Lab Operations Coordinator, Surgical Pathology - Full Time Days

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Lab Operations Coordinator (Lab OC) position reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. 

Under the direction of the manager, the Lab OC has the authority and accountability for facilitating the delivery of quality service for a designated section.¿ The Lab OC works with pathologists and physician-specialists to coordinate the assessment, the development and the implementation of technology/testing in the laboratory and oversee daily operations. Duties may include development of standing operating procedures (SOP), creation of relative value units (RVU) and implementation of information technology solutions, utilization of change control procedures and oversight of training and competency assessment of staff.¿ 

Duties include coordination and scheduling of section staffing, organization of staff activities to ensure efficient and effective use of time and effort, oversight of inventory control of section technical and clerical supplies, oversight of supply requests in accordance with section budget constraints and volume demands, and investigation and resolution of section technical and service problems between support services, nursing units, outpatient areas and clinical testing departments. 

Unique responsibilities to this job include maintaining the highest degree of expertise in that specific discipline, i.e. staying current with information on the latest developments in technology and methodology through attendance at professional, association and scientific meetings, maintaining continual dialogue with scientists and vendors. 

Responsibilities:

• Section Coordination:

  • Reviews and verifies the accuracy of results, quality control (QC) records and quality assurance (QA) parameters. Coordinates and monitors corrective action. 

  • Develops SOPs and maintains document control. 

  • Ensures compliance with all federal, state, local, TJC, CAP, AABB, multi-disciplinary, hospital regulations, policies and procedures. 

  • Participates in planning and maintenance of the laboratory information system (LIS). 

  • Assures that all computer systems related changes, e.g. builds, interfaces within the department are appropriately planned for, well documented per department policy and have receive documented approval at all steps. 

  • Investigates and resolves patient, technical and workflow problems related to their area of responsibility. 

  • Develops and maintains relationships with all customers and suppliers. 

  • Assures that service standards are implemented and evaluated. 

  • Facilitates a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach to patient care and interdepartmental problem solving/service delivery. 

  • Instructs staff in the section on new methods and instrumentation. 

  • Develops curriculum and oversees the education and training of residents in conjunction with the Medical Director. 

  • Assumes delegated responsibilities in the absence of the manager. 

  • Oversees the inventory system and partners with supply chain management to ensure appropriate and adequate supply levels to meet department requirements. Oversees the submission of supply requests in accordance with section budget requirements and purchasing requirements. 

  • Coordinates the maintenance and repair activities related to equipment and facilities. 

• Staff Selection, Training, Competency and Evaluation:

  • Assists manager in the interviewing and selection of new hires and promotions. 

  • Coordinates and monitors section staffing to ensure sufficient staff to cover all aspects of service. Proactively adjusts daily staff work assignments due to sick leave, absences or increased patient volume. Evaluates/approves the need for staff overtime and temporary help. 

  • Oversees staff adjustments in the automated time recording system, vacation requests and leave requests. 

  • Supports management team with approving timecards for all employees within service line/department. 

  • Ensures department staff provides consistent quality and customer service to all customers. 

  • Oversees the orientation and training; contributes to the performance evaluation of section personnel according to guidelines established by laboratory management and human resources. 

  • Maintains staff competency and training documentation 

  • Actively ensures staff’s compliance to NM Rules of Personal Conduct. 

• Technical:

  • Adheres to hospital and department policies, processes and procedures (PPP) 

  • Performs complex testing in one or more sections of the laboratory as needed with appropriate training and competency. 

  • Performs, records and maintains quality control, quality assurance and patient information as required by the laboratory and accrediting agencies, e.g. CAP, AABB, TJC. 

  • Coordinates operation, maintenance, advanced troubleshooting and repair of laboratory equipment; assures maintenance of service records. 

  • Well-versed in contractual terms of maintenance agreements and their administration. 

  • Coordinates development, revision and updating of PPP and relevant documentation. 

  • Participates in and presents at laboratory meetings and continuing education programs. 

  • Coordinates section technical in-service programs. 

  • As appropriate for the laboratory section, coordinates the handling and reporting of proficiency testing. Investigates and corrects deficiencies with appropriate monitoring. 

• Financial Management:
  • Creates, develops and maintains RVU and productivity systems.
  • Assures that all billing for services is accurate, timely and in compliance with regulations.
  • Operating Budget:
    • Assists in preparation and monitoring of expense/revenue budgets.
    • Coordinates product evaluation consistent with Hospital Materials Management Program.
    • Initiates and facilitates preparation of new program or service proposals.
    • Reconciles statistics and adheres to revenue management standards.
    • Maintains productivity standards; organizes and coordinates staff variable in relation to volume, service and financial goals.
    • Participates in the negotiation of pricing/terms for supplies and maintenance agreements.
    • Assures that research activities performed in the section are in compliance with Hospital Research PPP.
• Capital Budget:
  • Coordinates preparation of major equipment purchase proposals, selection, and documents for equipment acquisition.
  • Participates in the negotiation process.
  • Participates in facility changes and planning.
• Professional/Personal Development:

  • Establishes and executes personal development objectives as part of annual objective setting process which complements current position. 

  • Identifies and pursues activities/development opportunities which are appropriate for position and personal development objectives, e.g., participation/leadership in relevant professional groups associations, continuing education as participant, presenter, and planner. 

  • Assesses and communicates staff development needs to manager. 

• Leadership/Problem Solving:

  • Adheres to Patients First Mission standards on leadership, communication and visibility. 

  • Coordinates critical situations involving patients, staff, and visitors and consults with manager or director for guidance as needed (e.g., complaints, discipline, the press, etc.). 

  • Facilitates effective interdepartmental communication of incidents with appropriate personnel (manager, director, medical staff; etc.). 

  • Promotes philosophy and objectives of the hospital, division and department. 

  • Identifies and communicates key issues and trends to the manager. 

• Medical Staff Relations:

  • Works with Medical Directors in implementing goals, objectives, budgets and new programs. 

  • Works with Medical Directors on resolution of technical and operational issues. 

  • Supports clinical quality management activities.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in appropriate science with 5 years of relevant clinical laboratory experience or master’s degree in appropriate science with 3 years of relevant clinical laboratory experience. 

• Minimum of two (2) years of clinical laboratory experience including training in a technical specialty specific to the role. 

Preferred:

• Prefer MLS/BB/C/CG/CT/H/HTL/I/M/MB ASCP Board of Registry certification. 

• Master’s degree in applicable discipline. 

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.