Administrative Director, Laboratory Services - Trauma Center

Regional One Health is currently seeking an Administrative Laboratory Director. This is a great opportunity to work at one of the nation's busiest Level I Trauma Centers leading a department with over 90 FTEs. Diverse service lines including Ambulatory and Oncology. 

Generous Sign-On Bonus is available

Summary:

The Director, Laboratory is responsible for the overall development, implementation and administration of Laboratory operations (which includes Central Lab, Blood Bank, Point of Care Testing, Microbiology and Phlebotomy) to provide efficient laboratory services to patients and hospital staff and to maximize patient outcomes by producing quality test results and timely services.  The Director, Laboratory, directs all functions and practices of Laboratory Services. This position is responsible and assures compliance with all organization, state, federal and local regulatory laws, standards and protocols.

Education Requirement:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Medical Technology, Biology or related science. Master’s Degree in health care administration, business administration or a related field preferred. 

Experience Requirement:

Five (5) years progressive experience in laboratory related health field with at least three (3) years in senior level manager/director capacity. Experience in a union environment desired.

Licensure/Certification Requirement:

Medical Laboratory Supervisor license issued by the State of TN required within six (6) months of hire. 

Key Job Responsibilities:

1. Manage and oversee the administrative and operational aspects of the laboratory, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining a high level of quality and efficiency.

• Leadership and Strategy: Develop and implement the overall strategic direction and vision for the laboratory, aligning it with the organization's goals and objectives
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to all applicable accreditation and regulatory requirements, including CLIA, AABB, CAP, CMS, State of TN and Joint Commission accreditation.
• Financial Management: Oversee the financial operations of the laboratory, including budgeting, resource allocation, revenue generation, and cost control measures
• Staff Management: Provide effective leadership and supervision to laboratory personnel, including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and professional development
• Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and enhance laboratory processes, workflows, and operational efficiency to optimize productivity and enhance patient care
• Quality Assurance: Develop and implement quality assurance programs, ensuring that the laboratory consistently meets or exceeds quality standards and delivers accurate and reliable results
• Collaboration and Communication: Foster effective communication and collaboration with other departments, medical staff, and stakeholders to promote a culture of teamwork and facilitate seamless integration of laboratory services
• Technology and Innovation: Stay abreast of advancements in laboratory technology, informatics, and industry trends, and proactively implement new technologies and methodologies to enhance laboratory operations
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential risks, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and implementing effective risk management strategies
• Patient and Customer Focus: Maintain a patient-centric approach, ensuring the delivery of high-quality laboratory services while prioritizing exceptional customer service and satisfaction.

1. Apprises Vice President of all activities, pertinent changes in internal/external market, threats, and opportunities in a timely and anticipatory manner and presents action plans for immediate implementation/approval.

1. Directs functions and practices of Laboratory Services to achieve department objectives for desired patient outcomes, patient care, cost effectiveness and service to other departments within the medical center.  Maintains compliance with laboratory standards as it relates to the care provided to patients ranging from neonates to geriatrics.

• Directs the formulation, development and execution of plans, policies and programs, which meet the needs of the patients, providers and organization by instituting specimen handling and laboratory procedures, providing quality test results, and delivering timely services within laboratory operations.
• Ensures that Central Lab, Blood Bank, Point of Care Testing, Microbiology, Phlebotomy and remote lab areas meet hospital/department objectives and regulatory requirements; ensure that accurate test results and timely information are provided and maintained for specimens which are collected, evaluated and analyzed for diagnostic purposes.
• Responsibility for the integration of the Laboratory and Phlebotomy Services into primary hospital functions, as well as integrating interdepartmental and intradepartmental services.  Monitors team activities with administrative team.
• Provides for on-going training and keeps staff informed of changes in departmental policy, changes in the provisions and requirements of patient care and laboratory practices.
• Supports initiatives designed to improve the quality of Laboratory Services. Facilitates interdisciplinary team process and problem solving. Investigates and resolves complaints from patients, hospital staff, and the public.
• Ensures compliance with organizational, regulatory and accreditation requirements.

1. Consults, works collaboratively and maintains a positive working relationship with other disciplines, participates in the plan, design and evaluation of services, ensuring the integration of laboratory functions and activities.

1. Directs the provision of optimal patient care in support of the mission statement of the organization, defined specimen collection/testing standards and regulatory agency requirements for laboratory/patients and maintenance of laboratory reports/records.

