Phlebotomist

OVERVIEW

Responsible for collecting, labeling, and processing blood and other patient specimens while ensuring accurate patient identification, specimen integrity, and adherence to safety protocols. Supports patient registration, laboratory order entry, specimen handling, and timely delivery of samples while providing professional patient care and assisting with daily laboratory operations.

Schedule: PRN

Shift: Variable, As Needed

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Proficient with Hospital Information System--HIS and Laboratory Information Systems--LIS to release orders or register patients as needed. 
• Performs patient registration, payment collection, data entry of demographic and insurance information and other procedures as necessary to support efficient sample processing. 
• Transfers patient test requests from scripts, requisitions, and verbal orders into the HIS and laboratory computer systems.  
• Answers and screen telephone calls in a professional and helpful manner.
• Resolve unusual or unclear test orders by contacting the physician, nurse, reference laboratory and documents actions taken. Refer all unresolved issues to the appropriate supervisor. 
• Generates lists and labels. Runs daily reports.
• Reviews order monitor and investigate the collection summary report. 
• Assess orders for special collection requirements; patient preparation and appropriate order of draw. 
• Accurately identify patients using two patient identifiers. Proficiently perform phlebotomy on patient population to obtain blood specimens. 
• Adheres to safety protocols and infection control practices at all times.
• Possess the ability to assess patient response to procedure and interact with the patient at a level that is understandable and comfortable for the patient.  Assess patient reaction to procedures and adjust process as indicated. Obtain medical and supervisory assistance as necessary. Accurately identify and label specimens with patient name, date of birth, date and time of collection and collector code.
• Assure specimen integrity by using aseptic technique and following appropriate procedures.
• Proficiently collect other samples as indicated including throat swabs, MRSA swabs, urine samples, heel sticks, finger sticks, blood cultures and blood bank specimens.
• Performs arterial punctures to obtain blood specimens from adults including the appropriate collection charge.--RMH Phlebotomy only
• Performs glucose tolerance and hormone stimulation specimen collection in the specified time increments, as well as accurate patient preparation.
• Performs research program, Lab One, and special collection kit specimen collection.
• Provides patient instruction in the collection and handling of personally collected specimens. 
• Performs specialized sample collections including breath alcohol testing, random urine drug screens, pre-employment urine drug screens and legal urine drug screens.
• Receives and accessions collected specimens using LIS, examines for testing acceptability, centrifuges and aliquots specimens as needed and delivers to the appropriate section in the laboratory or batches specimens for courier pick-up. 
• Appropriately notify testing personnel of stat requests.
• Accept specimens from a variety of internal and external customers; sort samples; resolve specimen identification or requisition issues; utilize LIS to appropriately receive specimens; package and track specimens for transportation to reference laboratories.
• Possess working knowledge of insurance processes specific to reference laboratories to assure billing is done in accordance with government regulations.

• Is knowledgeable of general insurance information as related to registration and basic rules related to billing such as proper use of collection dates. 

• Drives laboratory personal vehicle to client sites, patient homes or facilities.  Performs accurate specimen collection at client sites, patient homes or facilities. Transports specimens properly to the lab.  Assure receipt of samples to the laboratory;Performs limited waived testing including blood glucose monitoring according to established procedures. 
• At the discretion of the supervisor, perform rapid flu and strep tests, mono testing, pregnancy testing and dipstick urinalysis according to established procedures. Perform quality control procedures and proficiency testing accurately and as closely as possible to patient testing. Call critical results to the appropriate licensed caregiver and chart reports as needed. 
• Depending on location may be required to perform electrocardiogram tracing ten lead and pediatric EKGs. Communicates critical results to authorized personnel--Only at legacy Rockford locations
• Perform result entry in the LIS.
• Performs temperature checks. 
• Cleans and checks laboratory glassware.
• Assists with inventory and maintenance of supplies at an appropriate level Submits orders for supply acquisition; receives and stocks supplies. Fills supply requests from clients and providers. 
• Assists with orientation and training of new partners; coach in customer service excellence on an ongoing basis; assures competence of new partners prior to release of partner from training program; provide input for performance evaluations for phlebotomy partners to phlebotomy supervisor.
• Provides mentorship to phlebotomy staff as needed.
• Works collaboratively with supervisor to ensure adequate staffing and skill mix.
• Evaluate new products as necessary; provide written documentation of evaluation activities as required by regulatory agencies. 
• Demonstrate exemplary phlebotomy skills with all types of patients; Use these skills to serve as a resource to the phlebotomy team. 
• Takes ownership of the department; Identifies areas for improvement and makes suggestions to Phlebotomy Supervisor; Possesses ability to resolve issues.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE  

High school diploma or equivalent preferred

Successful completion of a phlebotomy course or previous phlebotomy experience preferred.

Experience as a Paramedic, EMT, CNA or MA helpful.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE

Phlebotomy Certification preferred

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

N/A

LEVEL OF SUPERVISION

Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.

PAY RANGE:

Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and benefits, including retirement, time off, on-demand pay, access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and more. Click here for more details.

At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including:

• #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50

• One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers

• A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women