Supervisor, POC (Point of Care)

The POC Supervisor is responsible for the technical and scientific oversight of POC testing. Responsible for developing and maintaining a quality assurance program appropriate for testing performed, establishing and maintaining parameters for acceptable levels throughout the pre-analytical, analytical, and post analytical phases. Responsible for POC method technical validations and proficiency testing performance to meet all Federal, State and regulatory agencies regulations.

• Accountable for the accuracy and reliability of all laboratory testing provided by Point Of Care staff (nurses, perfusionists, ED physicians, clinics, Respiratory Therapy, etc.). The supervisor assists hospital directors and managers by advising on supervision of staff performing POC testing.
• Drafts all necessary policies, procedures and POC training and competency documents utilized by POC testing personnel.
• Plans and schedules POC activities for hospitals as needed.
• Assumes responsibility for the proper application of laboratory policies and procedures while providing oversight of Quality Control and Proficiency Testing ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Metrics for POC testing are maintained by the POC Supervisor and provided to the Quality Assurance Supervisor. He/she is responsible for proper application of hospital policies and procedures, which direct the activities of POC.
• Knowledge and skill with computer software such as word, excel and power point is required to prepare nursing reports, POC metrics, QA presentations, etc.
• Knowledge and the ability to work with computer hardware and software (LIS, HIS, RALs, HL7 interfaces, etc.) are necessary to provide oversight of all aspects of POC oversight. Working knowledge and ability to monitor/troubleshoot all POC interfaces, download equipment and peripherals.
• Responsibility for equipment validation, correlation, linearity and precision lies with the POC Supervisor.
• Will oversee regulatory preparation, i.e. CAP, CLIA and TJC prep and attend hospital meetings for regulatory compliance. POC Supervisor is responsible to keep abreast of all changes in POC testing and regulations and serves as the subject matter expert in advising the Medical Director.
• Responsible for investigating, reviewing, overseeing and implementing all new POC assays.
• Meets with QA designee at least bi-weekly and keeps abreast of all POC activities within AHC entities.
• Responsible for making regular rounds to all entity units to speak with nurse managers/directors to ensure quality and patient care and to maintain rapport and a cohesive working relationship with hospital staff and physicians.
• Attends nursing dept. meetings, if held, a minimum of once per quarter for assigned entities and must provide a written report of those activities to the QA Supervisor, Regional Director of Laboratory Services and the Medical Director.
• Required to present POC data to the Laboratory Performance Improvement Committee.
• Maintains POC testing equipment inventory list.
• Maintains POC test list by site and location.
• The incumbent actively supports and complies with all company, hospital and departmental policies and procedures.
• Assures that all point of care testing (POCT) is performed in accordance to hospital policy and procedure and in accordance with the HCFA, CLIA'88, TJC and Department of Health State guidelines and standards.
• Responsible for the development and on-going maintenance of a detailed POC policy and procedure manual following selecting a format that meets accreditation and licensing requirements.
• Responsible for recommending and endorsing test methods, to include validation, documentation and installation of test systems initially and semiannually thereafter.
• Resolves technical issues with equipment and reagents in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Administers Quality Assurance programs, evaluates and reports findings, and issues and maintains corrective action responses.
• Ensures that remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the Laboratory's established performance specifications.
• Develops training/orientation programs for POC testing staff. Develops training/orientation programs for lab staff on POCT procedures and database monitoring.
• Responsible for RALs interface of POCT analyzers.
• Attends hospital, department and laboratory management meetings and committees as required.
• Assists with in-house and off-site inspections and educational programs as required.

Required Work Experience:

At least five (5) years work experience in the core laboratory

Preferred Work Experience:

Two to three years of point of care experience preferred.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

Physical activities include frequent walking, sitting, bending, lifting, stooping, kneeling, and reaching, twisting and squatting. The ability to lift up to 30 lbs. in weight to a height of 5 feet and carrying moderately light loads for a distance of 50 feet. Color vision is required for accuracy in work. Atmosphere and environment associated with a clinical laboratory setting - toxic and/or hazardous chemicals/specimens with unpleasant odors.

Knowledge:

• Basic theoretical and operational knowledge of laboratory technologies and POC testing required.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, i.e., Word, Excel, Power Point, Project, etc. as well as POC software.
• Working knowledge of computer hardware, interfaces and peripherals.
• Knowledge of organizational/departmental policies and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of HIS and LIS computer operations and interfaces.

Skills:

• Possess the communication skills necessary to effectively manage client concerns.
• Communication skills necessary to handle telephone inquiries from clients.
• Has the ability to deal with client's information in a confidential manner.

EDUCATION
Associates Degree(Required)
Bachelor's Degree (Preferred)

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.