Phlebotomist I - Laboratory - Full Time

Sign-on bonus up to $5,000.

About the Role

Responsible for the collection of blood and other specimens from all patient populations using prescribed procedures with accuracy, skill, professionalism, and superb customer service. Duties may include on- and off-site phlebotomy, specimen transport, specimen delivery, patient registration, patient lab order management, processing specimens for testing, blood study kit handling, and lab order entry.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent required.
• Completion of phlebotomy training program or equivalent experience is preferred.
• Computer literacy and navigation skills throughout various systems.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Phlebotomy experience in a clinical laboratory setting or completion of phlebotomy training at vocational or other training center is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and computer competency.

Responsibilities

• Primary customer service representative / liaison for the laboratory.
• Provides patients and other customers with necessary collection instructions, per department standards, and helps ensure the proper execution of these instructions.
• Verifies patient identification according to SOP (Standard Operating Procedures), ensuring correct identification of patients/specimens with orders using at least two forms of accepted patient identifiers.
• Verifies correct computer orders, specimen requirements, and drawing supplies prior to proceeding to procure samples.
• Obtains blood specimens from infants to adults using proper technique under specified aseptic conditions, making phlebotomy as non-traumatic and safe as possible. Handles children, difficult patients, and unconscious patients effectively, including proper post-procedure care.
• Immediately, accurately, and completely labels and documents all specimens with required information per SOP, including in the presence of the patient.
• Documents and immediately reports unusual circumstances or situations, referring them to supervisory personnel for resolution or documentation.
• Uses appropriate and established blood collecting techniques for both macro and micro blood collecting with both in- and out-patients of all ages. Avoids overutilization of specialized devices (e.g., butterfly collecting devices).
• Properly organizes, prioritizes, transports, and distributes incoming laboratory workload while notifying appropriate departments per established protocols.
• Performs accurate patient registration, including knowledge of insurance codes and billing procedures.
• Performs order entry/transcription of orders, routing of orders, and cancellations per established procedures.
• Maintains a clean and orderly work environment, including regular cleaning of phlebotomy tray or carts.
• Maintains an adequate supply of all materials, notifies the appropriate person of supply status, and assists in unpacking and arranging supplies.
• Follows proper policy and procedure for specimen transport and processing, including transport/shipping of samples, receipt of samples, entering workload comments, documentation of draws, and processing (e.g., centrifugation and separation).
• Keeps up-to-date with knowledge of patient identification, preparation, collecting sites and apparatus, anticoagulants and preservatives, specimen transport, processing techniques, and storage.
• Examines all specimens submitted (blood, urine, and other body fluids) for proper labeling and necessary information prior to final acceptance.
• Performs and executes required directions in each study kit, including all specimen processing and enters appropriate charges in the computer.
• Assists in training by demonstrating techniques or methods to students/new staff when requested.
• Maintains a professional, mature, positive attitude while on the job.
• Observes proper safety practices in performance of job duties.
• Acts to resolve problems via unit meetings and other appropriate channels.
• Demonstrates cost-effective patient care through proper use and care of equipment, prudent use of supplies, accurate charging, and appropriate utilization of resources.
• Demonstrates initiative in completing work within the defined scope of practice.
• Recognizes emergency situations and initiates the proper plan of action or consults a supervisor if help is needed.
• Serves as a first responder to most Emergency Code situations and is the primary transporter of blood products in COM Star and MTP situations if applicable.
• Represents the organization in a professional, courteous manner to patients, families, and the healthcare team while being sensitive to verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Participates in performance improvement activities to improve service and care.
• Demonstrates and integrates age-specific care with consideration to physical communication, safety, nutrition, and psychosocial needs for various age groups.
• Follows established organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Must be proficient with computer programs and able to navigate through information systems.
• Performs other clerical and technical duties as instructed or requested.
• Rotates evening, night, weekend, or holiday duty with coworkers.
• Attends in-service classes or workshops relevant to the job.
• Other duties as assigned.

Pay

The pay for this position ranges from $17.34 to $24.32 per hour.