Phlebotomist

SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Pathology Manager, Phlebotomy Supervisor or guidance of the Lead Phlebotomist, performs responsibilities associated with obtaining blood and various other patient specimens. Transports specimens and completes basic records. Performs related clerical support activities to interview and instruct patients, enters data into computerized database, and maintains related records and reports.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Schedules venipunctures or capillary blood punctures according to priority and type of test, such as time studies.
• Utilizes computer generated collection labels and references Pathology Handbook as necessary to ensure collection of specimens is in accordance with established procedures, i.e. specimens are collected in proper containers and meet special collection requirements as appropriate. Duties are preformed according to hospital policy and observance of universal precautions.
• Verifies and identifies patient following established procedures and proper patient preparation prior to specimen collection, such as fasting and special diet.
• Obtain blood samples from patient according to venipuncture or capillary puncture techniques. May collect other types of specimens (throat cultures, etc. May require splitting or centrifuging samples. Alerts nursing staff or supervisor to any deviations from puncture or adverse patient condition.
• Performs coagulation tests on patients such as bleeding times.
• Labels, wraps (including appropriate documentation) and prepares samples/specimens for transportation.
• Maintains records on sample/specimen procurement.
• Performs related clerical activities such as, sorts and files records, receiving patient into clinic/treatment area and as necessary interviews patient to obtain insurance, biographical and medical information to complete registration records.
• Provides patient with forms (e.g. hospital or regulatory required forms) for tests, gives instructions regarding any special preparation necessary prior to test or appointment. May contact patient to return and repeat tests. May contact outside agencies/physician’s office to obtain additional patient information to complete patient records.
• Enters patient’s data into the department computer system. May identify billing errors and make adjustments to reconcile error(s).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Phlebotomy certificate through National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences and/or completion of a Phlebotomy certificate program to include formal internship demonstrating 100 successful venipunctures.
• In lieu of internship, 6 months of phlebotomy experience may be considered.
• In lieu of phlebotomy certification, 5 plus years direct phlebotomy experience may be considered.
• Ability to perform venipuncture techniques and capillary puncture on adults, children and infants.
• Interpersonal skills to obtain and provide information to patients and to explain procedures effectively in order to allay fears and anxiety.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
• Clerical skills to prepare and maintain records and reports, including keyboard skills to enter access information.
• Familiarity with blood collector equipment, anticoagulants, special precautions and interference.
• Ability to distinguish chromatic colors.
• A Phlebotomy certificate required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Works with in-patient care environment with considerable walking between units and where some physical effort may be required to deal with patients who are uncooperative.
• Some exposure to odors when handling specimens.
• Exposure to communicable diseases while administering to patients, however chance of injury is minimized by the adherence to established infection control procedures.
• Manual dexterity to perform venipunctures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None.

Pay Range: 

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location:

Work Type:

Work Shift:

Driving Required:

Union: