Phlebotomist

Phlebotomist

MAIN FUNCTION:

Collects venous, arterial, and capillary blood samples from patients using appropriate collection devices and tubes.  Labels blood samples with all required patient information, documents date and time of collection, date and time of receipt in the lab, and documents patient samples in LIS. Enters patient orders into the Laboratory computer system. Prepares specimens for send-out testing to appropriate sites/laboratories.

RESPONSIBLE TO:     Administrative Director, Laboratory

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or GED
• No written disciplinary action within the last 12 months.

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Phlebotomy training and/or experience OR
• Certificate in Medical Assisting or Phlebotomy.
• Familiarity with medical terminology.
• Computer literate in word processing programs.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS:  All expectations detailed below are considered ADA (American Disabilities Act) essential.

• Employee in this position may be exposed to blood, body fluids and/or airborne pathogens and is required to wear personal protective equipment.

• Employees in this position must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, turn, crouch, and bend as necessary to complete laboratory tasks.

Leadership:

• Embraces teamwork by adhering to standards of good laboratory practice
• Accepts and responds to change productively, while maintaining a positive attitude
• Demonstrates appropriate workplace behavior and competence in job duties
• Demonstrates basic conflict resolution skills
• Completes all assignments and competence requirements on time

Communication:

• Maintains awareness of verbal / non verbal communication in interactions with staff, other departments, physicians, patients and families
• Addresses patient and family of patient (if present) in an appropriate manner for patient's age and level of understanding.  Explains procedure and uses appropriate communication to reassure patient.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and professionalism in all communication interactions: written, verbal, electronic and digital
• Collaborates and communicates effectively with all members of the health care team
• Demonstrates basic ability to initiate and manage crucial conversations
• Demonstrates acceptance of supervisory authority, guidance and instruction.  Follows appropriate chain of command.
• Reports critical information for physician or caregiver as indicated by policy and within acceptable timeframes.
• Reports problems appropriately
• Interacts with students in a positive, productive manner
• Participates in lab meetings / team collaboration

Duties:

• Work habits are consistently adjusted to accommodate multiple responsibilities and are prioritized and completed in an independent and timely manner.  Effectively utilizes time management and organizational skills.
• Follows all hospital policies and procedures as well as all laboratory policies and procedures including but not limited to: specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting and maintaining records of patient results.
• Reads all physician orders for instructions and tests ordered, and enters orders in the LIS accurately, completely, and with proper notification
• Identifies patient accurately using at least two forms of identification
• Assesses each situation and adjusts specimen collection approach appropriately
• Selects appropriate specimen type (venous, capillary) based on age and test requirements
• Consistently uses appropriate personal protective equipment follows safety policies
• Demonstrates competence in the collection process involving samples from the following age groups utilizing venous, capillary, or heel-stick techniques

• Neonates (birth through 28 days)
• Infants (29 days through 12 months)         
• Pediatrics (1 year through 11 years)          
• Adolescents (12 years through 18 years)   
• Adults (19 years through 64 years)            
• Geriatrics (65 years and older)                  

• Collects the proper amount of specimen in the proper collection container
• Labels specimens accurately and appropriately
• Seeks assistance of other staff members as needed
• Routes specimens to appropriate area or department of the lab or reference lab, following established procedures for processing and handling of specimens.
• Responds promptly to patients, with particular attention to STAT test orders. Notifies lab staff performing test procedure of STAT or urgent test order.
• Monitors proper labeling, dating, and inventory of supplies to ensure accurate testing of patient samples.  Notifies proper person of supplies that are low or depleted.   
• Stocks products upon receipt of shipment to ensure sensitive reagents are stored in proper environment.
• Works in areas of the lab as assigned according to the needs of the schedule or according to the shift being worked. Maintains flexibility in scheduling and availability for meeting the Laboratory’s needs.
• Other duties as assigned by management team.