LAB SHIFT COORDINATOR

The Lab Shift Coordinator at Riverside Healthcare plays a key role in managing the laboratorys day-to-day operations during assigned shifts. This position is responsible for coordinating the workflow, supervising laboratory personnel, and ensuring that all lab activities are conducted efficiently and in compliance with quality standards. The Lab Shift Coordinator will also act as the primary point of contact for any issues that arise during the shift, working closely with the laboratory team to maintain a high level of service and patient care. Position includes rotating weekend and holiday shifts.

Essential Duties

Shift Coordination:

• Oversee and manage the daily operations of the laboratory during assigned shifts, ensuring all tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Assign and adjust work assignments based on workload, staffing levels, and priority cases.
• Notify staff and find replacements for employee call-offs, ensuring minimum staffing needs are met.
• Monitor the workflow to ensure that specimens are processed, tested, and reported within the established turnaround times.
• Support the Laboratory Manager in preparing reports and analyzing shift performance data.

Staff Supervision:

• Oversee laboratory professionals, providing guidance and support as needed.
• Conduct shift briefings to communicate critical information and updates to the team.
• Address any performance or conduct issues that arise during the shift and escalate them to the Laboratory Manager when necessary.
• Orient and train new personnel to the shift.
• Assist in training, mentoring, and evaluating students and interns.

Quality Control and Compliance:

• Ensure that all laboratory activities comply with established protocols, safety regulations, and quality standards.
• Perform and document quality control checks on laboratory equipment and processes, taking corrective actions as needed.
• Assist in maintaining laboratory accreditation by adhering to CLIA, CAP, DNV, and other regulatory requirements.

Problem Resolution:

• Troubleshoot and resolve technical problems or equipment malfunctions that occur during the shift.
• Act as the primary contact for resolving issues related to specimen handling, processing, or test results.
• Collaborate with other departments and healthcare providers to address any concerns or issues that impact patient care.

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.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience working in medical laboratory environment
• Strong knowledge of laboratory procedures, testing methods, and safety protocols
• Proficiency in laboratory information systems (LIS) and electronic medical records (EMR) systems
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead a team and collaborate with other departments
• Positive customer service experience
• Ability to work independently and make decisions in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in a supervisory or leadership role is preferred

Required Licensure/Education

• Associates or bachelors degree in Medical Laboratory Technology/Science or a related field
• MLT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or equivalent

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 co-workers, patients, and other customers
• Touch: Needed for all specimen processing with a great deal of fine motor skills involved

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

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

• Sit: 30%
• Twist: 2%
• Stand: 30%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 30%
• Kneel: 1%
• Lift: 2%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 1%
• Climb: 1%
• Bend: 2%
• 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: 90
• Twist: 5
• Stand: 90
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 45
• Kneel: 1
• Lift: 2
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 5
• Climb: 1
• 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 and masks