Director, Laboratory

MAIN FUNCTION:

Responsible for managing/coordinating all the operations of the Laboratory services at all locations, including Clinical Lab, Anatomical Pathology, Milltown draw station, and Outpatient Center East. Has administrative responsibility for reporting the activity/status of the entire laboratory operation. Ensures procedures are performed in accordance with prudent/current laboratory practice standards.

Managing entails providing leadership, keeping informed of laws and regulatory agency requirements, and blending department mission / vision into hospital mission / vision. The Laboratory Director is responsible for the fiscal viability of Laboratory services and for maintaining appropriate profitable departmental operations to ensure financial contribution to the operations of the hospital as identified by the organizations strategic plan. This position is also responsible for the development of policies, plans and programs to assure that all laboratory services are provided, uninterrupted, on a daily basis providing 24 hour per day and 7 day per week service throughout the year.

The Director will be responsible for strategic planning within the department and, more globally, to provide the overall organization with an awareness of trends regarding Laboratory services, especially within an acute-care community hospital.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Operating/Chief Nursing Officer

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelors Degree in Medical Technology or other science with successful completion of 12-month internship in Medical Technology (or the equivalent experience in a laboratory as deemed appropriate by ASCP or CLIA criteria).

Successful completion of ASCP registry or equivalent registry.

Minimum of five years experience in the clinical laboratory, at least three of which have been in a supervisory position.

Basic computer skills.

No written disciplinary action within the last 12 months.

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

Familiarity with DNV requirements and CAP accreditation.

Exposure to Meditech hospital information system.

Proven communication expertise.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS:

• Assures that proper mechanisms are followed for reporting status of departmental operations to hospital administration.
• Assumes and / or delegates responsibility for permanent or ad hoc requirements of daily laboratory operations.
• Monitors cost of in-house testing and determines cost effectiveness of referring procedures to a reference lab.
• Monitors and maintains all records of expense, revenue, patient activity, and utilization of Laboratory services.
• Reviews new technologies for possible in-sourcing.
• Interprets and implements administrative policies in accordance with employee handbook.
• Participates as the Laboratory representative on hospital committees, and serves as an active participant in the projects and duties that are associated with those committees.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS - POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

• Keeps informed of applicable regulatory standards which impact the Lab, including: CAP, TJC, CLIA, FDA, etc.
• Oversees the development, communication and implementation of new procedures in the laboratory.
• Reviews and approves / revises procedures which are written or updated by departmental personnel. Channels new technical procedures to Lab Medical Director for approval. Reviews and implements updates of departmental policies on at least a yearly basis.
• Writes, implements and monitors compliance to specific laboratory policies regarding Safety, Infection Control, Hazardous Material Management, and Chemical Hygiene.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS - BUDGET, FISCAL, PURCHASING

• Plans for future changes in the Laboratory services to reflect the needs of the hospital, the community, and the physician staff.
• Prepares a realistic budget which reflects the needs of the department, including capital budget operational budget, and personnel budget.
• Monitors expenses and budget compliance on a monthly basis, and makes alterations in the daily operations to maintain compliance to budget allowances. Makes effort to reduce expenses even below that allowed by budget to ensure profitability of operations.
• Maintains a cost effective method of inventory, supply management, ordering and receiving of supplies both from internal stores and also from outside vendors.
• Researches, evaluates, and determines the cost effectiveness of new equipment.
• Recommends the purchase of new equipment according to price, patient care needs as determined by physician request, the needs of the department, quality, operational cost, and the skill level of the staff.
• Monitors all invoices and billing for accuracy and compliance to contract.
• Evaluates new procedures or new products which may prove to be more cost effective and/or more time efficient.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS - PERSONNEL HIRING, SUPERVISION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Interviews applicants for employment and makes recommendations for hiring of new employees based on skills, education, and presentation of the applicant during interview.
• Generates or delegates the timely generation of a monthly schedule in the Laboratory which meets the daily needs for effective operations of the Lab and also promotes good employee relations regarding fairness of scheduling and adherence to departmental and hospital policy.
• Reviews workload and workflow of the Lab, with evaluation of adequate and effective levels of staffing in each department and on each shift to maintain and enhance Laboratory service.