Phlebotomist

Job Summary

Responsible for the accurate, timely performance of venipuncture and/or capillary specimen collection to obtain quality laboratory results. Screen and enter patient data into the Laboratory computer system and central computer systems.

Responsibilities

• Performs venipuncture and capillary blood collections according to procedure and policy.
• Performs blood culture collections and other collections according to procedure and policy.
• Responsible for the collection, labeling, processing, and distribution of specimens to appropriate sections of the laboratory.
• Responsible for accessing various laboratory computer programs, including specimen tracking.
• Process, deliver and/or prepare laboratory specimens for analysis or transport.
• Provide instruction to outpatients on proper collection techniques, i.e. 24-hour urine collections.
• Enter patient information into computer, utilizing lab computer test codes and patient location codes.
• Generate specimen collection lists for the entire laboratory which requires familiarity with all laboratory tests, computer functions, duplicate orders, and ordering patterns for the nursing units.
• Read and carry out physician’s orders.
• Communicate with the nursing units and physicians to ensure that proper laboratory tests are ordered.
• Take corrective action for improperly ordered laboratory tests.
• Recognize and correct problems according to prescribed phlebotomy protocols.
• Participate in quality assurance studies and PI/QM meetings.
• Documents any customer, visitor, and patient concern appropriately.
• Communicate reports to appropriate personnel via phone or fax.
• Document and take corrective action for improperly labeled and or submitted specimens.
• Access information form HIS maintaining patient confidentiality.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Performs point of care testing appropriate to department under the direct supervision of a Certified Phlebotomist or Medical Lab Scientist as deemed appropriate by Lab Area Operations Manager.
• Ensure cleanliness of working materials and equipment.
• Answer the phone for the department.
• Route calls to the appropriate person and department.
• Records messages as necessary.
• Handles requests as necessary.
• Picks up and delivers mail as appropriate.
• Operates the pneumatic tube system properly.
• Performs basic printer operations and maintenance as indicated.
• Participates in Massive Operative Bleed protocol for the O.R.
• Participates in Trauma Priority I and Trauma Priority II notifications.
• Participate in CODE 1-2-3 collecting and delivering specimens as indicated.
• Performs proper collection techniques for sweat chloride testing as appropriate per department.
• Takes a limited role as a preceptor for new hires and students as directed by Certified Phlebotomist or Lab Area Operations Manager.
• Participates in retaining and obtaining knowledge and skills by acquiring ten (10) continuing education contact hours annually.
• Read and interpret physicians orders for lab testing on outpatients; troubleshoots for errors and effectively communicates with registration clerks to effect corrections as needed.
• Maintain adequate phlebotomy supplies inventory in department and nursing units as directed.
• Obtains appropriate documentation and release specimens to Medical Examiners office, eye bank and C.O.R.E.
• Obtains appropriate documentation and releases bodies to funeral home or Medical Examiner’s office as appropriate per department.
• Performs basic lab procedures including but not limited to determining urine volumes, simple reagent preparation, and pH determinations under direction of a Certified Phlebotomist.
• Must maintain Laboratory Phlebotomist Competency Validation.
• Collects throat swabs and nasopharyngeal swabs for culture as indicated as appropriate per department.
• Has been evaluated against CLIA-88 requirements and is qualified to perform all duties and responsibilities for this position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Patient Group Knowledge (Only applies to positions with direct patient contact)

The employee must possess/obtain (by the end of the orientation period) and demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide developmentally appropriate assessment, treatment or care as defined by the department’s identified patient ages. Specifically, the employee must be able to demonstrate competency in:

ability to obtain and interpret information in terms of patient needs; 2) knowledge of growth and development; and 3) understanding of the range of treatment needed by the patients.

Competency Statement

Must demonstrate competency through an initial orientation and ongoing competency validation to independently perform tasks and additional duties as specified in the job description and the unit/department specific competency checklist.

Common Duties and Responsibilities

(Essential duties common to all positions)

Maintain and document all applicable required education.

Demonstrate positive customer service and co-worker relations.

Comply with the company’s attendance policy.

Participate in the continuous, quality improvement activities of the department and institution.

Perform work in a cost-effective manner.

Perform work in accordance with all departmental pay practices and scheduling policies, including but not limited to, overtime, various shift work, and on-call situations.

Perform work in alignment with the overall mission and strategic plan of the organization.

Follow organizational and departmental policies and procedures, as applicable.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED (Required)
• Formalized Training (Required) * Formalized Training in Phlebotomy Experience: 80 clinical hours with a minimum performance of 100 successful unaided blood collections to include venipunctures and skin punctures; orientation in a full-service laboratory; 40 clock hours of didactic training including anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system; specimen collection, processing, and handling; and laboratory operations, (e.g. safety, quality control, etc.). Substitution: Completion of one year full time acceptable experience as a phlebotomy tech in a CLIA laboratory may substitute for formalized training in phlebotomy. This experience must include venipunctures, skin punctures and orientation in a full-service laboratory.

Credentials

• Point of Care Tech (Required)

Work Schedule: Varies

Status: Full Time Regular 1.0

Location: Memorial Hospital

Location of Job: US:WV:Charleston

Talent Acquisition Specialist: Lisa C. Skidmore lisa.skidmore@vandaliahealth.org

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