Laboratory Manager

Position Summary
The Medical Technologist, under indirect supervision and in a timely manner, accurately and precisely performs and reports clinical laboratory test results. Assumes responsibility for patient specimen testing, quality control, performance improvement, and instrument maintenance. Assists in orientation of new laboratory personnel, promoting teamwork, positive attitude, initiative, and professionalism in keeping with the patient focused care mission of the hospital. Makes decisions of moderate to complex difficulty according to the policies and procedures of the laboratory and the hospital. On a daily basis, interacts and responds to patients, physicians, and fellow hospital staff in a professional manner, remembering that patient care is our first concern. Handles confidential information regarding patient records. Performs all work in accord to the mission, vision, and values of the Arkansas Surgical Hospital.

Work Schedule
The standard shift of the laboratory is 8 hours, with technical call. The laboratory employee must be flexible with scheduling to assist with coverage of all shifts, weekends, and holidays as the laboratory or hospital needs demand.

Qualifications / Specifications
Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology and the satisfactory completion of a NAACLS approved internship or equivalent degree with credit hours meeting ASCP registry eligibility standards.

Licensure/Certification: MT (ASCP), or MLS registry or equivalent.

Experience: A minimum of 2-3 years generalist experience in an acute care facility preferred. Blood banking competency a plus. Management experience preferred.

Working Knowledge: Current laboratory instrumentation include: Chemistry Analyzer, Hematology Analyzer, Coagulation Analyzer, Arterial Blood Gas Analyzer, Urinalysis Analyzer, Blood Bank System, and the Laboratory Computer System. Previous experience and competency training with any of the above systems a plus.

Essential Technical/Motor Skills: Performs at a proficient level all tasks within the laboratory. Able to operate all appropriate clinical instrumentation/equipment in a safe and appropriate manner. Able to perform the necessary functions on the facility's computer system.

Interpersonal Skills: Must be able to interact and communicate in English, both orally and written, with all levels of staff, physicians, patients, and families in an effective manner, exhibiting tact, enthusiasm, and patience. Must be able to be sensitive to cultural and bilingual issues.

Essential Physical Requirements: Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting, manual and finger dexterity, and hand-eye coordination. Able to stand and walk for long periods of time. Able to lift and carry equipment and supplies of 25 lbs., pushing and pulling 50 lbs.

Essential Cognitive Abilities: Requires good communication and organizational skills. Requires reasoning ability and good independent judgment. Requires working under stressful conditions and irregular hours. Requires working with frequent interruptions. Able to comprehend and interpret complex clinical subject matter related to the laboratory.

Essential Sensory Requirements: Able to read, write, and understand English.

Exposure to Hazards: Requires exposure to communicable diseases and potentially contaminated body fluids and hazardous materials. Possible risk of physical injury due to moving machinery and supplies. (Refer to Potential Laboratory Hazards Table)

Age-Specific Criteria: Must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skills necessary to provide care/services to the age of the patients served in the hospital facility. Must also possess the ability to assess data and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their specific needs.

Other: Understands the mission and vision of the hospital. Operates within the concept of patient- focused care. Evolves into an effective team member. Must adhere to dress code; good grooming and personal hygiene habits; and strict adherence to attendance policies. Maintains knowledge of and conforms to hospital policies and procedures.

Primary Duties
Communication:

Open/Honest discussions with Director about everything.
Not hesitating to talk. When you feel that I am not listening, you need to tell me.
There must be a trust factor and open discussions between us.
The KEY factor is that we can trust each other and remain on the same page together. Issues stay confidential unless otherwise communicated.
Be upfront, its ok to disagree with the Director, just make sure it is done the correctly
Ensure all the Why's are explained about possible solutions.
We all want the best decision to be made for the team.
The Director should always here news about your department first.
No one likes surprises, so keep me updated. I would rather you over-communicate than under-communicate.

Patient Care:

Performs laboratory procedures in a timely manner, documents required information and communications of pertinent information to primary physician and direct care staff.
Assists in the care of patients by providing timely, accurate, and precise patient testing results.
Collaborates with staff, physicians, patients and family members to provide information necessary to provide quality patient care. Responds to physicians and hospital staff in a professional manner. Demonstrates positive interpersonal communication skills when relating to external customers.
Maintains professionalism towards patients. Informs and explains procedures to patients.
Maintains confidentiality of all patient information.
Applies the principles of Performance Improvement and works in a team environment to improve patient outcomes.
Maintains satisfactory level of knowledge and skill in Age Specific Competencies for the appropriate patient population.
All patient care activities, procedures, and decisions are based on the patient focused care mission of the Oklahoma Heart Hospital.

Technical Activities:

Performs laboratory procedures in accordance with established policies, procedures, and regulatory guidelines.
Performs laboratory procedures in the appropriate time frame based on defined turn-around-times.
Performs laboratory procedures accurately and precisely in accordance to established quality control policies pertinent to the procedure.
Serves as a technical resource to the laboratory staff and aids in the resolution of technical problems.
Provides technical training to the laboratory staff on new procedures and methodologies.
Assists in the laboratory and organizational compliance with regulatory agencies as standards relate to the services and responsibilities of the laboratory including infection control and safety.
Assists in the maintaining of up-to-date policy, procedure, and improvement manuals.
As assigned, assists with the maintenance of the Point-of-Care (POC) testing program for the facility.
Performs and documents required quality control and instrument maintenance procedures according to established policies, procedures, and regulations to assure accurate, reliable results.

Staff/Unit Responsibilities:

Uses resources in an efficient and cost effective manner.
Assists in the management of inventory control
Ensure Payroll is correct
Monitor and adjust for productivity standards
Participates in peer review.
Responsible in training of staff and affiliated students.
Maintains and develops own professional competencies.
Maintains and promotes a team spirit through active cooperation and collaboration.
Actively participates in the Performance Improvement and Utilization Review programs.
Actively participates in the maintenance of the patient-focused care delivery system.
Assists in the coordination of the laboratory operation.
Adheres to all safety guidelines, such as Chemical Hygiene Plan and Standard Precautions/Exposure Control Plan.
Assists in all aspects of care of the environment, such as safety, housekeeping, infection control, and supply and equipment management.
Attends 100% of in-services and department meetings. Attends 80% of leadership in-services, learning institutes, and manager meetings.

Compliance:

Attends annual hospital compliance training.
Complies with all laboratory and hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory agency rules, guidelines, and regulations.
Uses ethical judgment in potential patient billing issues.

General Duties:

Perform other duties as necessary and/or assigned.
Accept laboratory and/or hospital committee positions as assigned.
Participate in budget creation, monitor for progress and adjust as needed
Assist with the staff training and quality control maintenance of the Point-of-Care (POC) testing program for the hospital as assigned.