Medical Laboratory Technologist (POCT Coordinator)

The Point of Care Testing Coordinator develops, implements, coordinates and maintains programs to ensure the maintenance of safety and quality standards for Point of Care testing (POCT) throughout all Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and Connecticut Children’s Specialty Group (CCSG) locations. The employee inspects quality control processes that are in place and ensures the competency of employees who conduct tests. The coordinator maintains appropriate records and updates policies under the direction of the CLIA’s Medical Director(s).

Responsibilities

Quality control: Establishes, monitors and oversees POCT quality control/quality assurance programs. Conducts on-site inspection of POCT equipment and documentation; audits logs for accuracy and completeness; and inspects for compliance with existing policies. Maintains a user directory of all staff performing tests. 15%

Clinical Competency: Ensures that all personnel who perform POCT are deemed competent prior to the first test and on a 6 month and/or annual basis as required; maintains a process to identify future personnel in need of testing and to remediate as needed. 20%

Clinical Policy/Procedures: In cooperation with and under the direction of the laboratory leadership and  Medical Director: 15%

• Reviews POCT policies to ensure they reflect best practices.
• Drafts proposed policies for new processes, new testing and equipment
• Educates staff on policies and updates policies as directed
• Investigates, procures and disseminates information regarding manufacturer guidelines and federal, Joint Commission and DPH regulations.
• Reviews policies and procedures annually.

Procedure Development and Oversight: 15%

• Ensures that procedures developed and approved by Laboratory Leadership and POCT Medical Director(s) are followed in all locations
• Specifically assists in the development of, and trains staff on, new procedures as needed.
• Selects and evaluates new POC devices and tests for accuracy and precision, cost, ease of use, etc. 

Regulatory Compliance: Ensures POCT processes meets or exceeds requirements as established by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) and other applicable federal and state regulations, including the Joint Commission and DPH. Prepares the organization for the biannual Joint Commission and DPH site survey for POCT. Maintains all records required for regulatory and compliance surveys. 10%

Inventory Management: Works collaboratively with Connecticut Children’s Medical Center’s Supply Chain to ensure that an adequate stock of supplies is maintained, quality controlled if required, and stored properly throughout all Hospital and CCSG locations.  Disperses controls at required defined intervals throughout all Hospital and CCSG locations. 10%

Equipment Maintenance: Orders, validates, maintains, and troubleshoots all POCT instrumentation throughout Hospital and CCSG locations, ensuring compliance with all federal and state regulations. 10%

Demonstrates knowledge of the population-specific differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families and co-workers. Demonstrates support for the mission. 2.5%

Performs other job-related duties as assigned. 2.5%

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Education: Associates Degree Required in Medical Laboratory Technology.
• Experience: 3 years of clinical standard laboratory experience.

Education and/or Experience Preferred:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology or in Biology or Chemistry.
• Experience:
  • Previous experience with quality control and inspection.
  • Previous experience with competency testing or preceptorship.

License and/or Certification Required:

• ASCP or equivalent certification required.

License and/or Certification Preferred:

• Certification in point of care testing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Point of care testing practices.
• Medical terminology.
• Organizational/departmental polices & procedures.
• ICD-10 and CPT medical billing coding preferred.

Skills:

• Computer skills (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, web-based database management, email).
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Public Speaking and Teaching.
• Self-Motivated, working with a minimum of supervision.
• Effective Communication (written/oral).