Laboratory QA Supervisor

Statement of Purpose: This leadership position oversees quality control, quality assurance and quality improvement within the overall Quality Management System (QMS) of the Jones Laboratory. This includes the development, review, implementation, and communication of all laboratory quality processes. The Quality Manager provides guidance and consultation concerning quality processes for the clinical lab. This position also ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulatory standards such as Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), the Joint Commission, and NYS DOH. In the absence of the Administrative Director, assumes the responsibilities for the activities in Laboratory.

REPORTS to: Administrative Director.

MAJOR TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. 1. Performs all tasks, duties and responsibilities as listed on the Lead Technologist job description.
2. Responsible for quality control and assuring staff maintain competency. To assist in this function, they participate in the interview of personnel in the Laboratory.
3. Will assist in scheduling lab personnel. After the schedule is complete, will assign staff to a rotation of departments within the Laboratory to maintain technical competency.
4. Monitors policies and procedures for review and/or revision.
5. Assists the Director in evaluation of staff competencies and continuing education credits of employees. With the director's assistance, participates in the selection of personnel in the lab, assigns staff to areas of work and supervises technical personnel to ensure that procedures are reviewed, revised and completed properly. Assists the director in evaluation of work performance of employees.
6. Manages all Lab employees' renewal dates for certification and notifies the administrative director of any pending issues.
7. Attends departmental and hospital wide meetings as deemed necessary.
8. Ensures that quality control, temperature and maintenance records are completed daily. Reviews daily test reports during next duty shift.
9. Develops or assists in development of lab policies and procedures
10. Aides in the evaluation of capital equipment purchases, along with the Lead Technologist. This includes demo and rationale behind purchase and trial usage.
11. Gives input to the Director, along with the Department, regarding strategic planning and quality goals for lab services.
12. Oversee internal audit processes, eternal assessments, proficiency testing programs; document control systems; competency assessment; training and other quality processes.
13. Analyze data; identify trends, monitor prevention and correction of quality deviations, and develop reports for management utilizing technical knowledge and laboratory experience.
14. Responsible for coordination of quality assurance at the JMH lab as well as assuring competency, and quality at offsite hospital-controlled labs in our physician practices.
15. Responsible for evaluating, assessing, and recommending new QA systems for laboratory.
16. Assists in orienting new employees and/or training current employees in the use of JMH accepted Policies/Procedures.
17. Assists in processing and reporting of all proficiency testing.
18. Assists Administrative director of lab and lead technologists with investigation of any problems with analytical testing, proficiencies, policies, procedures, or equipment in the laboratory.
19. Assists Administrative Director of Lab with knowledge of the principles governing the conduct of all lab tests performed to ensure compliance with governing agencies.
20. Designs, implements, and maintains all quality improvement and quality assurance activities. Assumes a leadership role to ensure all Laboratory, Blood Bank, and Anticoagulation clinic personnel are following JMH policies and procedures.
21. May assume the duties of the administrative director of lab during his/her absence.
22. Will cover vacancies in shifts as needed.
23. Is responsible for completing and tracking 12 hours of continuing education annually
24. Must maintain certification of licensing as required by governing agencies

DEMONSTRATED BEHAVIORS:

1. Demonstrates and exemplifies Code of Conduct and Ethical Behavior by:

a) Considering first the well-being of the patient.

b) Conducting all interactions with patients, visitors, employees, physicians, volunteers, healthcare providers or any other individuals in a courteous, honest, and respectful manner.

c) Demonstrating ethical and professional behavior at all times.

d) Refraining from conduct that may reasonably be considered offensive to others or disruptive to the workplace or patient care. Offensive conduct may be written, oral, or behavioral.

1. Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development as demonstrated by attendance at continuing education and in-service programs. Meets mandatory in-service requirements.
2. All employees are responsible for providing excellent customer service through words and actions that support our commitment to caring and quality.
3. All employees are responsible for creating a culture of employee and patient safety and for ensuring the highest quality of care for patients throughout Jones Memorial Hospital.
4. Arrives for work on time and as scheduled.
5. Is knowledgeable and practices safely using infection control, universal precaution and safety protocols. Uses appropriate universal precautions, infection control practices, along with proper lifting and transfer techniques to promote patient and employee safety.
6. Is knowledgeable and complies with hospital policies and procedures.
7. May assist in the promotion of our institution and profession by participation in hospital promotion and health fair activities.
8. Performs other duties as requested within the scope of applicable licensure, abilities and policies.
9. When Staffing needs dictate, may work an alternate shift or be scheduled to work on an on-call basis. Employees scheduled on call must report within 30 minutes of receiving a call.
10. If applicable, demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to all ages of patients as documented by training and competency assessment.
11. Assumes a leadership role to ensure all Laboratory, Histology, Blood Bank, and Anticoagulation clinic personnel are following JMH policies and procedures.
12. May assume the duties of the administrative director of lab during his/her absence.

EDUCATION: BS or BA Degree in Medical Technologist or equivalent. Current NYS License and registration as Clinical Laboratory Technologist. National Certification (ASCP) preferred.

EXPERIENCE: Employee must have six years' experience in a clinical laboratory. QA experience required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Special consideration will be given to applicants with Certifications in Quality.Special consideration will be given to applicants with Certifications in Six Sigma or Lean.

CONTACTS: Daily contact with patients, nurses, physicians, and other related personnel as related to the performance of specimen collection and/or performance of laboratory tests; may also consult with physicians as to interpretation of test results. Community contact through health fairs, tours of laboratory, or other public talks. Will act as institution's technical representative for information related to equipment, procedures, and/or test methods.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS: Requires daily use of initiative and judgment in organizing the daily workflow, many times under stressful conditions. May make extensive decisions within the accepted guidelines of institution and departmental policies. Speed and accuracy of decision-making may, at times, be related to the clinical outcome of patients' condition(s). Troubleshoots and repairs instrumentation in conjunction with Administrative Director. Arranges for the timely performance of tests when an instrument is out of service. Light to moderate lifting, close visual attention up to half of the day, intermittent standing, walking, and sitting.

EQUIPMENT USED: All technical and support equipment in the department: including but not limited to automated hematology, chemical, serological analyzers; microscope, typewriter, PC computer, calculator etc. Dependent upon department needs and resources, may have advanced manufacturer training on certain instruments; in which case, employee would act as front-line troubleshooter and consultant when problems arise.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Some exposure to unpleasant sights, sounds, and odors during patient contact. Continuous exposure to infectious or potentially infectious material (blood). Usually, limited exposure to hazardous materials, such as chemicals and/or reagents used in testing procedures Temperature, humidity, and lighting are usually within tolerable limits. Requires valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.