POINT OF CARE TESTING COORDINATOR

Shelby American, Inc.; Kankakee (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Point of Care Testing Coordinator to lead the management of POCT within their healthcare system. This role is pivotal in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of testing procedures while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. You will collaborate closely with clinical staff, providing training and support to enhance patient care. This position offers a dynamic work environment with the opportunity to make a significant impact on healthcare delivery. If you are passionate about laboratory science and have a knack for quality assurance, this is the perfect opportunity for you to shine.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting preferred.
• Strong knowledge of POCT procedures and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation and management of POCT programs.
• Ensure compliance with quality control and regulatory standards.

Skills

Point of Care Testing (POCT)

Quality Control

Regulatory Compliance

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Time Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science

American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) certification

Tools

Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)

Job description

Description

The Point of Care Testing (POCT) Coordinator at Riverside Healthcare is responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of point of care testing within the healthcare system. This role involves coordinating the implementation, training, quality control, and regulatory compliance of POCT devices and procedures, including testing performed on nursing units and at ancillary hematology/oncology offices. The POCT Coordinator works closely with clinical staff to ensure accurate and timely testing, contributing to effective patient care. This role also performs testing in the main laboratory, including hematology, chemistry, blood bank, urinalysis, immunology, and/or microbiology. Position includes rotating weekend and holiday shifts.

Essential Duties:

Program Management:

• Oversee the Point of Care Testing (POCT) program, including the selection, implementation, and maintenance of point of care tests and equipment.
• Develop and maintain POCT policies and procedures in accordance with regulatory standards and best practices.
• Travel to each testing site on a regular basis, coordinating the training and competency assessment of clinical staff performing POCT, ensuring proper use and understanding of testing procedures.

Quality Assurance:

• Implement and monitor quality control procedures for all point of care tests, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results.
• Conduct regular audits of POCT practices and equipment, identifying and addressing any deficiencies or areas for improvement.
• Maintain records of quality control, staff competency, and device maintenance, ensuring compliance with COLA, CAP, DNV, and other regulatory requirements.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure all POCT activities comply with relevant federal, state, and local regulations, as well as internal policies.
• Prepare for and participate in inspections and accreditation processes related to POCT.
• Stay current with changes in regulations and standards, updating policies and procedures as necessary.

Collaboration and Support:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for POCT-related inquiries and issues, providing technical support and troubleshooting assistance.
• Collaborate with laboratory, nursing, and other clinical departments to integrate POCT into patient care workflows effectively.
• Assist in the development and presentation of educational materials related to POCT for clinical staff.
• Assist with purchasing functions, interacting with Materials Management, writing specifications, calling companies, researching, and evaluating products.

Lab Generalist:

• Prepare, and process patient specimens (blood, urine, tissue, etc.) for laboratory analysis, ensuring accuracy and adherence to procedures.
• Perform routine and complex laboratory tests in areas such as hematology, coagulation, chemistry, microbiology, immunology, urinalysis, and blood bank/transfusion services. Document any deviation from standard procedures and communicate to supervisor.
• Accurately document test results in the laboratory information system (LIS) and maintain records in accordance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Provide support with administrative tasks, such as filing, documentation, and responding to inquiries from healthcare providers or patients.
• Engage in ongoing educational opportunities related to laboratory science. Complete all competency assessments at required intervals.
• Assist in managing laboratory inventory, including ordering and stocking supplies, reagents, and equipment. Prepare routine and special solutions, reagents, and stains using established procedures.
• Assist in instrument validation and LIS testing as needed.
• Participate in departmental meetings and contribute to process improvement initiatives.

Flexibility:

• Demonstrate flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Requirements

Required Experience

• Strong knowledge of point of care tests, procedures, and regulatory standards, including those from DNV, College of American Pathologists (CAP), Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditation (COLA), and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to train and support clinical staff effectively.
• Knowledge of quality control, quality assurance principles, and proficiency testing procedures.

Preferred Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting, with at least 1-2 years of experience in POCT or a related role preferred.
• Demonstrated skills with laboratory information systems (LIS) preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership skills desired.
• Knowledge of adult training methods preferred.

Required Licensure/Education

• None.

Preferred Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related field preferred.
• American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) certification or equivalent preferred.

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: Multiple acids, bases, caustics, corrosives, and carcinogens, formalin.
• Video Display Terminals: Average.
• Blood and Body Fluids: Work with all forms of blood and body fluid specimens so potential for exposure is very high.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: High risk for TB and other airborne pathogens when working with patient specimens.

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Needed to communicate with coworkers, providers, clinical staff, and other customers.
• Vision: Needed for computer operation and specimen processing and testing.
• Smell: Electrical/fire safety.
• Hearing: Needed to hear the instrument operate in order to detect malfunction and to listen to coworkers, patients, and other customers.
• Touch: Needed for all specimen processing with a great deal of fine motor skills involved.

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

• Average Hours per Week: 40.
• Shift: Varies.

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 30%.
• Twist: 2%.
• Stand: 20%.
• Crawl: 0%.
• Walk: 30%.
• Kneel: 2%.
• Lift: 2%.
• Drive: 10%.
• Squat: 2%.
• Climb: 0%.
• Bend: 1%.
• Reach above shoulders: 1%.

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently.
• Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally.
• Up to 35 lbs: Occasionally.
• Up to 50 lbs: Occasionally.
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required.
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required.
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required.

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

Up to 20 lbs. - Putting reagents on instrument. If not in Lab, take cart to storeroom lift approximately 24 lbs., place on cart, return to Lab, take off cart and lift approximately 6" to proper place on machine. Up to 10 lbs. - Lift from floor to waist high.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 120.
• Twist: 5.
• Stand: 120.
• Crawl: 0.
• Walk: 45.
• Kneel: 2.
• Lift: 2.
• Drive: 60.
• Squat: 2.
• Climb: 0.
• Bend: 2.
• Reach above shoulders: 2.

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

• Simple grasp up to 10 lbs. Normal weight: very frequent.
• Pushing & pulling Normal weight: up to 3-50 lbs frequently.
• Fine Manipulation: Writing, typing, pipetting, slide making, instrument maintenance, manipulating specimen for testing procedures.
• Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: None.

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:

Environmental Factors (Time Spent):

• Inside hours: 8.
• Outside hours: 0.
• Temperature: Normal Range.
• Lighting: Very Bright.
• Noise levels: Average.
• Humidity: Normal Range.
• Atmosphere: Fumes, Odors.

Special Hazards: Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Other - Mechanical and electrical equipment. Chemical exposure during testing. Constant blood and body fluid exposure.

Protective Clothing Required: Closed-toe shoes, gloves, lab coat, and occasionally goggles.