Overview Plans, directs and coordinates technical activities of blood bank laboratory staff in addition to performing clinical duties. Provides direct supervision of the designated staff to ensure quality and safety of blood products. Works in coordination with other system lab supervisors, technical specialists, and managers to achieve laboratory goals. Coordinates the technical and quality activities of all Mercyhealth laboratories performing blood bank testing. . Possesses expertise and knowledge of blood bank and quality assurance practices. Work at other Mercy facilities performing the same functions, as required. Work alternate shifts, weekends and holidays as needed to adequately provide services. Perform other duties and projects as assigned. Riverside Hospital, Rockford IL 80 Hours/2 Weeks Day Shift Responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Provide expert guidance and support to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices in blood bank operations across the system. Provides day-to-day supervision of technical area along with coordination of workflow to ensure excellent quality of service to all customers and prompt and appropriate handling of all issues. Provides leadership to direct reports; promotes a teamwork environment, identifies interpersonal issues and assists with conflict resolution; provides professional development opportunities, coaching and mentoring. Addresses concerns about partner behavior or job performance when not meeting expectations. Engages manager or director if assistance needed for formal corrective actions. Manage scheduling, payroll, orientation, competency assessment, performance appraisals, corrective action and performance improvement plans. Coordinates communication with medical director and lab leadership. Monitors operational budget, continually evaluates systems to ensure cost effectiveness and reduction of operational expenses. Reviewing monthly to ensure FTE and supply expense matches volumes. Contributes to the development of capital, expense and revenue budgets. Utilize the Information System to receive patients, order and collect samples, result tests, answer questions from nurses and physicians, document quality control activities and produce reports required to perform job tasks. Confirms accuracy of patient sample identification prior to performing analyses; evaluates specimen quality and identifies when unacceptable. Documents information concerning quality of specimen, impact of sub-optimal specimens on test values. Initiates recollection procedure as indicated. Maintain competence in the performance of waived, moderate and high complexity lab tests as defined by CLIA 42CFR493 in the lab specialties of blood bank. by automated and manual methods according to defined policies and procedures. Analyze test results prior to release of information to chart for validity and accuracy. Recognizes subtle yet significant problems which occur with testing methodologies. Troubleshoots suspect test results using technical knowledge and experience. Implements corrective action when inaccurate, inappropriate findings/results/reports are identified. Assure that designated turnaround times for results are met and that critical results are appropriately reported and documented. Perform quality control and proficiency testing procedures as defined by policy. Interpret and troubleshoot quality control results to ensure accurate and precise test results. Perform preventative maintenance, advanced troubleshooting and calibration of laboratory instrumentation. Performs method and instrument evaluation and implementation. Investigates/resolves technical issues and responds to customers Participates in interdepartmental committees or teams. Develops effective orientation protocols checklists and training protocols for all Mercyhealth laboratory partners performing blood bank testing. . Provides oversight for student clinical rotations. Teaches students and trains new partners. Develops effective quality control programs. Reviews quality control results, submits data to peer review organization and makes necessary adjustments for all lab specialties performed at assigned laboratory. Assures enrollment in appropriate proficiency testing programs, administrates proficiency testing program according to regulatory standards and assures acceptable performance for all lab specialties performed at assigned laboratory. Has extensive knowledge of blood bank hospital and laboratory accreditation standards and guidelines. Works closely with health system and lab quality to identify changes in accreditation standards and amends policies and procedures. Attends blood administration meetings, trauma committee meetings and adverse event debriefings. Develops the plan to standardize between the Legacy Mercy Labs and the Legacy Rockford Labs. Works with all labs within the system to assure standardized practice (reagents, controls, training checklists, etc.) for all common procedures. Develops and implements detailed SOPs for all aspects of blood banking operations that align with accreditation standards and regulatory guidelines. By establishing clear protocols for blood banking processes, the supervisor ensures consistency, compliance, and quality in operations. Collaborates with medical director, laboratory manager and blood bank supervisor to ensure standardization and best practice across the system. Collaborate with nursing and blood bank associated committees to develop, standardize and implement policies and procedures that align with accreditation standards and promote compliance with regulatory guidelines throughout the organization. This may involve conducting gap analyses, drafting policy documents, and developing training for staff. Effectively communicates information to the laboratory, nursing, physicians and quality department. Conducts training sessions on updates, changes in protocols and specialized techniques. Develops competency assessments meeting regulatory requirements. Assures initial, 6 month and annual competency checklists are completed for all lab specialties performed at assigned laboratory. Completes or provides input for staff performance evaluations, participates in writing in the evaluation with the manager and in reviewing the evaluation with partner. Promotes a culture of continuous learning by presenting topics of interest, up to date on best practices, discuss case studies, and encourages staff members to participate in relevant continuing education. Evaluates new methods, procedures and equipment for all lab specialties performed at assigned laboratory. Oversees maintenance and calibrations of equipment and monitors equipment performance. Assures compliance with regulatory standards, conducts regular readiness surveys, implements corrections to address deficiencies and represents lab during accreditation surveys. Ensures that any deviations from policies or adverse events are promptly addressed and investigated. Collates and analyzes performance/quality data and adverse events. Maintains Blood Banks quality dashboard and reports to Laboratories Quality Management committee biannually. Implements process improvement projects as needed. Meets with lab director to review performance data, tracks trends, identifies areas of improvement, and drives initiatives to address gaps or deficiencies in blood banking operations. Conducts regular quality assurance audits and promotes a culture of safety and fosters excellence in quality assurance practices. Serves as a technical resource to medical staff, system laboratories and other departments. Maintains appropriate supply level of inventory to assure smooth operation of laboratory. Investigates and resolves customer concerns; responds to customers in a timely manner. Select and interview partners with manager. Assures appropriate billing of all miscellaneous laboratory tests. Keeps current with developing technology and changes in the laboratory industry. Proficient in laboratory information system and blook bank software. Education and Experience Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology or clinical laboratory science. Minimum 5 years clinical laboratory experience Certification/Licensure MT, CLS, and Specialty Certification BB (blood bank) required. Special Physical Demands The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus. Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations: Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals. Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions. Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals. Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.