Laboratory Manager - Laboratory

Summary:

Responsible for managing the operation of the hospital laboratory. Ensures a steady production of high-quality laboratory data through defining associate expectations and actively monitoring operations. The Laboratory Manager will ensure that staff is focused on processing and testing of specimens with a minimization of test turn-around times. Specific areas of responsibility include effective staffing, associate orientation, quality monitoring, quality reporting, quality improvements, proficiency testing, staff performance evaluation, mentoring associates, consistent application of hospital and departmental policies, meeting accreditation standards and education of laboratory science students. Works in the lab area as necessary. Assesses, implements or delegates, plans and evaluates lab testing in accordance with state and national accreditation guidelines. Responsible for orientation, training and management of lab personnel. Ensures adequate, cost-effective staffing is maintained to deliver timely lab results. Communicates effectively with all shifts for continuity of lab testing. Maintains good relations with other departments, medical staff and nursing units. Participates in all phases of education, maintenance of records and upgrading of policies, procedures and skills of personnel.

Responsibilities:

• The Laboratory Manager supervises clinical Laboratory Section Supervisors, Medical Technologists, Medical Laboratory Technicians, Phlebotomists, Histology Technicians, and clerical staff.
• Applies skills in laboratory science, testing, instrument operation, regulations, critical values, and quality control principles/procedures.
• Applies skills in Laboratory Information Systems to include computers, interfaces and middleware.
• Applies skills in operating common software programs (MS Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, etc.)
• Applies knowledge of accreditation requirements (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act-CLIA, College of American Pathologists-CAP, The Joint Commission-TJC, etc.) as the situation dictates.
• Interacts with patients, visitors and medical staff as needed to address and resolve concerns regarding laboratory services while maintaining good patient and associate satisfaction levels.
• The Laboratory Manager serves as an advocate for patients/families of behalf of the laboratory, assuring that patient/family rights are respected, patient satisfaction issues are addressed, and associates adhere to the Core Values of the organization.
• Counsels, guides and disciplines associates (including termination of associates if necessary) to enhance patient care through compliance with established hospital policies and procedures.
• Conducts regularly scheduled staff meetings which address laboratory issues, process improvement, patient satisfaction, safety and compliance. Ensure staff meeting minutes are available on a timely basis.
• Evaluates associates' job performance on a timely basis and in a manner that recognizes associates' accomplishments, enhances performance and facilitates professional development.
• Confronts and resolves conflicts involving lab associates, whether as interdepartmental or intradepartmental issues.
• Participates in implementing performance improvement and change activities.
• Contributes to the learning experience of students and new associates.
• Monitors intensity of workload and collaborates with lab staff and hospital leadership to meet patient care needs and laboratory activity.
• Monitors operations of the laboratory and measures progress towards goals, identifying problems and taking corrective action.
• Participates in the development of a laboratory mission, vision, strategic plan priorities and annual goals/objectives that are consistent with those of the organization.
• Champions collaboration and a team spirit, builds commitment to the team's success, holds associates accountable for their work, creates an atmosphere which encourages trust, and the open exchange of ideas and opinions.

Requirements:

Education/Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent degree
• Ability to manage operations in a clinical laboratory
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Strong technical background
• Demonstrated willingness to accept risk
• Financial management skills
• Successful in meeting accreditation requirements
• Excellent team builder and interdepartmental facilitator
• Excellent problem-solving skills a must

Experience

• Minimum of 4+ years experience as a Clinical Laboratory Supervisor preferred.

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), Medical Technologist (MT), or equivalent. Proof of current certification by a certifying agency (ASCP, AAB, AMT) is required.

Work Schedule:

Varies

Work Type:

Full Time