Lab Quality and Operational Improvement Engineer

Iowa Health Care Community Clinics (UICC) is seeking a patient centered 100 Lab Quality and Operational Improvement Engineer to work within our growing clinics with a focus on laboratory quality and improvement. This position will assist with the coordination of services to maintain operational oversight of all University of Iowa Community Clinics pointofcare testing sites accredited by the Joint Commission to facilitate quality testing outcomes. Assist with providing technical informational and accreditation expertise to staff performing laboratory tests in a variety of clinical situations. Supervision for this position is received from the Clinical Practice Leader for Lab Services in Iowa Health Care Community Clinics and works in close cooperation with designated leadership staff within the Pathology Department.

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Duties to include:

• • Oversees the startup of new Special Function Labs.
  • Establishes a Quality Management Plan appropriate for the testing performed.
  • Ensures appropriate quality control program.
  • Ensure enrollment in appropriate proficiency testing program if applicable.
  • Ensures all necessary correlation studies are completed.
  • Ensure documentation of the resolution of any identified quality issues.
  • Develops and participates in educational training for ancillary testing staff.
  • Reviews accreditation standards (Joint Commission) and leads discussion about standard interpretation.
  • Reviews the accreditation inspection process and prepares staff for responding to questions.
  • Trains staff on use proper use of the instrumentation and documentation of quality control.
  • Develops audit tools and performs internal audits.
  • Participates in the performance of the periodic performance review (selfinspection) for all inhouse and offsite Joint Commission accredited Special Function Labs.
  • Participates in frequent periodic random direct observation audits of actual practice in both inhouse and offsite testing sites.
  • Participates in the ongoing process to ensure continued compliance with Joint Commission regulatory standards and actively participates in regulatory visits.
  • Oversees the document and record management process.
  • Audits annual review process to ensure completion within defined timeline.
  • Manages all SOP changes to existing procedures.
  • Ensures that all forms and derivative documents are managed under the document control process.
  • Ensure all aspects of document management meet the accreditation requirements.
  • Participates in annual competency assessment correlation studies andproficiency testing (PT) for ancillary testing staff.
  • Ensures completion of all appropriate documentation.
  • Performs corrective action for proficiency testing (PT) if needed.
  • Participate in the oversight of all point of care testing performed offsite.
  • Participates in the research and development of newly requested pointofcaretests.
  • Research current test methodologies available.
  • Evaluate the pros and cons of different test manufacturers.
  • Identify and contact other UHC facilities performing POC test and discuss likes/dislikes.
  • Participate in the deployment of newly requested pointofcare tests (i.e. emerginginfectious disease testing).
  • Order supplies or test kits for new testing.
  • Provide leadership for the validation plan and validation studies.
  • Train POC testing staff on new test method.
  • Write the procedure describing how to perform new test and train staff and design any associated forms.
  • Provide daily oversight of any test variances (test failures QC failure) initially after test goes live.
  • Participates in the oversight of operations and supports the unscheduled maintenance of all Point of Care instruments used for patient testing at UIHC:
  • Repairs broken instruments and returns machines to the company for replacement or refurbishing.
  • Troubleshoots operational issues with the instruments.
  • Assists in the evaluation of quality control (QC)
  • Participates in quality and operational improvement initiatives.
  • Uses metrics associated with Key Performance Indicators to identify areas for improvement.
  • Develop methods for data collection.
  • Uses methodologies such as Six Sigma Lean 5S and Value Stream Mapping
  • Assists in the evaluation of RALS instrument quality control (QC)
  • Interacts with the manufacturers to resolve QC problems.
  • Identifies upward and downward trends and bias on LevyJennings charts.
  • Participates in the operations of the RALS Data Management System
  • Monitors the encounter process and investigates problems with the information flow several times daily.
  • Ensures proper tracking of all meters.
  • Troubleshoots and resolves connectivity problems.
  • Coordinates all communications between HIS / LIS / Pathology POC for the installation of connectivity for new testing locations.
  • Coordinates the validation of RALS computer system upgrades and performs the postimplementation function check.
  • Functions as the conduit for problem solving between RALS and HCIS
  • Enters new operators into the system and tracks iSTAT competency assessments.
  • Performs other special projects and tasks as assigned.
  • Drivers License and ability to meet UI Fleet Safety Standards.

Iowa Health Carerecognized as one of the best hospitals in the United Statesis Iowas only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12000 employees students and volunteers work together to provide safe quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.

Benefits Highlights:

• Regular salaried position located in Iowa City IA and surrounding cities
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health dental life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.

Iowa Health Care offers a generous benefits package including paid vacation as well as paid sick leave. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at: of Time: 100 40 hours per week)

Schedule: Monday Friday variable hours 7:30 AM 5:30 PM no oncall weekends or Holidays.

• Availability to provide support to UICC clinics within the State of Iowa required. Fleet Car provided.Paid drive time.

Location:Iowa City IA and surrounding cities

Pay Grade: 5A Required

• A bachelors degree in a chemical biological clinical or medical laboratory science or medical terminology from an accredited college or university with specialized training in laboratory medicine or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1 3 years clinical laboratory experience in a CLIA certified laboratory is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with effective leadership skills is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to meet deadlines efficiently to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and to be highly selfmotivated is required.
• Availability to provide support to other clinical locations based on clinical hours/need.
• Drivers License and ability to meet UI Fleet Safety Standards

Desired Qualifications

• 35 years clinical laboratory experience.
• Experience managing POC testing programs across multiple locations.
• Experience in an ambulatory point of care testing laboratory.
• Experience with instrumentation validation troubleshooting and maintenance isdesired.
• Knowledge of the regulations and accrediting standards of the following agencies:CMS and/or Joint Commission is desired.

In order to be considered applicantsmust uploadresume(under submission relevant materials)thatclearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. For questions or additional information please contact

Successful candidates will be required to selfdisclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.