Phlebotomist

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of supervisors is directly responsible for the prompt, efficient and accurate performance of a variety of specimen collection and handling procedures.  Will collect specimens from in-patients, out-patients, nursing homes and other facilities as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. High school graduate or equivalent.
2. Graduate of a certified Phlebotomy program or equivalent.

Experience:

1. Preference may be given to a candidate with experience in a hospital laboratory as a phlebotomist.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Must be able to communicate effectively with co-workers, patients, medical staff, visitors, and other Medical Center personnel.
2. Must be able to make mature judgments.
3. Must possess a pleasant personality for dealing with patients.

License/Certification/Registration:

1. Must have a valid Driver’s License and an available vehicle.
2. Meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renews BLS every two years.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives general supervision from the Medical Director, Administrative Director, Assistant Administrative Director, Supervising Technologist, Section Heads and Certified Phlebotomists.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs all work promptly and accurately.
   1. Always collects blood from patients using venipuncture, arterial puncture, capillary puncture, or special techniques required for patients with vascular-access devices according to established laboratory procedure.
   2. Always verifies patient identification prior to specimen collection to assure accurate testing.
   3. Promptly responds to any request for specimen collection.  Communicates effectively with patient care area or staff if any delay occurs.
   4. Performs bedside glucose testing at specific times requested and adheres to all quality control standards established for this procedure before releasing results.
   5. Prepares specimens for processing by always accurately identifying appropriate specimen, delivering to appropriate department, entering all patient information required, and verifying the proper test has been ordered.
   6. Instructs and assists patients with proper collection of any specimen clean catch urine, 24 hour urine, pediatric urine, chain of custody collection, sputum, etc. when necessary.
   7. Always keeps work organized to avoid confusion and potential for error.
   8. Promptly responds to and communicates effectively with anyone requiring assistance or service from the lab. Provides information regarding proper specimen collection and handling for all laboratory testing.
   9. Always seeks assistance from supervisor when difficulty in proper specimen handling or interpretation of physician orders is encountered.
   10. Carefully prepares all specimens for reference laboratory testing by assuring proper specimen preservation and handling, accurate completion of requisition and accurate labeling of all specimen containers required.  Always records his/her initials for consultation if questions arise.
   11. Communicates effectively and courteously with peers and all staff members.
   12. Maintains all supplies and equipment for blood collection in all collection areas in an organized and meticulously clean manner at all times.
   13. Assists with the distribution of reports to nursing stations, physician offices or other destinations as requested or instructed.
   14. Assists with glassware washing and distribution within the laboratory as requested.
2. Assists with training and orienting personnel to specimen collection procedures.
   1. Trains and orients anyone responsible for specimen collection as requested.
   2. Consistently works to achieve and maintain departmental operations which meet the required standards of the College of American Pathologists, JCAHO, CLIA and Pennsylvania Department of Health.
3. Maintains current knowledge of laboratory and hospital policies and procedures as well as performance standards for laboratory personnel.
   1. Demonstrates continual awareness of and compliance with safety, infection control and quality assurance procedures.  Advises supervisor of potential hazards when noted.
   2. Demonstrates continued awareness and compliance with departmental and hospital policies and procedures.
   3. Suggests ways of improving laboratory services when appropriate.
   4. Always complies with policies for release of patient information and appropriately documents the time and other required information when reports are released.
4. Maintains all departmental equipment and supplies.
   1. Maintains sufficient inventory of departmental reagents and supplies at all times. Promptly submits information or requests to supervisor when additional materials are anticipated or when problems are encountered with any current supplies or reagents.
   2. Maintains cost control in utilization of materials and suggests ways to improve conservation of same as appropriate.
   3. Rotates, dates and tests reagents as they are received or prepared to insure accuracy, avoid expiration, and to provide availability for use at all times.
   4. Assists with opening, verifying and distributing all lab supplies received when necessary.
5. Assists with the implementation of new procedures and/or evaluation of new products or equipment.
   1. Evaluates new products, procedures or techniques and provides written information when requested regarding findings to supervisor as soon as possible after evaluation.
   2. Suggests changes in methodologies, work flow, etc. which will increase accuracy and/or efficiency of service.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.
   1. Accepts additional assignments as delegated by lab supervisors.
   2. Voluntarily assists clerical and technical staff when workload fluctuates.
   3. Will be scheduled to work weekends or holidays as required for laboratory coverage and when assigned by the supervisor. Shift rotation may be required for laboratory coverage and will be assigned on basis of seniority.