Sr Phlebotomist Outreach

About the role

Under general supervision of the Pathology Manager or Phlebotomy Supervisor, performs responsibilities associated with obtaining blood and other patient specimens in accordance with established procedures. Works primarily in satellite physician offices to obtain samples from adult and pediatric patients for routine and specialized tests. May visit patient’s home to perform services. Prepares specimens to be transported to the laboratory for testing and maintains related records.

Responsibilities

• Performs various functions associated with the computer system to assure proper collection and documentation of patient specimens, including patient registration, identification, verification, demographic entry, insurance information, test orders, diagnostic codes, and document scanning.
• 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 the clinical treatment area.
• Maintains and monitors standing orders for expiration and renewals, ensuring tasks are followed through to completion.
• Provides patients with forms and instructions for tests, including any special preparation necessary prior to specimen collection.
• Reviews patient appointments to determine venipunctures or capillary blood punctures; references pathology handbook and obtains clarifying information from physicians as needed.
• Ensures supplies and equipment necessary for scheduled procedures are available.
• Verifies patient identity and preparation prior to venipuncture (e.g., fasting or special diet) and explains procedures to allay anxiety.
• Obtains blood samples using venipuncture or capillary puncture techniques; alerts physician to deviations or adverse patient conditions.
• Obtains samples for specialized tests (e.g., thyroid releasing hormone, therapeutic drug monitoring, D-Xylose tolerance) and verifies volume and timing of dosage; may monitor patient reactions.
• Performs certain waived laboratory tests (e.g., urinalysis, fecal occult blood, glucose monitoring, cholesterol tests) as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act and Rhode Island State Licensure.
• Labels, dates, records, wraps, and prepares samples for transport by courier to the laboratory; ensures timely pickup and delivery.
• Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies; reorders as needed.
• Obtains patient demographic and health insurance information for registration and billing; prepares and maintains records of patients seen, specimens obtained, and supplies used.
• Documents hours worked for payroll purposes.
• Adheres to hospital policy and universal precautions; disinfects work area and equipment to prevent infection spread.
• May perform duties at hospital locations for both in-patient and out-patient populations.
• 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 with a formal internship demonstrating 100 successful venipunctures.
• In lieu of internship, 6 months of phlebotomy experience may be considered.
• In lieu of phlebotomy certification, 5+ years of direct phlebotomy experience may be considered.
• Minimum 1 year of phlebotomy experience required.
• Ability to perform venipuncture and capillary puncture 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 considering aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns.
• Clerical skills to prepare and maintain records, 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; some physical effort may be required for 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

$19.03–$31.39 per hour.

Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
• 8-hour daily shifts.