Supervisor, Point of Care Coordinator

At Merrimack Health, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The base salary range is $35.86 (Min) — $53.79 hourly (Max), excluding fringe benefits and potential bonuses.

Your final base salary will be determined based on your education, experience, licensure, and internal equity considerations. Offers are typically made below the top of the range to support future salary growth.

As the Merrimack Health Point of Care Coordinator, you will play an essential role within healthcare settings, focusing on the management and oversight of point-of-care testing (POCT) programs. This position ensures that testing performed outside the traditional laboratory environment meets both regulatory standards and the institution’s quality requirements. By coordinating with healthcare professionals, the coordinator facilitates the effective integration of POCT into patient care, aiming to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of diagnostic processes. Their responsibilities include training non-laboratory personnel, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with all relevant policies and procedures. Through their efforts, the Point of Care Coordinator supports the goal of delivering timely and reliable test results, thereby aiding in the prompt diagnosis and treatment of patients.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implement and oversee the point-of-care testing (POCT) programs across various departments, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Train and certify new and existing staff on POCT procedures, equipment use, and quality control measures to maintain high standards of care.
• Manage the inventory of POCT supplies and equipment, including ordering, tracking, and ensuring that all materials are within their use-by dates and in proper working condition.
• Perform routine and ad hoc audits of POCT practices and records to identify areas for improvement, ensure accuracy in test results, and compliance with internal and external guidelines.
• Liaise with laboratory staff, healthcare providers, and department managers to facilitate communication and coordination regarding POCT services and results.
• Develop and update POCT policies and procedures, ensuring they reflect current best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze POCT data for trends and patterns that may indicate the need for additional training, changes in procedure, or updates to equipment.
• Coordinate with external vendors and service providers for the maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of POCT equipment, ensuring minimal downtime and disruption to patient care.

EDUCATION AND RELATED EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• A Point of Care Coordinator typically requires a diverse educational background, with many holding degrees ranging from high school diplomas to master’s degrees. Relevant fields of study include healthcare administration, clinical laboratory science, or nursing, providing foundational knowledge in healthcare practices and management. Coursework in biology, chemistry, and data analysis is advantageous, equipping candidates with the necessary skills to oversee point-of-care testing operations and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. Advanced degrees may offer a competitive edge in understanding complex healthcare systems and leadership.
• Point of Care Coordinators typically come from a background rich in clinical laboratory experience, often having progressed through roles that have honed their skills in patient care, laboratory operations, and quality control. Their journey includes on-the-job training and participation in specialized training programs that focus on point-of-care testing technologies, regulatory compliance, and leadership. Successful coordinators have a blend of hands-on experience in a clinical setting, exposure to managing point-of-care testing programs, and a track record of leading teams or projects. This combination of practical experience and formal training prepares them to oversee the integration and management of point-of-care testing across healthcare facilities.
• Point of Care Coordinator positions typically require a valid clinical license, such as Registered Nurse (RN) or Medical Technologist (MT). Certifications like the American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Point of Care Testing Professional Certification (CPP) may be beneficial. No certifications or licenses are universally required across all regions or employers.
• Experience: 3 to 5 years clinical laboratory experience.

Preferred:

• National Certification preferable.

Merrimack Health is a private, non-profit community hospital providing the Merrimack Valley & southern New Hampshire regions with patient-centered, compassionate, and quality health care for the whole family. For over 140 years, the dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff of Merrimack Health have been committed to improving the health of the people and communities we serve. We offer competitive pay, a robust benefit package, generous paid time off and free parking! We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce.

In 2022, Healthgrades ranked MH in the top 5 percent of hospitals in the country, and was awarded a top spot on Forbes’ annual list of America’s Best-In-State Employers 2020!