Phlebotomy Technician

Full Time, AM Shift

Hours: 10:30am – 6:00pm

Major Responsibilities:

Collection of patient specimens to maintain high quality patient care

• Gives patients a clear and complete understanding when instructing them on the collection procedure for test performed on body fluids (e.g. urine, stool, sputum, and semen)
• Verify all specimens have been properly labeled, received, and delivered to the appropriate department within the allotted time
• Follows all departmental and infection control guidelines in handling biohazardous material
• Uses needle safe products whenever provided
• Assists in new employee training as needed
• Performs routine and specialized phlebotomy (e.g. venipunctures, heel sticks, fingersticks, bleeding times, therapeutic phlebotomies), procedures regarding patient comfort and safety as well as specimen integrity, type and amount
• Determines proper phlebotomy technique based on patient age, medical status, and physician’s test request
• Is familiar with the various reference lab test catalogs and uses them appropriately when researching specimen requirements
• Assures validity of specimens by confirming patient identification using patient stated date of birth and full name. Ensures the proper type and amount of specimen is collected

Reception and computer workstation

• Use appropriate scripting when greeting patients
• Follow policies to evaluate doctor’s orders and process orders in EPIC and in Orchard, including the double checking of all patient orders before venipuncture
• Uses the various computer functions effectively and efficiently to process patient orders
• Follows established EPIC and Orchard procedures and maintain an understanding of all new computer related updates
• Follows the established guidelines for using the Medicare Compliance Checker software program
• Answer phone calls using appropriate scripting and provides assistance to patients or other departments
• Verify with doctor’s office any questions regarding orders
• Print all labels and checks standing orders
• Signs off and on computer programs appropriately
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times

Customer service

• Uses all the approved scripting with all patients
• Understands service recovery and uses it appropriately
• Participates in the patient survey process
• Participates in projects/initiatives as assigned

Processing samples for testing or courier pick-up

• Uses computer functionality appropriately to track specimens
• Separates serum or plasma from cells, stores specimens at the correct temperature and makes specimen transfer list when necessary
• Uses appropriate judgment to determine the acceptability of specimens. Follows established protocols when specimens are not acceptable

Organizational skills and professional conduct

• Manages time effectively
• Limits personal phone calls
• Assists in co-worker evaluations by completing co-worker feedback form
• Acts professionally at all times
• Helps champion change
• Must be able to multi-task
• Must be able to work in a fast paced work environment
• Follows confidentiality policies
• Limits absences
• Abides by all lab and Clinic policies and procedures
• Comes to work on time and uses AdvocateWorks to record time accurately

Quality control and maintenance

• Perform and record quality control on Hemocue and One Touch instruments according to Laboratory protocol (WA). Satellite locations have additional POC tests such as Clinitek 50, strep screens, pregnancy tests, urine albumin sugar testing, flu testing, etc… and temperature recording
• Maintains a clean and organized work environment, contributing to effective work flow and resource utilization
• Demonstrates appropriate judgment in basic troubleshooting process, including resolution of minor instrument malfunctions
• Takes appropriate action for out-of-range controls and documents action taken
• Performs daily and monthly maintenance as needed, according to established protocols

Maintains adequate inventory

• Maintains adequate supplies at workstations and notifies appropriate personnel when supplies are needed
• Receives inventory into appropriate storage and mark the date received

Actively participates in QI and Customer Focus activities within the department

• Assists in the collection and analysis of data
• Serves on committees and process improvement teams, including Lean /Do It
• Actively seeks to maintain a positive customer focus in developing and performing work processes
• Attends and participates in staff meetings

Maintains competency on policies and procedures

• Assists in the orientation of new personnel in departmental policies, basic phlebotomy techniques, and POC testing to assure quality patient care
• Maintain a level of continuing education to assure competency and makes recommendations for process improvement
• Completes annual competency testing on-time and achieves a passing score

Education/experience required

• High school diploma or GED
• New graduate from certified phlebotomy program
• Previous phlebotomy experience with various age groups a plus

Knowledge, skills & abilities required

• Basic familiarity with computers; basic keyboarding and typing skills
• Strong customer service and patient care skills with ability to handle stressful situations in a calming manner
• Good communication skills and well developed interpersonal skills
• Organized with good attention to detail
• Must be able to draw blood competently on all patient age groups
• This position needs to recognize needs and behaviors of age groups of patients treated
• Bilingual skills, (Eng/Spanish) a plus
• Eligible for certification by ASCP
• CPR certification required upon hire or within 60 days of hire

Physical requirements and working conditions

• Travel among sites is necessary
• Works with bio hazardous materials
• May be required to work weekends, holidays, and well as alternative shifts and locations on a rotational basis based on business needs
• Required to stand for long periods of time
• Successful completion of pre-employment physical
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties