Lead Core Lab Tech

Overview

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

At Bridgeport Hospital, we are committed to providing quality medical care and treatment that is coordinated and centered on the patient's specific needs. We strive to achieve benchmarks as a Patient Centered Medical Home and provide health care in a setting where patients are at the center of their care team. All employees of Bridgeport Hospital are part of the patients care team and contribute to the team approach of promoting access, continuous, comprehensive care and work to provide quality improvement in the care provided to their patients.

Under the direction of the Laboratory Managers, the Lead Technologist assists with the oversight of laboratory operations, including the monitoring of day-to-day operations in the Core Laboratory, scheduling or editing work assignments, advanced problem-solving resolution, and supervision of technical staff in the areas of routine operation, special projects, and regulatory tasks. Leads the training of staff on new and revised methodologies and workflows, and monitors the technical competencies in the Core Laboratory. Lead involvement in the validation and implementation of new tests and equipment, including writing and revising procedures. Participates in the laboratory Quality Control and Quality Assurance programs. Provides proficiency testing oversight following all routine standards and workflow. Assists the staff in identifying and resolving technical and procedural issues when they arise. Monitors CAP compliance, and maintains compliance with new and revised regulatory requirements. Serves as a lead regarding IT changes and upgrades. Assists the managers with the monitoring of policies and policy changes as they apply to all assigned sections to enhance operational effectiveness. Must be technically proficient in all areas of the Core Lab, using various automated and manual techniques, and be flexible to assist on the bench on all shifts as needed in a teamwork-oriented environment. Maintains continuous communication with the department managers, and effectively transfers information of new and revised procedures to employees and shifts. Provides supervision in the Core Lab in the absence of the department manager(s).

