PHLEBOTOMIST

POSITION SUMMARY

Phlebotomy Skills: Proven proficiency in phlebotomy techniques, including pediatric and geriatric patients.
Customer Service: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact with patients and colleagues.
Attention to Detail: Ability to work accurately and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Flexibility: Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts.

Obtains blood specimens and collects nonblood specimens such as urine, sputum, and throat swabs for laboratory testing. Processes specimens to prepare them for laboratory testing. Prepares specimens for reference laboratory dispatch and testing. Resolves ambiguous and/or unusual test orders by contacting the physician of the order, pathologist, nursing station, or reference laboratory. Refers unresolved orders back to the originator for further clarification before collecting samples or processing specimens. Makes the supervisor aware of unresolved orders. Contributes to the general laboratory functions and institutional needs. Attends regular department staff meetings and in-service training. Maintains compliance with laboratory and hospital policies and procedures, and safety practices. Keeps the work area neat and clean and restocks daily supplies.

     TASK LETTER CODE

PRIMARY DUTIES

(Are the essential job tasks or primary responsibilities that the individual who holds the position mist be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of an accommodation. For example: “DO” (action verb) “WHAT” (object) – “Collects vitals from patients at the being of the visit according to clinic protocol”.

% OF TIME PERFORMING DUTY

A

PATIENT APPROACH and PREPARATION

A1. Greets the patient and identifies themselves. Explains all procedures in a manner in which patients can understand while maintaining patient confidentiality.

A2. Asks appropriate pre-collection questions. Can you tell me your name and date of birth? Have you had your blood taken before? Have you had any problems in the past when you have had your blood taken?

A3. Maintains patient records (requisitions, special permission forms, labels). Confirms patient orders.

A4. Listens effectively to patients’ questions and concerns and respond appropriately

A5. Identifies patients appropriately as per location. (Name, HCN, unique identifier, DOB, Physician, & Requisition)

B

PATIENT PREPARATION AND VENIPUNCTURE

B1. Obtains blood specimens and collects non-blood specimens such as urine, sputum and throat swabs for laboratory testing using aseptic technique in accordance with department procedures.

B2. Utilizes techniques of infection control, including proper hand washing and observing standard precautions.

B3. Initial, dates, and times all collections.

B4. Verifies positive patient identification checking the test requisition against the patient arm band for inpatients, against patient verbalization of name, date of birth, social security number, or other identification to assure correctness prior to collecting samples.  Brings discrepancies to the attention of appropriate supervisor

for correction.

B5. Ensures that specimen requirements are met at the time of collection and maintains specimen integrity.

B6. Has phlebotomist explained actions during this procedure if required?

C

DOCUMENTATION AND COMPLETION

C1. Labels tubes correctly in front of the patient (verifies name, test, etc.). Initials requisitions and labels

C2. Discards wastes appropriately.

C3. Removes gloves and washes hands before leaving room/area.

C4. Ensures patient safety before leaving.

C5. Bags specimens/requisition correctly or places in appropriate racks for transportation to the lab.

C6. Coordinates the collection of therapeutic drug-monitoring assays with nursing personnel to ensure the proper drug dose to collection time.

C7. Assesses and processes specimens to prepare them for laboratory testing verifying specimen integrity and adhering to established procedures for rejection of unacceptable specimens.

C8. Prepares specimens for reference laboratory dispatch and testing according to specimen requirements, completing order forms, recording entries in reference laboratory log.

D

SITUATIONS/RESPONSES

D1. Responds appropriately to patient crisis and stops collection if warranted (ex. Nausea, fainting etc.).

D2. Responds appropriately to stressful/challenging situations. (difficult patient, combative patient).

D3. Responds appropriately when unable to obtain blood or patient is unavailable (inpatients)

E

Resolves ambiguous and/or unusual test orders by consulting the Medical Technologist, nursing station, or reference laboratory.  Refers unresolved orders back to the originator for further clarification before collecting samples or processing specimens.  Makes the supervisor aware of unresolved orders.       

F

Processes and distributes reports to be delivered and faxed to physician offices, clinics in accordance with department policies and procedures.

G

Answers telephone calls; takes messages or routes calls; records requests for blood collections; answers general questions concerning test orders and collection; enters patients into the computer system.    

H

Performs variety of routine typing and clerical duties.

I

Maintains and stocks blood-drawing supplies.

J

Maintains phlebotomy tray and working area in a sanitary condition.

K

Demonstrates professional manners in all work settings.      

L

Maintains harmonious relationship and open line of communication within the

unit and with other departments, staff, physicians and other support personnel

providing support and assistance to ensure quality patient care.

M

COMMUNICATION

M1. Demonstrates appropriate judgment in notifying/communicating with physicians.

M2. Communicates clearly and tactfully with patients, their families and other staff members.             

M3. Participates in rotation of stand-by call and responds according to department policies and procedures.

N

Maintains confidentiality of all patient/resident/staff information.

O

Other related duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent.

PREFERRED EDUCATION: Phlebotomy certification preferred.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 6 months’ experience.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS: Phlebotomy certification.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES: Phlebotomy certification.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

Phlebotomy Skills: Proven proficiency in phlebotomy techniques, including pediatric and geriatric patients.
Customer Service: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact with patients and colleagues.
Attention to Detail: Ability to work accurately and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Flexibility: Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts.

SUPERVISES:

PHYSICIAL DEMANDS: For physical demands and working conditions, see next page.