SUMMARY
Establishes policies and procedures to ensure laboratory compliance with all relevant standards of quality, education and safety set by agencies such as CAP, CLIA, CMS, OSHA, Joint Commission, etc. Monitors the execution of policies and procedures to confirm adherence. Develops and monitors all quality related metrics and consistently reports updates to organization. Collaborates with lab leadership to develop capital replacement plans and strategic investments designed to improve efficiencies and quality services. Coordinates and validates equipment calibration, maintenance, installations, and decommissioning.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education Minimum:
Bachelor’s Degree and one year of clinical internship. (See Addendum) Credentials/Licensure Minimum:
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Medical Technologist (MT) certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP); or equivalent. Related ExperienceMinimum: Two years of hospital lab experience.
Preferred: Three years of hospital lab experience.
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Minimum:
Ability to perform complex analytical functions such as calculating, weighing, and correlating of information. Ability to multi-task, prioritize and organize work of others (including students) as a team leader. Excellent customer service skills, demonstrating positive interpersonal skills to patients, clients, and all staff.
Computer Competency
Familiarity with standard desktop and Windows based computer system, including email, e-learning, intranet and computer navigation. Ability to use other software required to perform essential functions.
Physical/Mental Minimum:
Considerable walking, standing, bending and ability to lift objects weighing 40 lbs or more. Continuous standing. Clinical laboratory testing requires concentration and attention to detail. Must pass a color-blind test. About 20-50% of time is spent on computer data entry.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Works independently in a fast-paced environment, with moderate to high stress. Volume-driven work requiring a high level of quality. Subject to frequent interruptions and changing work priorities.
1. Mobility/Strength: Ability to maneuver within the laboratory, walking, sitting or standing for long periods. Position requires some lifting, pushing and pulling up to 45 pounds unassisted.
2. Manual dexterity: Ability to use hands or prosthetic devices for repetitive motions involving opening containers, pipetting, keyboard entry, processing specimens and operating of equipment. Ability to manipulate small objects.
3. Vision: Ability to distinguish red, yellow and blue colors, determined by color blind testing. Must be able to perform microscopic work. Must be able to determine color and turbidity of specimens.
4. Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and understandably. This includes verbal and written. Ability to work with various computer systems.
5. Psychological stability: Demonstrates the emotional health required for full use of intellectual abilities. Must be able to recognize emergency situations and use logic and reasoning to take the appropriate actions in all situations.
6. Hearing: Demonstrates good hearing, or has the ability to adapt with assistive devices.
7. Hazards: Risk of exposure to electrical shock, vapors, fumes, gases, infectious disease and biohazardous materials. Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment such as gloves, shoes, goggles, glasses or coats.
ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS
Flexibility – Demonstrates exceptional ability and willingness to take on new and additional responsibilities. Embraces new ideas and cultural differences while managing competing priorities. Must have flexibility to address the needs of all shifts. Accountability – Willingly accepts personal responsibility for decisions, actions, attitudes and behaviors that contribute to the overall effectiveness of the organization. Communicates effectively, follows through on assignments, uses resources efficiently, participates in learning opportunities and treats others with respect and dignity. Excellence – Serves as a role model and performs job responsibilities to the highest standards in every situation. Delivers “Something More” that ensures a more complete and personally satisfying experience for every customer. Focus – Understands and demonstrates behaviors consistent with the mission and values of the organization while contributing to the overall success of the strategic plan. All actions are rooted in providing excellent customer service.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Quality
Writes and maintains all policies and procedures related to quality, education and safety in the laboratory. Helps determine appropriate QA measures; monitors data from pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processes throughout the lab, as required by accrediting agencies. Works with colleagues to gather data for QA and ensure timely reporting Runs monthly QA Meetings and ensures all reporting is accurately provided across the organization.
Education Prepares for onboarding new hires by: Developing training schedule/plan specific to new colleague necessary proficiencies and assembles training packets. Ensures that initial training sheets are signed off for all areas where a colleague will work. NA areas where colleague will not work. Confirms that training sheets are signed by Technical Specialist for each area upon completion of training. Works with Technical Specialists to track and document all staff competencies. Maintains colleague files for competencies, training sheets, degrees, certifications, or other related items required by accrediting agencies. Oversees student interns; acts as a liaison between the hospital and universities.
Safety Oversees all required safety monitors, such as eye wash checks, formaldehyde and xylene monitors, and others to confirm their completion as required. Creates and delivers annual quality and safety training for lab colleagues to ensure that everyone is familiar and compliant with standards. Monitors and ensures PPE availability for use within the department based on the types of procedures being performed. Schedules hood inspections and ensures timely completion. Ensures that chemicals are stored appropriately and safely.
Instrumentation Program Collaborates with lab leadership to develop capital replacement plans and strategic investments designed to improve efficiencies and quality services. Facilitates the purchasing process with necessary departments (e.g. Supply Chain, Finance, System Office, etc.) Coordinates and validates equipment calibration, maintenance, installations, and decommissioning. Identifies opportunities to leverage emerging technologies to enhance quality, safety, and experience. Performs other related duties as assigned.
SYSTEMS AND INFORMATIONT ensure appropriate utilization of Protected Health Information (PHI) associated with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Saint Mary’s Confidentiality of Information Standards, as well as other regulatory entities, individuals employed in this position will be granted systems and information access as appropriate for this position.
DISCLAIMER The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. The listed duties may be changed at the discretion of the incumbent’s supervisor.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.