Phlebotomist Outreach

About the Role

Under the supervision of the Manager of Laboratory Outreach Services or guidance of the Lead Phlebotomist, this role performs responsibilities associated with obtaining blood and various other patient specimens in accordance with department procedures. The position supports patient and family-centered care and nursing services in alignment with Brown University Health and The Miriam Hospital’s mission, vision, and values, considering the life span, developmental stages, and cultural patterns.

Responsibilities

• Performs various functions associated with the computer system to ensure proper collection and documentation of patient specimens, including:
  • Patient registration, identification, and verification.
  • Entering patient demographics, insurance information, guarantor, PCP, ordering provider, test orders, and diagnostic codes.
  • Document scanning and adherence to policies for patient identification, test orders, and medical necessity.
• Manages Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN/SN), including obtaining supporting diagnostic codes, document review, patient signature, and document management.
• Performs related clerical activities such as medical necessity follow-up, sorting and filing records, daily checklists, answering phones, report delivery, and receiving patients into clinical treatment areas.
• Maintains and monitors standing orders for expiration and renewals, ensuring tasks are completed.
• Provides patients with test forms and instructions for special preparation prior to specimen collection or appointments.
• Schedules venipunctures or capillary blood punctures according to priority and test type, utilizing computer-generated labels and referencing the Pathology Handbook.
• Verifies patient identity and preparation prior to venipuncture (e.g., fasting or special diet).
• Obtains blood samples using venipuncture or capillary puncture techniques, alerting nursing staff or supervisor to any deviations or adverse patient conditions.
• Collects other types of specimens (e.g., throat cultures) and processes samples, including centrifuging and specimen tracking.
• Obtains samples for specialized tests (e.g., thyroid-releasing hormone, therapeutic drug monitoring, D-Xylose tolerance) and verifies volume and timing of dosage.
• May perform bleeding times and monitor patients for reactions (e.g., diaphoresis, sleeping).
• Labels, wraps, and transports samples according to type and urgency, maintaining records on sample procurement.
• Follows hospital policies and universal precautions in all duties.
• Performs home visits to obtain samples, adhering to established procedures, guidelines, and protocols.
• Interviews patients to obtain insurance, biographical, and medical information to complete registration records.
• May contact patients or outside agencies to obtain additional information or request repeat tests.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Phlebotomy certificate through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences and/or completion of a Phlebotomy certificate program, including a formal internship demonstrating 100 successful venipunctures.
• In lieu of an internship, 6 months of phlebotomy experience may be considered.
• In lieu of phlebotomy certification, 5+ years of direct phlebotomy experience may be considered.
• Ability to perform venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques on adults, children, and infants.
• Interpersonal skills to obtain and provide information to patients and explain procedures effectively.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills to provide care with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns.
• Clerical skills to prepare and maintain records and reports, including keyboard proficiency.
• Familiarity with blood collection equipment, anticoagulants, special precautions, and interference.
• Ability to distinguish chromatic colors.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Works in an in-patient care environment with considerable walking between units.
• May require physical effort to deal with uncooperative patients.
• Exposure to odors when handling specimens and potential exposure to communicable diseases, minimized by adherence to infection control procedures.
• Manual dexterity required to perform venipunctures.

Pay

$18.13-$29.90 per hour.

Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
• 8-hour daily shifts.