Quality Coordinator/Technical Specialist

Vanderbilt Health; Clarksville (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt Health is seeking a skilled laboratory professional to perform testing on patient specimens, evaluate results, and collaborate with leadership on test procedure development and validation. This role includes training staff and students and serving as an expert resource within the laboratory.

The position also involves supporting proficiency testing, data analysis, and the ongoing implementation of systems to improve quality and KPI performance.

Responsibilities

• Ensures effective operations of the department through coordination/integration of processes both interlaboratory and extra laboratory departments.
• Verify the test procedures performed and establish the laboratory's test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and test system.
• Collect and analyze data, providing appropriate written information for protocol evaluation and test interpretation. Compare present methodology to new or modified test methods to determine if the latter may be more appropriate for use in routine testing.
• Together with the Medical Director, recommend and develop new test procedures or modify existing procedures for implementation in the routine laboratory.
• Demonstrates mastery of preventative maintenance in practical applications of a difficult nature. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training and experience to be capable of successfully maintaining equipment, products, or systems without requiring support and instruction from others.
• Develop, review, and update written protocols, as needed, in the approved Vanderbilt Health laboratory procedure format.
• Assist operations of department when needed by troubleshooting instruments, performing bench assignments, and being a resource to the team. Ensure QC is performed and reviewed per policy.
• The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.

Job description

Discover Vanderbilt Health:

With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region's largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world-class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you'll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniqueness celebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.

Organization:

VCH Laboratory Clinical Administration

Job Summary:

Performs testing on patient specimens, evaluates results, conducts investigations, works with Medical Director and Laboratory Leaderhsip on the development/validation of new/modified test procedures, in addition to the development, technical review and monitoring of policies and procedures. Serves as expert resource in the laboratory; trains staff and students. Assists with evaluating the competency of testing personnel. Performs assigned administrative duties in absence of supervisor. Is responsible for scheduling, review, investigation and trending of proficiency testing. Participate in implementation of systems to support laboratory services, quality of patient testing and performance improvement of designed KPI's.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensures effective operations of the department through coordination/integration of processes both interlaboratory and extra laboratory departments.


• Verify the test procedures performed and establish the laboratory's test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and test system. Evaluate test kits and/or equipment which may have application in the routine laboratory.


• Collect and analyze data, providing appropriate written information for protocol evaluation and test interpretation. Compare present methodology to new or modified test methods to determine if the latter may be more appropriate for use in routine testing. Together with the Medical Director, recommend and develop new test procedures or modify existing procedures for implementation in the routine laboratory.


• Demonstrates mastery of preventative maintenance in practical applications of a difficult nature. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training and experience to be capable of successfully maintaining equipment, products, or systems without requiring support and instruction from others. Able to conduct predictive maintenance on core products and equipment.


• Develop, review, and update written protocols, as needed, in the approved Vanderbilt Health laboratory procedure format.


• Assist operations of department when needed by troubleshooting instruments, performing bench assignments, and being a resource to the team. Ensure QC is performed and reviewed per policy. Assists in troubleshooting of out of range QC and PT.


• The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

• Quality Assurance (Intermediate): Maintains an open mind and appreciation of the \"big picture\" rather than rushing to traditional or historical conclusions or approaches. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training, and experience to be capable of successfully demonstrating quality management techniques with a group without requiring support and instruction from others. Able to train and educate by setting the example, giving instruction, providing leadership, and generally raising the level of performance of others. Has made and facilitated improvements to business processes within the scope of project assignments. Consistently delivers superior products and services.


• Diagnostic Testing (Intermediate): Demonstrates proficiency of diagnostic testing in practical applications. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training, and experience to be capable of successfully delivering results.


• Technical Capability (Intermediate): Establish the parameters for acceptable levels of analytic performance and ensure that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process from the initial receipt of the specimen, through sample analysis and reporting of test results. Review quality control procedures and proficiency testing results and investigate problems and alternative methods when necessary.