2 years laboratory experience (Required)