Senior Phlebotomist

About the role

The Senior Phlebotomist plays a crucial role in the laboratory department, directly impacting patient health outcomes by collecting and processing blood samples. This position requires a strong background in phlebotomy, laboratory procedures, and patient care.

Responsibilities

• Collect blood specimens from patients using venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques promptly
• Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work environment
• Process and prepare specimens for testing and transport
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to specimen collection, testing, and equipment
• Give proper patient collection instructions (i.e. urine collection, stool collection, etc.)
• Instruct patients in post-phlebotomy care
• Properly dispose of bio-hazardous and sharps materials
• Obtain specimens for microbiology testing
• Perform electrocardiograms (EKGs) and other miscellaneous services
• Order sufficient supplies to perform the workload and rotate stock and prevent the use of outdated supplies
• Follow the venipuncture and processing standards of work (SOW)
• Perform waived and moderate complexity laboratory testing, including microscopy
• Maintain accurate records of patient information, test results, and laboratory procedures
• Perform quality control and calibration procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results
• Participate in quality assurance and quality control activities including proficiency testing
• Follow The Optum Clinic lab procedures and guidelines
• Follow the Calling Critical Value policy
• Interact with patients and healthcare providers in a professional and compassionate manner
• Register patients while following the reception standard of work (SOW)
• Solve problems efficiently and promptly
• Locate missing lab orders and specimens
• Communicate effectively via phone

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED
• Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist (MA-Pbt) certification from the state of Washington
• BLS (AHA) certification or the ability to obtain within the first 30 days of employment
• 1+ years of experience with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Intermediate level of proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Ability to use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects (occasionally lifting to 50 pounds and carrying up to 24 pounds)
• Able to work a 40-hour work week (Monday through Friday from 7:45 am to 5:00 pm)
• Ability to work with a diverse patient population, including infants, children, adults, and geriatric patients
• Thorough understanding of phlebotomy techniques, procedures, and safety protocols
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment
• Familiarity with EKG procedures and acceptable results
• Understanding of HIPAA regulations and compliance standards
• Ability to work independently and maintain good judgment and accountability
• Ability to work well with health care providers
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks to meet all deadlines
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to speak clearly and concisely, conveying information in a manner that others can understand, as well as ability to understand and interpret information from others

Qualifications

• Completion of a Phlebotomy Certificate program through an accredited school
• 2+ years of blood draw experience
• Documented training program to include all elements of CLIA regulation 42CFR493.1423
• Experience performing EKG's and accurately determining acceptable readings
• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
• Intermediate level of proficiency with Microsoft Office and demonstrates solid computer skills
• Physical Demands: Must be able to frequently stand and walk from place to place for long periods with intermittent breaks, run during an emergency, frequently use hands and fingers to handle, grasp or feel objects, tools, controls, and medical or office equipment, repeat the same movements frequently, make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls and move arms and legs quickly, speak clearly so listeners can understand and be able to understand the speech of another person, hear sounds and recognize the difference between them, have a level of visual acuity to see details of objects from near and far, see differences between colors, shades, and brightness, and determine the distance between objects. May have periods of prolonged sitting in connection with telephone or computer usage, be able to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects (occasionally lifting to 50 pounds and carrying up to 24 pounds), bend, stretch, stoop, twist, squat, kneel, crawl, push/pull, grasp, handle, or reach out, move two or more limbs together while remaining in place, coordinate the movements of several body parts, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving, demonstrate proper body mechanics to support physical activity for long periods without getting tired or out of breath, be able to keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position, typical office conditions and noise levels are usually quiet, work may be demanding at times, it may require the ability to work irregular hours