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran
Responsibilities

• 1. 1. Oversees performance of Core Lab testing and procedures at Bridgeport Hospital, including specimen workflow, assay procedures, personnel competency, and instrument function. 1.1. Maintains responsibility for all routine and STAT testing in the Core Lab, which includes but is not limited to Clinical Chemistry and Hematology. Follows through on special requests until completion. Communicates with clinicians concerning any delays or problems that would prevent the timely completion of testing. 1.2. Ensures that all quality control requirements are fulfilled with periodic spot checks of the areas. Monitors for outdated reagents, controls, and supplies. Ensures compliance with appropriate documentation. 1.3. Ensures that the reporting of results is completed within the designated turnaround times. Assesses the need for additional assistance to move results to completion. 1.4. Participates in the validation process of new tests. 1.5. Prepares for and participates in regulatory inspections.
• 2. Oversees the Core Lab Quality Management and Technical Competency programs. 2.1. Works with the department managers to ensure that all Quality Control and Quality Assurance procedures are kept updated and align with The Joint Commission, CAP and DPH guidelines. Discusses with the department managers changes that need to be made based on updated requirements. 2.2. Assists in the selection, monitoring, and reporting of quality indicators. 2.3. Ensures that the acceptance criteria for Quality Control testing are met. Reviews quality control records to identify shifts and trends and suggests corrective actions if deemed necessary. 2.4. Monitors the training and technical competency in the Core Laboratory. Prepares quizzes, blind samples and testing materials, and ensures all appropriate documentation is included. Informs the department manager of unsatisfactory competency issues. 2.5. Assists with the scheduling and distribution of proficiency test samples. Monitors the completion of proficiency samples and the respective paperwork and submits survey results online within the designated timeframe. 2.6. Monitors the schedule for regulatory tasks, such as linearities, correlations and competencies, ensuring that the schedule is adhered to. 2.7. Oversees the testing required in preparation of LIS upgrades, and ensures the appropriate documentation is obtained.
• 3. 3. Performs all testing and related calculations in the Core Laboratory and evaluates and reports results. 3.1. Organizes workload, minimizing specimen processing delays and maximizing efficiency. 3.2. Responds to changes in work demands as necessary. 3.3. Analyzes specimens with accuracy and precision, within established turnaround times. 3.4. Completes assigned work; acts as a member of the team, providing assistance to others, especially during shift transitions. 3.5. Demonstrates appropriate level of understanding of scientific aspects of laboratory testing. 3.6. Clearly communicates critical results, corrections, and test problems to appropriate hospital personnel. 3.7. Follows quality control protocols and verifies results with appropriate documentation according to established procedures. 3.8. Troubleshoots technical problems as they occur.
• 4. 4. Provides general supervision for the Core Lab in the absence of the department manager to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the laboratory. 4.1. Enforces technical and administrative policies and procedures. 4.2. Prepares the daily work schedule for all shifts in the Core Lab. Maintains staffing levels to assure turnaround targets are met. Must be flexible to step in to adequately staff the department on all shifts. 4.3. Monitors the performance of laboratory personnel and keeps records of problems or achievements. 4.4. Assists in the development and review of laboratory procedures and workflows. Meets established deadlines. 4.5. Demonstrates a working knowledge of specimen handling and processing in all sections of the Core Laboratory. Accurately assesses the acceptability of specimens. 4.6. Identifies when an assay, procedure, or instrument is not performing as it should. Troubleshoots and solves most technical problems, recording appropriate information in the troubleshooting log(s).
• 5. 5. Provides for the accurate reporting of laboratory results to ensure continuity of patient care by demonstrating computer, communication, and documentation skills. 5.1. Can perform basic LIS troubleshooting functions to ensure efficient operation of the LIS and middleware systems. Basic knowledge of using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 5.2. Reports required significant findings to the State and local Department of Health. 5.3. Maintains an ongoing and up-to-date communication with department managers. 5.4. Communicates updates to staff through emails or huddles. 5.5. Follows the Quality Assurance guidelines for the reporting of patient and physician problems, error reporting, etc. by documenting any safety events as required. Ensures that all appropriate information required for reporting and follow-up is contained in the documentation.
• 6. 6. Demonstrates a professional image and approach to all work activities, toward employees, and to our customer base. Works with team members to achieve success. Demonstrates a commitment to personal career growth in the field of Medical Laboratory Science. 6.1. Adheres to laboratory policies and procedures, hospital policies on attendance, tardiness, and time limitations for break/lunch. Arranges schedules with other laboratory personnel to ensure adequate coverage of the laboratory. 6.2. Demonstrates mutual respect for all laboratory and hospital personnel. 6.3. Accepts constructive criticism to improve performance in problem areas. Works with the department manager to identify and meet one new performance goal for the next review year. 6.4. Understands the changing environment and the need to continue to put the welfare of the patients first, to provide quality and timely service by adhering to turnaround times and avoiding errors. 6.5. Demonstrates a positive, open-minded, ?can-do? attitude. Represents a team perspective and a willingness to solve problems. Offers on-going constructive comments to improve on the Core Lab processes. 6.6. Is honest, fair and inspires trust and respect for others. 6.7. Acts as an advocate for the field of Medical Laboratory Science. 6.8. Accepts responsibility, examines options, gains support, and achieves outcomes. Takes initiative and consistently follows through on commitments. 6.9. Demonstrates a commitment to personal career growth by completing a minimum of 24 Continuing Education Units throughout the review year. Ensures continued expertise and knowledge in the field of Medical Laboratory Science through outside continuing education and reading.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Science, or equivalent with MLS/MT (ASCP) certification, or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE

Two (2) to three (3) years core laboratory experience as a medical technologist.

LICENSURE

MLS / MT (ASCP) or equivalent

SPECIAL SKILLS

Working knowledge and experience with instrumentation used in the Core Laboratory. Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills. Ability to instruct and coordinate the activities of assigned staff. High level of knowledge of laboratory information systems is preferred. Must have excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate in an effective and professional manner with hospital staff. The ability to work as a member of a team is essential.

Additional Information

HOURS: Full time; Eve/Nights - Monday through Friday with occasional weekends and holidays as needed

 

**Sign On Bonus Eligible**

YNHHS Requisition ID

123197