Phlebotomist

About the role

Performs venipuncture on patients and some routine laboratory tests to provide data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Develop an understanding and ability to perform moderately complex testing in the lab.

Responsibilities

• Prepares equipment to efficiently collect blood products
• Performs venipuncture on patients as directed by provider following medical practice protocols related to safety, infection control, and confidentiality
• Verifies any patient allergies, including latex and tape
• Verifies patient name and insurance
• Notifies providers and/or nurses immediately about “red flag” results
• Ensures quality control in collecting specimen and in ensuring appropriate sampling and record keeping
• Processes laboratory test requisitions via laboratory information system (LIS) or other appropriate means
• Conducts laboratory tests on specimens and enters result data into computer
• Assists donor before, during, and after donation
• Instructs on urine collection procedures
• Cleans/sterilizes equipment, instruments, and work area following safety, cleanliness, and infection control procedures
• Maintains equipment, instruments and supplies as needed
• Complies with all quality assurance policies and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations related to safety, cleanliness and infection control
• Inventories supplies and places orders to ensure adequate supplies for procedures
• Acts as the point of contact for cleanup of hazardous materials
• Ensures patient confidentiality and follows HIPAA guidelines
• Promotes a professional image by adhering to the established dress code as listed in Employee Handbook
• Checks and resolves assigned tasks in EMR program
• Other duties as assigned by Administration
• Assists co-workers as needed
• Recognizes when others are in need of assistance, information or directions and offers to help when able, or finds someone who can
• Responsible for neatness of work area to include stocking and cleaning
• Is productive when faced with any “down time” during work hours
• Maintains emotional control and diplomacy at all times
• Maintains open and positive lines of communication
• Consistently reports to work on time, begins work promptly and performs duties for entire scheduled shift
• Maintains absenteeism within company policy
• Notifies Administration of absences and tardiness in a timely manner
• Reads new policies and documents as instructed
• Adheres to company policies and procedures
• Demonstrates sensible and efficient use of equipment and supplies by limiting waste, spoilage or damage

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of phlebotomy techniques
• Knowledge of medical laboratory principles and standards
• Knowledge of standard laboratory tests
• Knowledge of LIS applications
• Knowledge of use and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments
• Knowledge of safety, infection control and quality assurance policies and regulations

Skills

• Skill in performing efficient and effective draws
• Skill in applying appropriate testing procedures
• Skill in equipment proper use and preventive maintenance
• Skill in appropriate quality control and confidentiality procedures

Abilities

• Ability to interpret and respond appropriately to instructions
• Ability to coordinate eye–hand movements to ensure patient comfort during blood draws
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, problem solve and make decisions and use discretion in reporting/distributing results
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with patients, families and staff
• Ability to organize workload effectively and work quickly with high level of accuracy using manual/finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Graduation from an accredited medical vocational institution with phlebotomy course diploma
• Minimum one year of phlebotomy experience preferred
• Medical clinic experience helpful

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Physical ability to sit, perform data entry and view computer screen for long periods at a time
• Daily standing, walking, bending, and maneuvering
• May require lifting up to 50 pounds or more to transfer and/or turn patient with and without assistive devices

Work Environment

• Occasional exposure to communicable diseases and biohazards
• This is a safety sensitive position