Phlebotomist

About the position

Under the direction of the Lab Central Supervisor/Coordinator, the Clerk/Phlebotomist functions as a phlebotomist following procedures and policies for collection, handling and transport of biological specimens. Participates in the reception and clerical aspects of both inpatient and outpatient testing. Phlebotomy function is a 24/7 operation within the hospital location. Staff is required to work rotating weekends and holidays and may be required to work varied and/or additional hours/shifts based on departmental needs. May be required to travel to offsite locations and perform specimen collections.

Responsibilities

• Performs venipuncture and other specimen collection procedures according to established protocol.
• Monitors workflow volumes independently and adjusts duties according to department and patient needs.
• Independently performs venipuncture in other hospital departments (e.g. ED).
• Travels off-site and performs venipuncture collection at off-site locations as needed.
• Functions as a highly-skilled phlebotomist and serves as a resource for patients with difficult veins.
• Promptly reports to all codes as required and assists in expediting specimen receipt to laboratory.
• Assesses quality and appropriateness of specimens and follows through accordingly.
• Adheres to established benchmark when collecting stat, timed, round and routine specimens.
• Follows protocol for the handling and transport of biological/infectious specimens.
• Prints, monitors and signs off on LIS reports to ensure that all specimens are collected within appropriate timeframes.
• Works additional hours and/or shifts in event of unplanned absences or unplanned work capacity.
• Addresses patients upon arrival at desk in a courteous and professional manner.
• Accurately captures all orders for testing, ensuring proper ordering physician and distributes specimens to main laboratory.
• Accurately correlates orders with specimens ensuring proper identification of specimen and follows up with unit as needed.
• Performs outpatient registrations for specimens received from outside locations.
• Performs insurance verification using on-line resource and follows through with any discrepancies.
• Scans patient information into appropriate HIS categories.
• Accurately files reports and scripts in a timely manner.
• Organizes work supplies and work area and maintains work area in a neat and orderly manner.
• Replenishes supplies when depleted and at end of workday and monitors for appropriate expiration dates for inventory control.
• Cleans/washes counters at least once per day and when needed.
• Reads and records temperature logs consistently and takes action when discrepancies are noted.
• Troubleshoots copy machine and printer problems and is able to independently problem solve and repair office and related equipment.
• Demonstrates and maintains competencies in all applicable testing areas.
• Expands knowledge in the field through continuing education.
• Participates in laboratory and hospital continuing education sessions.
• Initiates and presents to the staff a department specific in-service or project.
• Participates in the phlebotomy and related training of new laboratory and hospital staff.
• Participates in department-based quality-improvement projects.
• Performs other related duties as directed.

Requirements

• One-year phlebotomy experience preferred.
• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Completion of a phlebotomy program/course or on-the-job training in phlebotomy and minimum of three years experience.
• Clerical experience desirable.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and computer data entry experience strongly preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• ASCP accreditation / certification highly desirable.

Benefits

• 24/7 operation may require individual to work hours and/or shifts beyond their regularly scheduled hours/shift.
• The position requires individual to work rotating weekends and holidays and may be required to work varied and/or additional hours/shifts based on departmental needs.