Phlebotomist, Laboratory

Overview

Hours: Per Diem, As Needed

$20.00 - $30.00

Disclaimer

Job Summary:

Properly identifies patient and follows procedures for collection of specimens. Performs Venipuncture and capillary puncture to obtain blood from neonate, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. Uses computer system to monitor workflow, generate specimen labels and receive specimens. Processes paperwork in Laboratory Outpatient drawing room, Central Processing and Laboratory Office. Enters/Edits orders on outreach specimens. Must have valid driver’s license from the state of their residence and be able to provide their own reliable transportation to travel to area nursing homes, healthcare facilities and/or home visits.

Responsibilities

• Identifies patient correctly by looking at identification wristband, and by asking the patient to state their name, or having a healthcare professional identify the patient
• Verifies all physician orders to determine that all tests are ordered correctly.
• Assesses each patient based upon age, disability, etc. to determine the method and area of collection most suitable for the comfort of the patient and others.
• Reviews all testing requirements prior to obtaining the sample to determine that the correct supplies that are necessary.
• Performs venipunctures and capillary punctures efficiently to obtain suitable blood samples and correctly labels all specimens as stated in policies and procedures.  Assist in specimen collection when requested.
• Prioritizes the collection of specimens based upon the status of routine, timed, urgent, or stat to ensure that workflow is timely and efficient.
• Communicates to technical laboratory staff when timed, urgent, or stat specimens are delivered to facilitate an acceptable turn-around-time
• Determines on a weekly and monthly basis, what supplies that are needed in the phlebotomy area, as well as, in laboratory departments, and submits this order to the Laboratory Manager.
• Assists in the function of the Central Processing area to include but not limited to picking up samples at doctor’s offices, processing samples for order entry, labeling samples, filling supply orders from outreach centers and researching sample problems.
• Educates patients and co-workers in correct specimen collection procedures; determine the quality and acceptability of specimens collected by patients and co-workers
• Orients and trains new employees and students in regards to Phlebotomy according to policies and procedures.
• Maintains personal transportation to travel to area long term care facilities, outreach accounts and patient homes to collect Laboratory specimens.
• Adheres to all required safety regulations as stated in policies and procedures.  Removes or arranges for removal of safety hazards from environment immediately.
• Maintains a safe, organized, and clean work area/environment for co-workers, patients and visitors.
• Assists supervisors by performing required tasks to meet or exceed the department goals or objectives.
• Enters and edits ordering information in the computer system on patients and specimens to maintain accurate records of testing and patient billing.
• Communicates effectively, both written and verbally, with staff members and co-workers on all pertinent information in a professional manner.
• Responds in an appropriate and timely manner to the requests and needs of patients and customers.
• Acquires knowledge through educational in-services or seminars throughout the year.  Possesses a comprehensive understanding in technology advances, disease processes and regulatory changes.  Retains, applies and teaches others this knowledge.
• Evaluates specimens for acceptability for testing in the department, and takes appropriate action when specimens are not acceptable.
• Assures department supplies and reagents are utilized in a cost effective manner.  Develops cost benefit analysis for testing protocols.
• Maintains a safe environment for patients by assuring that sharp objects, toxic substances and other objects potentially harmful to children are not accessible.
• Assures that the environment of care or services is free of objects which may contribute to the likelihood of patient falls, slips or trips.  Makes readily available assistive devices for ambulation.  Complies with policies and procedures relating to gait belts and similar devices
• Is aware of the increased risk of falls, slips, and trips for elderly patients and visitors, and assures that the environment of care or services is free of objects and spills which may contribute to the likelihood of patient falls, slips, or trips.
• Is sensitive to the tendency of older patients to have hearing difficulties.  Verifies that he or she is speaking with appropriate level of loudness so that the patient hears instructions, questions, and conversations with caregiver, but that offense is not given to the patient as the result of the voice being excessively loud.  Is able to differentiate problems with hearing versus problems with comprehension

Statement of Other Duties

Functional Demands

Qualifications

• Phlebotomy Training Course completed or equivalent phlebotomy experience
• Phlebotomy training certificate preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent required

Minimum Certification

• Registry with ASCP preferred

• Six month to one year experience preferred