Lab Resource Coordinator-Full-time Nights

Company Description

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 health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, third shift position located at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield.

The Resource Coordinator, Support Services reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Memorial, 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 coordinator has the authority and accountability for facilitating the delivery of quality service for a designated section. Duties include the investigation and resolution of service problems between support services, nursing units, outpatient areas and clinical testing departments. Responsibilities include coordination of specimen processing and delivery and result distribution. Special knowledge of hospital and laboratory systems required.

Responsibilities:

• Performs all aspects of pre-analytic workflow appropriate for the specific support services laboratory section to ensure orders are entered correctly, specimens collected are appropriate for the test ordered and are correctly process/transported.

• Provides specimen collection instructions to customers when necessary. 

• Verifies non-patient information (e.g., collection time) according to established protocol where needed.

• Verifies orders with physician and/or nurses prior to LIS order entry to resolve unclear, duplicate, or otherwise ambiguous orders.

• Enters orders and verifies specimens for add-on tests are available and acceptable and generates add-on test orders.

• Verifies and registers patient demographics and data entry of specimen/orders into the computer. 

• Collect, receive, and process specimens.  

• Verifies specimens are correctly and completely labeled upon receipt. Evaluates specimens for appropriateness and takes necessary corrective action. Appropriately documents unacceptable specimens. 

• Prioritizes specimen processing based on established priorities. 

• Aliquots specimens according to established protocols.

• Performs aspects of analytical testing appropriate for the specific laboratory section. 

• Maintains test system integrity and performs preventative maintenance on instruments/equipment in a timely fashion according to defined schedule.

• Verifies reagents and supplies meet defined acceptability criteria upon receipt and prior to use; takes action to ensure unacceptable items are removed from use.

• Ensures that sufficient reagents and supplies necessary for test performance are available. Notifies senior staff when minimum inventory level is encountered.

• Performs and records all necessary quality control (QC) required for test system performance. 

• Evaluates QC results and takes necessary corrective actions according to established protocol. 

• Performs specimen preparation and pretest specimen preparation according to protocols. 

• Performs aspects of test management appropriate for the specific laboratory section.

• Responds effectively to changes in the workflow by coordinating a simultaneous series of test when needed or adjusting work to incorporate STAT tests or fluctuations in work volume.

• Monitors daily workflow; overseeing and adjusting staff assignments (e.g., breaks, tasks) and priorities, to meet service levels.

• Performs test review verifies results for completeness, correctness, and consistency within defined test system.

• Recognizes when unresolved problems need to be escalated and takes necessary follow-up action.

• Prints pending logs and follows-up to ensure pending tests are completed or cancelled when appropriate.

• Performs aspects of the post-analytic workflow appropriate for the specific laboratory section to ensure accurate results are reported within established time limits, specimens are retained appropriately, test results and/or status are available upon inquiry, and billed charges are correct for testing performed.

• Stores specimens and related materials according to protocols for location and duration.

• Corrects erroneous reports and amends reports according to procedure.

• Responds to requests for information according to established protocol for confidentiality and release of information. 

• Recognizes when unresolved inquiries need to be escalated and act.

• Stores documents and records according to established protocol.

• Performs billing and/or enters credits for tests and services when applicable.

• Participates in the training of new employees. 

• Prepares employee work schedules, and workstation and delivery assignments 

• Participates in: QM Statistics, ATR reconciliation, and projects

• Provides support when problems arise 

• Liaison with all technical sections in pathology and admitting

• Performs other duties as assigned, or as needed, to ensure continued quality of operations.

Qualifications

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent; computer data entry experience.

• Minimum of one year of clinical laboratory experience specific to the role.

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) 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.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

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.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.