Phlebotomist (Augusta)

Position Overview

A Phlebotomist screens and collects whole blood from allogeneic donors and if applicable, autologous, directed, and therapeutic donors in accordance with departmental SOPs and regulatory standards. This role also screens and collects automated red blood cells/double red blood cells and plasma products by means of an automated collection system. This role continually observes the donor for potential problems and provides post-phlebotomy care for all donors. A Phlebotomist performs daily quality control and is responsible for completion of all paperwork (such as run sheet, QC sheet, weekly maintenance log, malfunction forms, and device logs), in accordance with SOPs and regulatory standards.

A Phlebotomist must have excellent customer service skills and a presentable appearance. This role must be able to work varied hours including working some weekends. While not desirable and is avoided, when possible, this role must be able to adapt to a work schedule and/or location that may change with less than 24 hours’ notice.

Essential Functions

Donor Scheduling:

• Performs onsite recruitment for automated donors whenever the schedule is not full
• Performs onsite recruitment for whole blood collections whenever donor flow is slow

Donor Eligibility:

• Screens prospective donors through medical history, mini physical, and testing results

Donor Collection:

• Performs the donor health history and physical assessment according to current standard operating procedures
• Selects proper material for blood collection
• Performs venipuncture on eligible donors
• Sets up and primes automated collection system for automated procedures
• Chooses appropriate collection procedure based on donor restraints and inventory needs
• Strips, seals, and packs units for transport/storage
• Administers post-phlebotomy care
• Provides supportive care and documentation for donor reactions
• Keeps donor area stocked with required materials/equipment needed to adequately screen and collect donors

Quality Assurance:

• Performs blood collection according to SOP, FDA regulations, and AABB standards
• Performs and documents quality control for designated blood collection equipment
• Tags and reports defective equipment per SOP and if required, pulls defective equipment from service
• Ensures all forms/entries associated with the blood drive are complete and accurate

Leadership/Teamwork:

• May be eligible for Charge Tech/Team Leader assignment with supporting scorecard metrics and/or commensurate experience
• In absence of Charge Tech/Team Leader, ensures all associated forms are reviewed for completeness and accuracy
• In absence of Charge Tech/Team Leader, reports any disciplinary problems unable to resolve to appropriate Manager
• Works with recruitment team to make each drive a success
• Organizes and operates (to include driving) Donor Services vehicles to include box trucks, TBC company cars/vans, and mobiles where applicable

Customer Service:

• Greets each donor and/or donor contact in friendly, professional manner
• Post collection, thanks each donor in appreciative manner
• Provides environment throughout blood drive in which the donor and/or donor contacts feel comfortable and important
• Always maintains professional appearance and attitude

Miscellaneous:

• Participates in company sponsored blood drives and other special events
• Other duties as assigned or required

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• National Phlebotomy certification preferred or two or more years of Phlebotomy experience required. 
• Valid Driver’s License with no major infractions and dependable transportation
• Excellent customer services skills
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to follow SOP in a heavily FDA regulated environment
• Ability to communicate effectively, tactfully, and courteously to patrons, donors, sponsors, and co-workers
• Ability to work with all levels and in a diverse work environment 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, and peers

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lifting and/or pulling/pushing up to 50 pounds
• Standing or walking for an extended period of time
• Bending and twisting