Director - Lab

Shenandoah Medical Center; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Shenandoah Medical Center is seeking a Laboratory Department Leader to oversee day-to-day operations, ensure quality control, and manage staff and budgets. The role requires supervising testing processes, maintaining proficiency standards, and coordinating with health team members to deliver reliable patient results.

The position emphasizes quality assurance, staff development, and collaboration with other departments to meet regulatory requirements and improve service delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry or related field.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Medical Technologist certification/licensure required.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day department operations and workflow.
• Monitor quality control data and proficiency testing to ensure high-quality results.
• Recruit and develop staff; manage budgets and training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

Bachelors or better in Chemistry or related field

Job description

1. Direct all aspects of department operations effectively and efficiently.

• Oversee the day-to-day operations, which include problem solving issues and ensuring effective processing.
• Develop and document department procedures to ensure consistent and accurate processing.
• Work with other departments in providing services and resources.
• Monitor workflow and department processes.
• Develop and maintains department policies.
• Set and achieve department goals and objectives.

2. Monitor laboratory testing and equipment to ensure proper standards are maintained by reviewing quality control data, ensuring proficiency testing is performed in accordance with stated guidelines and proper corrective actions are taken to provide high quality test results.

• Select test methodology that is appropriate for clinical use and conducts microscopic, chemical, bacteriological, and hematological tests to obtain data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease.
• Assist with phlebotomy on inpatients and outpatients as necessary.
• Ensure quality control by performing testing; documents as required.
• Complete faxed orders from miscellaneous physicians.
• Enroll in a Department of Health and Human Services approved proficiency testing program that includes proficiency tests for all tests performed on site and these samples are tested in the same manner as regular patient specimens, that all proficiency results are reviewed and appropriate action taken when results are unacceptable or unsatisfactory,
• Verify test procedures including precision, accuracy and correlation studies.
• Oversee completion of preventative maintenance procedures on all equipment to ensure quality testing and minimal down time.

3. Establish a quality control program and setting parameters for acceptable levels of performance.

• Evaluate the competency of all testing personal by direct observation, monitoring results, reviewing QC, work logs, preventative maintenance logs, and by assessing performance by testing internal blind specimens or external proficiency samples.
• Perform at least three quality assurance studies annually on laboratory procedures to ensure high quality testing and makes adjustments in procedures if necessary.
• Ensure the laboratory’s commitment to total quality management for identification and recommendations of solutions to problem areas.

4. Review all laboratory requisitions unable to be billed due to missing diagnoses or other needed information, provide staff education and completing monthly report to Compliance Committee.

• Investigate laboratory billing errors, making changes as needed and completing appropriate paperwork.
• Market laboratory services to area long-term care facilities, establishing contracts and providing customer service.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with other health team members.
• Identify and recognize abnormal symptoms/changes in patient condition. Appropriately reports condition changes to medical provider.

6. Promote and ensure patient safety in performance of all responsibilities.

• Administer procedures in a timely and safe manner according to health care provider orders and lab policy.
• Demonstrate proficient technical/clinical skills and operational knowledge of equipment on unit.
• Inform and involve supervisor regarding patient care issues in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Utilize proper body mechanics, transfer/lifting techniques and appropriate equipment to minimize fall risk to patient and injury to self.

7. Direct and perform employee relations functions effectively to promote a positive work environment, influence retention and enhance communication.

• Work with department management to ensure effectiveness in the application of employee relations within their areas of accountability.
• Develop, support, and actively seek activities and establishes an environment that promotes recognition and retention for employees.
• Communicate effectively and provides feedback to staff which may include department meetings, individual employee meetings, rounding, etc.
• Address employee issues in an effective and timely manner.
• Communicate with senior leadership and HR regarding employee issues appropriately in an effort to obtain guidance and reduce potential organizational liability.
• Enforce and interpret policies and procedures with employees, as necessary.
• Administer annual performance appraisal process for staff, with feedback for positive reinforcement of strengths and opportunities for growth/improvement.

8. Recruit and develops a qualified and productive workforce.

• Create and maintain accurate reporting job descriptions.
• Recruit effectively for department positions by following established hiring practices and guidelines.
• Orient new employees in a thorough manner to department and organizational operations and procedures.
• Provide training to department staff in an appropriate and thorough manner.
• Offer opportunity for continuing education by sharing own knowledge, accessing internal opportunities, and considering external opportunities to support the continued development of department staff.
• Monitor and verify the compliance of staff in regards to maintaining required licenses and certifications, as applicable.
• Maintain, develop, monitor and report budgets, expenses, variances and strategic planning for department.
• Maintain timekeeping records and updates appropriately and accurately for department staff.
• Work with vendors and management, as appropriate, to negotiate best value purchases.
• Guide and participate in annual budgeting planning process for areas of responsibility.

10. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Chemistry or related field.

Experience

Preferred

Supervisory experience preferred

3 years:

General laboratory experience

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Medical Technologist

Equal Opportunity Employer
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