LAB MANAGER in Windom, Minnesota at Windom Area Health

JOB SUMMARY:

The laboratory manager provides direction and leadership for overall operation of the laboratory, including supervising staff in technical performance, laboratory operations and customer service.

This individual will develop the philosophy, goals, and objectives for the department which are consistent with the mission and direction of the Windom Area Hospital.

Collect and process specimens in order to provide appropriate sample that will be used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment.

• When collecting patient specimens, follows the laboratory policy for patient identification and specimen labeling.
• Assures proper identification of specimens prior to testing.
• Handles specimens properly regarding collection, processing and storage.

Performs analytic testing of body fluids, cells, and other substances in order to provide timely results to provider to aid diagnosis and treatment.

1. Recognizes and troubleshoots pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical causes of discrepant results.
2. Takes corrective action to resolve the above discrepancies.
3. Identifies and reports critical results immediately.

Maintain equipment on scheduled basis to assure quality results.

• Performs and documents all required instrument maintenance.
• Assesses and documents other equipment functions (eg. temperatures, timers, etc.).
• Recognizes equipment malfunction and takes corrective action.

Perform quality control as required to assure accuracy of results.

• Evaluates data against set control values.
• Identifies sources of error.
• Implements corrective action when necessary.
• Documents information appropriately.
• Actively participates in retrospective evaluation of Quality Control data.

Maintains complete and accurate electronic patient records to improve communication between providers and supports billing practices.

• Locates and accesses information on various hospital information systems.
• Utilizes the Laboratory Information System as needed in job role.
• Accurately enters information into Laboratory Information System.
• Remains current regarding changes and updates in the information systems.

Facilitates short-term and long-term planning for the laboratory department to enhance and expand the services provided.

1. Identifies administrative issues, needs and problems and sets appropriate priorities in dealing with them.
2. Collaborates with the laboratory director/pathologist in development and administration of department technical objectives, policies and procedures.
3. Identifies trends in healthcare and continuously plans improvement for the department, including the management of information using computer technology.
4. Identifies laboratory service needs of the facility, clinicians, and community so an appropriate level of service is planned and delivered.

Participates in departmental planning, budgeting and policy making, to ensure department efficiency and stewardship.

• Maintains and reviews departmental technical policies and procedures.
• Implements changes in department and empowers staff to work in the quality improvement process to improve patient outcomes.
• Set goals which coincide with patient satisfaction survey.
• Prepares statistical reports on department activities.
• Reviews monthly financial reports and prepares budget annually.

Develops and implements an adequate staffing plan, ensuring adequate coverage and high levels of service through staff

1. Interviews job applicants, assuring competencies/training/salary in collaboration with Human Resources.
2. Promotes opportunity for staff to attend/achieve required CEU’s.
3. Evaluates competency of laboratory personnel, through ongoing and annual evaluations.
4. Organizes student rotations and facilitates education as needed.
5. Monitors staffing patterns and adjusts as needed.

Other Responsibilities and Expectations

1. Commute to long-term care facilities for sample collection.
2. Allows students to observe laboratory procedures and instructs student on correct techniques and procedures.
3. Communicate Effectively: When communicating, it is important to look at a variety of factors; is this the right delivery method? Right time? Is the content appropriate for the audience? How do you motivate employees?
4. Own Your Issues: No one and no department are perfect. Admit mistakes, lose the defensiveness, resist being the victim and put action steps in place to improve. Great leadership is not about being perfect, it's striving for and achieving continuous improvement.
5. Be Thorough: Did you involve all key players? Did you identify solutions rather than just present a problem? Did you determine all the foreseeable outcomes? Did you weigh risk/reward? Your answer should be yes.
6. Own Your Expertise: You have your position for a reason; you are the expert. Don't shy away from identifying improvements, bringing forward ideas and stating your opinion.
7. Manage Your Emotions: Being a leader requires self-management. Do not respond based on emotion. Take time to let emotions calm and present a calm front to alleviate anxiety.
8. Staff Accountability: You get what you accept. Connect with your employees and hold them accountable to moving the organization forward positively. Remember that not holding low performing employees accountable demotivates high performers. Learn about and develop your staff to meet goals that are meaningful for them and the organization.
9. Fiscal Responsibility: Understand and own your budget, focus on value and don't let sensitive issues interfere with the sustainability of the organization.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Must be a graduate of an NAACLS approved School of Laboratory Science with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred.

REQUIRED CREDENTIALS (License, certification, registration):

Employee must be registered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists or registry of equal status.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• The manager, medical laboratory scientist, must have a general knowledge of all areas of the laboratory.
• Must be able to communication and plan, recognize and solve problems.
• Must have computer skills to work with laboratory information system.
• Stay current and apply the CLIA regulations to make sure the laboratory will maintain CMS accreditation.
• Utilizes appropriate protocol relating to the growth and development needs of unique client population for various age groups: neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric.

EMPLOYMENT VARIABLES:

Exempt status and works varied hours. The manager may be called upon at any time as an information resource for the laboratory.