Laboratory-Lead Phlebotomist FT/Variab

JOB SUMMARY:
Provides daily support to other Phlebotomists with regard to laboratory policies and procedures. The incumbent will strive to improve the patient continuity of care by closely monitoring daily phlebotomy activities, troubleshooting, documenting problems and providing information for improvement. Oversees and performs a variety of routine tasks in the laboratory including specimen collection, data entry of specimen and patient information and report routing.
Direct and trains the laboratory phlebotomists. Reports directly to the Laboratory Manager and acts as a trainer and communicator for various routine and special activities. The incumbent will maintain patient confidentiality at all times and will ensure the comfort and safety of patients and phlebotomists. The incumbent will communicate patient problems to the clinical staff including clarification of orders and patient status. The incumbent will work independently to resolve problems, consulting with management or other senior staff when necessary.

Organizational skill and ability to prioritize testing requests are critical to successful performance. Attention to detail and reliability is required to ensure proper collection of specimens to be used in the timely diagnosis and treatment of patients. Good communication skills are required during interaction with clinical staff and physicians.
Maintains a work schedule for the phlebotomy staff. Evaluates subordinate phlebotomists and submits findings to the Laboratory Manager for final approval in a timely manner. Performs a variety of clerical duties and other duties as assigned.
PERFORMANCE DIMENSIONS AND TASKS
Essential Function

1 Obtains venous blood samples as required.
a. Checks patient identification before drawing samples and compares with laboratory slip to insure accuracy.
b. Follows established policy when drawing blood and labeling specimens.
c. Supervises and trains subordinates in the procedures of patient identification and proper specimen collection techniques.

2. Prepares blood samples for analysis in the laboratory and or send outs to the reference laboratory.
a. Alerts technologist when test abnormalities or irregularities are encountered in test orders.
b. Verifies that sample is labeled properly according to the Laboratory policy manual.
c. Supervises and trains subordinates in the procedures of specimen preparation.

3. Accommodates urgent orders and other orders as requested.
a. Responds promptly to orders as they are requested.
b. Supervises subordinates in proper order response.

4. Logs specimens into the Laboratory Information System and prepares report forms and processes charges.
a. Is responsible to see that charges are entered into the system and that they are completed on time and are accurate.
b. Gives accurate attention to required data and reports.
c. Reviews and validates the accuracy and completeness of daily patient charge reports.
d. Required record keeping tasks are kept current and submitted on time.

5. Maintains venipuncture supplies, requisitions, and performs inventory and supply stocking.
a. Maintains adequate supply and levels without hoarding.
b. Insures that inventories are accurate and complete; orders supply levels on time and stocks accurately.
c. Notifies Lab Manager when unusual increases in stock demands occur, or supplies are back ordered.

6. Assists in operation of analytical equipment, if required.
a. Trains and instructs other phlebotomists to insure that department policies and procedures are followed closely.
b. Alerts laboratory technologist or supervisor when abnormalities of operations are encountered.
c. Insures that any recording of results is under the direction of a laboratory technologist.

7. Charts reports on inpatients and delivers or routes outpatient reports to referring physicians.
a. Ensures accuracy and completeness of patient information.
b. Prepares reports in accurate manner and in accordance with established procedures.
c. Supervises and trains phlebotomists in the proper procedures for data entry and report dissemination.

8. Assists others in the completion of work assignments.
a. Willingly helps others in laboratory in completing laboratory assignments or performs other tasks as assigned.
b. Responds positively changes in the work schedule; continually uses time to department advantage.
c. Maintains the phlebotomist work schedule in a fair manner and insures the schedule is completed two or more weeks in advance.

Essential Function

9. Follows designated infection control procedures.
a. Washes hands before and after each patient contact and between tests.
b. Instructs and trains phlebotomists in infection control procedures involved with specimen handling and collection.

10. Performs miscellaneous clerical duties.
b. Consistently and accurately logs information, filing it accurately.
c. Supervises and trains phlebotomists in data entry operations and corrects any errors discovered.
d. Maintains a work schedule for the phlebotomy staff.

11. Evaluates subordinate phlebotomists and submits findings to the Laboratory Manager for final approval in a timely manner.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent

Skill Requirements: Must meet the venipuncture requirements of the California Business and Professions Code and the California Administrative Code.

Work Experience: Minimum Five years laboratory experience required. Supervisory experience preferred

Licensing Requirements: California Certified Phlebotomy Technician 1

Language Requirements: Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Physical Demands: Stands, walks, sits, bends, reaches overhead, crouches, kneels, pushes, pulls, and uses both hands when performing assigned duties. Must be able to sit and stand for 6 hours or more per day. Must be able to use hands repetitively for 4 hours or more. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.

Special Demands: Willing to perform repetitive tasks. Ability to work with others and to perform a variety of assigned duties. Must be able to tolerate blood, tissues and any specimen generated by a hospital.

DISCLAIMER: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this jo b.