• Ensures the development, approval and implementation of standards of laboratory practices that support the mission and philosophy of the hospital, CAP, AABB, State of TN and Joint Commission accreditation.
• Ensures laboratory tests are provided and implemented, as directed by the physician, according to medical regime and appropriate for the patients' conditions in compliance with laboratory policies and procedures, demonstrated competencies, and with consideration given to risk management, infection control practices and patient safety practices.
• Makes rounds and provides managerial presence to ensure required tests and procedures are being provided to patients and meet quality/safety standards.  Communicates with physicians, nursing and support staff, patients, and family members regarding laboratory procedures and services.
• Assists in the development, implementation and monitoring of an accurate and effective documentation system.
• Maintains accurate charge capture for services provided and effectively allocates resources to meet departmental needs.  Ensures financial charges are current and reconciled daily.
• Ensures laboratory’s participation in evaluating, selecting and integrating health care technology and information management systems that support patient care needs and the efficient utilization of departmental resources.

1. Develops and sustains standards of care and practice, which are consistent with current trends (for existing services).

• Assures service relevance and effectiveness.
• Explores new clinical initiatives for expanding service line and enhance the revenue generating and technological capabilities.
• Seeks methods to streamline operational systems to improve laboratory service efficiency and effectiveness.
• Contributes to division-wide strategic and operational plans.
• Works as a catalyst to promote services to staff, physicians, patients and community.
• Suggests and implements approved marketing strategies.

1. Oversees the monitoring of the quality control program to ensure results are performed as expected.

• Ensures that all laboratory equipment is maintained, calibrated, serviced and inspected according to the manufacture’s standards and laboratory standards.
• Administers a proficiency-testing program within the laboratories, integrating existing programs conducted by outside agencies and those devised in-house; analyzes accumulated results for any indication of consistent error, and assures proper corrective action is taken.
• Ensures that required QC tests/functions are performed and recorded within specified periods.

1. Maintains responsibility for quality indicators within department. Coordination of plans and programs are implemented with various Medical Directors, hospital resources, medical staff, nursing and other personnel.

• Identifies and establishes quality measures and standards required for continuous monitoring of laboratory operations.
• Performs audits and participates in joint commission mock inspections of Laboratory service units. 
• Meets or exceeds all Joint Commission standards for areas of responsibility.
• Participates in Performance Improvement Programs to effect change, enhance delivery of services and problem solve within the organization. 
• Assures that departmental monthly reports are received and that specific findings, conclusions, actions, recommendations, and follow-up activities are reported.
• Participates in risk management activities.
• Resolves clinical complaints issued by patients, families, or physicians.

1. Develops systems for analyzing, monitoring and reporting Laboratory Services to meet objectives and regulatory requirements.

• Develops and maintains documentation system. Ensures timely assessments/examinations, appropriate codes and inclusion of all relevant supporting medical information.
• Plans, evaluates and interprets statistical and narrative analytical reports of department services relative to patient needs.
• Directs the maintenance of records and the preparation of reports.
• Makes recommendations or changes as needed to improve services and efficiency in operations/processes.

1. Participates in the development of the annual operating and capital budget.  Manages the financial and capital resources of the department/service units by monitoring operating revenue and expenses, establishing and maintaining cost control programs. Has overall accountability for staffing levels, structure and skill mix and operating expenses.  Implements new or revises current programs and/or services set out in the business plan.

• Reviews and approves invoices for outside contractors.
• Maintains the department charge master including update on pricing changes and coding.  Reviews patient charges entered for accuracy.
• Plans, recommends and implements new cost-effective services and equipment as required to best serve the identified needs of the patient and the medical staff. Ensures that medical equipment is maintained and functional and refers equipment for needed repairs.

1. Maintains an operational knowledge of all hospital and divisional policies and procedures. 

1. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and equipment utilized in Laboratory operations, medical testing procedures and administration to include General Lab, Blood Bank, Point of Care Testing, Microbiology and Phlebotomy. 
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills to provide care, maintain clinical competency and meet age-specific needs as it relates to the care provided to patients ranging from neonates to geriatrics.
• Demonstrated organizational, management, planning and budgeting skills in dealing with people, problems, issues and information.
• Demonstrated analytical skills necessary in order to solve technical, clinical, administrative or managerial problems relative to complex plans, systems, and programs.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple independent projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated communication skills necessary to interpret hospital policies in situations requiring persuasion, prepare and present presentations to hospital senior management, manage the performance of employees within a large or diverse department, or other duties requiring a comparable level of communication skills.
• Identify with, share in, and display a commitment to the mission, philosophy, and objectives organization. 

Supervision Provided by this Job:

• Provides leadership by planning, directing and leading the activities of assigned staff.

Physical Demands/Conditions:

• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
• Must have good balance and coordination.
• The physical requirements of this position are: light work - exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
• The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity, such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
• The conditions to which the employee will be subject in this position: The employee is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions; job functions are typically performed under conditions such as those found in general office or administrative work.