Laboratory Manager

POSITION PURPOSE:
Manages the operations of the Laboratory, and as such is responsible for assuring continual, timely and accurate laboratory services to the patients of the hospital within the developed financial and budgetary guidelines. Functions as a resource for other Laboratory staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree, advanced degree in health-care field preferred
• MLS (ASCP) certification or equivalent with 6 years laboratory experience
• Must understand the use and limitation of laboratory equipment and apparatus, and be familiar with standard laboratory methods and procedures for handling pathological tissue and material for bacteriological examination
• Must have a good working knowledge of various fields of specialty in laboratory work and be able to set up and operate equipment
• Basic Life Support (BLS) preferred

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required:

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide
• Ability to generate, read, interpret, and take action as it relates to basic financial statements, national and state regulations, safety rulings, operational and maintenance and organizational policies / procedures
• Ability to write reports and correspondence
• Ability to effectively present information to patients, families, employees, health care providers, etc...
• Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively to maintain good working relationships with staff and health care providers
• Ability to work with skill in identifying problems; making frequent decisions regarding method of performance

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, MATERIALS:

• Calculator
• Computer and printer
• Fax and copy machine
• General office materials/supplies
• Information Systems
• Telephone system
• Patient Care Equipment
  • Computers, glucometers, POC Coagulation Analyzer, etc
  • Laboratory instrumentation

SECURITY/ACCESS:

• Will have access to the facility 24 hours a day.
• Will have access to confidential information abiding by the organizations privacy policies and regulations concerning this information.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manages all aspects of Laboratory department operations effectively and efficiently.

• Oversees day-to-day operations, which includes problem solving issues and ensuring effective processing.
• Reviews and submits Quality Control data for peer review and monitors for trends and shifts and document corrective actions to facilitate accuracy of clinical testing and reporting of patients results.
• Reviews daily laboratory worksheets and logs for accuracy and completeness
• Organizes and manages quality assurance functions in close co-operation with the customers and with Fillmore County Hospitals management team.
• Performs Proficiency Testing and analyzes results of reports for root cause of failures
• Develops and documents department procedures to ensure consistent and accurate processing.
• Ensures service levels are achieved and maintained. Makes adjustments where necessary to meet service level requirements.
• Works with other departments in providing services and resources.
• Monitors workflow and departmental processes.
• Develops and maintains department policies.
• Sets and achieves department goals and objectives.
• Sets up lab equipment including scheduling manufacturer training and maintaining service contracts on lab instruments

2. Performs MLS/MLT responsibilities to include accurate examinations and analysis to assist physicians in the diagnosis and management of diseases.

• Handles infectious material to protect all laboratory personnel, collect blood and other specimens under aseptic conditions.
• Records accurate test results and take care of expensive scientific laboratory instruments.
• Analyzes patient tests and enter results into Hospital Information System to generate reports for patients chart.
• Maintains working knowledge of all phases of laboratory work; technical and otherwise, as done in the hospital, and apply that knowledge in daily work according to CLIA guidelines.

3. Recruits and develops a qualified and productive workforce.

• Maintains and creates department job descriptions to represent positions accurately and clearly.
• Recruits and interviews and selects qualified candidates following established hiring practices and guidelines.
• Orients new employees in a thorough manner to department and organizational operations, policies and procedures.
• Provides training to department staff in an appropriate and thorough manner.
• Offers opportunity for continuing education by sharing own knowledge, accessing internal opportunities, and considering external opportunities to support the continued development of department staff.
• Monitors and verifies the compliance of staff in regards to maintaining required licenses and certifications, as applicable.
• Uses labor resources, such as overtime, agency assistance, etc. effectively.

4. Performs employee relations functions effectively to promote a positive work environment, influence retention and enhance communication.

• Develops, supports and actively seeks activities and establishes an environment that promotes recognition and retention for employees.
• Communicates effectively and provides feedback to staff which may include department meetings, individual employee meetings, rounding, etc....
• Interprets and applies department and organizational policies with consistency and fairness in managing a qualified, efficient and productive workforce.
• Addresses employee issues in an effective and timely manner.
• Communicates with department leadership and HR regarding employee issues appropriately in an effort to obtain guidance and reduce potential organizational liability.
• Enforces and interprets policies and procedures with employees, as necessary.
• Administers annual performance appraisal process for staff.

5. Manages departmental financial operations.

• Maintains, develops, monitors and reports budgets, expenses, variances and strategic planning for department.
• Maintains timekeeping records and updates appropriately and accurately for department staff.
• Works with vendors and management, as appropriate, to negotiate best value purchases.
• Participates in annual budgeting planning process.

6. Follows HIPAA regulations and ensures that the confidentiality of patients medical, personal, financial records, employee records, and organizational records is maintained.

7. Participates in FCH committees, quality assurance, performance and quality improvement initiatives, and activities which support the facility and department operations.

8. Complies with the state and federal regulatory requirements related to the performance of FCH operations and requirements of the FCH Compliance Program. Including but not limited to:

• The Compliance Policy.
• Completes all Relias on-line training annually and as assigned.
• All department and organization-wide policies.
• Considers the impact of regulations such as Critical Access Hospital requirements, along with Federal and State of Nebraska regulations and discusses concerns appropriately to ensure compliance.

9. Presents self in a professional manner and enhances professional growth and development through participation in education programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.

• Seeks opportunities for continued growth and performance improvement.
• Always maintains a professional appearance and manner.
• Dependable and completes work in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates an understanding and emphasis on quantity, quality and knowledge of duties and tasks.

10. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Standards of Service Excellence

1. Abides by Fillmore County Hospitals Standards of Professional Courtesy and Respect which include:

• Communication & Interaction
• Customer Service & Respect
• Teamwork
• Telephone Communication
• Safety, Pride &Ownership
• Professional Appearance

2. Abides by Fillmore County Hospitals Core Values 1-12 which include:

• Authenticity
• Integrity
• Awareness
• Courage
• Perseverance
• Faith
• Purpose
• Vision
• Focus
• Enthusiasm
• Service
• Leadership

ESSENTIAL WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.