Specialist, Point of Care Testing (MLS)

About the role

The POC Specialist is accountable 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 supervisor assists hospital directors and managers by advising on supervision of staff performing POC testing.

Responsibilities

• Drafts all necessary policies, procedures and POC training and competency documents utilized by POC testing personnel.
• Plans and schedules POC activities for hospitals as needed.
• Assumes responsibility for the proper application of laboratory policies and procedures while providing oversight of Quality Control and Proficiency Testing ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Maintains metrics for POC testing and provides them by the 15th of each month to the Quality Assurance Supervisor.
• Provides nursing reports daily, weekly, monthly or as needed and reviews with QA supervisor and/or Laboratory Director.
• Oversees equipment validation, correlation, linearity and precision.
• Oversees regulatory preparation, i.e. CAP, CLIA and TJC prep and attends hospital meetings for regulatory compliance.
• Investigates, reviews, oversees and implements all new POC assays.
• Makes 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.
• Attends nursing dept. meetings, if held, a minimum of once per quarter for assigned entities and provides a written report to the Regional Director of Laboratory Services and the Medical Director.
• Addresses all POC issues and presents POC data to the Laboratory Performance Improvement Committee.
• Maintains POC testing equipment inventory list and POC test list by site and location.
• Maintains POC testing equipment inventory list and POC test list by site and location.
• Develops training/orientation programs for POC testing staff and lab staff on POCT procedures and database monitoring.
• Maintains and oversees the POCT laboratory central processing station (computer hardware/software) to ensure timely reporting of testing, Quality Control, billing, and regulatory compliance.
• Establishes necessary budgetary controls and maintains costs at an acceptable level.
• Prepares reports detailing departmental activities, revenues, expenses, etc. as needed.
• Prepares POC budget for all entities.
• Attends hospital, department and laboratory management meetings and committees as required.
• Informs the Medical Director and the Regional Director of Laboratory Services 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.
• Uses personal protective equipment, including latex gloves.
• Uses engineering controls and/or work practice controls as directed by management.

Qualifications

• At least five (5) years work experience in the core laboratory.
• Two to three years of point of care experience preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree in Physical or Biological Sciences is required.
• Medical Laboratory Science preferred.

Benefits

We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include: Medical/Prescription Drugs, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Supplemental Health Plans, 401(k) Plan – Company match dollar-for-dollar up to 5%, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), Supplemental Life Insurance, Dependent Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability buy-up, Blueprint for Wellness, Emotional Well-Being Resources, Educational Assistance, Paid time off / Health Time.