Nurse Clinician Clinical Laboratory Point of Care Testing and Phlebotomy

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
Reporting to the Director of Laboratory Operations, the Nurse Clinician, Clinical Laboratory Point of Care Testing (POCT) & Phlebotomy provides specialized clinical and operational support for Point of Care Testing (POCT) and phlebotomy practices across all Providence Health Care (PHC) sites. Serving as the clinical lead supporting POCT across acute, ambulatory, long-term care and community sites, this role is a key clinical liaison between the laboratory and clinical areas, ensuring that bedside testing and specimen collection processes meet Laboratory Standards, Diagnostic Accreditation Program (DAP) requirements, and Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services (PLMS) quality expectations. The Nurse Clinician promotes safe, accurate, and patient-centered diagnostic testing and strengthens integration between clinical teams and the laboratory.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Functions as the clinical resource for best practice in venipuncture, capillary collection, patient identification, and specimen integrity. Collaborates closely with the Laboratory Pre and Post Accessioning Leadership and Laboratory Operations leadership to ensure full compliance with DAP Standards, PHC and PHSA policies.
2. Supports the development and monitoring of the POCT program by assisting in the development, revision, and implementation of Laboratory policies, procedures, job aids, and training materials.
3. Participates in validation, verification and quality review of new Point of Care Testing devices and testing methodologies and assists with the development, revision, and implementation of Laboratory policies, procedures, job aids, and training materials.

4. Conducts routine audits on clinical units to assess operator practices, device use, documentation, and quality indicators and supports laboratory initiatives to reduce pre-analytical errors including mislabeling, hemolysis, incorrect tubes, and improper handling or transport.
5. Provides consultation, coaching, and competency assessment to nursing and allied health staff who collect specimens and supports POCT operator training, re-training and annual competency assessments.

6. Participates in quality investigations, incident reviews (PSLS), and follow-up actions related to POCT or phlebotomy. Conducts targeted reviews following specimen quality events and collaborates with unit leaders on corrective actions.
7. Supports workflow improvements in outpatient, inpatient, and specialized units (e.g., renal, ICU, emergency).

8. Provides firsthand coaching during new device implementations, workflow changes, or process updates and works with Professional Practice, Clinical Nurse Educators, and unit leadership to ensure consistency across sites.
9. Develops evidence-based training modules, checklists, quick reference guides, and orientation materials for clinical staff and assists with the development, revision, and implementation of Laboratory policies, procedures, job aids, and training materials.
10. Participates in relevant programs and professional committees where nursing expertise related to POCT and Phlebotomy Practice is required.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as an RN with the British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives (BCCNM).
• Three (3) years of recent related nursing experience within an acute care hospital including experience in Point of Care Testing and Phlebotomy practice.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based nursing practice related to medical practices within a tertiary level teaching hospital.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of POCT, Phlebotomy and Specimen Handling practices.
• Demonstrated ability to foster effective working relationships that promote cooperative goal achievement and contribute to an atmosphere of trust and respect.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain current knowledge of new developments, trends, and research in POCT and Phlebotomy services and recommend/implement best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to develop quality indicators in relation to POCT and Phlebotomy services and provide constructive reports based on results.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare concise and accurate written reports and document procedures and processes for development of standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to plan strategically, organize and implement programs, procedures, and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to teach and provide orientation, conduct presentations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to implement effective problem-solving processes.
• Demonstrated physical ability to perform the duties of the position.