Phlebotomist/Lab Assistant

Oklahoma Arthritis Center (OAC) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Job Summary:

Performs venipuncture on patients and some routine laboratory tests to provide data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Develop an understanding and ability to perform moderately complex testing in the lab.

Essential Functions:

• Prepares equipment to efficiently collect blood products.
• Performs venipuncture on patients as directed by provider following medical practice protocols related to safety, infection control, and confidentiality.
• Verifies any patient allergies, including latex and tape.
• Verifies Patient name and Insurance.
• Notifies providers and/or nurses immediately about “red flag” results.
• Ensures quality control in collecting specimen and in ensuring appropriate sampling and record keeping.
• Processes laboratory test requisitions via laboratory information system (LIS) or other appropriate means.
• Conducts laboratory tests on specimens and enters result data into computer.
• Assists donor before, during, and after donation. Instructs on urine collection procedures.
• Cleans/sterilizes equipment, instruments, and work area following safety, cleanliness, and infection control procedures.
• Maintains equipments, instruments and supplies as needed.
• Complies with all quality assurance policies and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations related to safety, cleanliness and infection control.
• Inventories supplies and places orders to ensure adequate supplies for procedures.
• Acts as the point of contact for cleanup of hazardous materials.
• Ensure patient confidentiality and follow HIPAA guidelines.
• Promote a professional image by adhering to the established dress code as listed in Employee Handbook.
• Check and resolve assigned tasks in EMR program.
• Other duties as assigned by Administration.
• Assist co-workers as needed.
• Recognize when others are in need of assistance, information or directions and offers to help when able, or find someone who can.
• Responsible for neatness of work area to include stocking and cleaning. Be productive when faced with any “down time” during work hours.
• Maintain emotional control and diplomacy at all times.
• Maintain open and positive lines of communication.
• Consistently report to work on time, begins work promptly and perform duties for entire scheduled shift.
• Maintain absenteeism within company policy.
• Notify Administration of absences and tardiness in a timely manner.
• Read new policies and documents as instructed.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate sensible and efficient use of equipment and supplies by limiting waste, spoilage or damage.

Performance Requirements:

Knowledge: 

• Knowledge of phlebotomy techniques.
• Knowledge of medical laboratory principles and standards.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory tests.
• Knowledge of LIS applications.
• Knowledge of use and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Knowledge of safety, infection control and quality assurance policies and regulations.

Skills:

• Skill in performing efficient and effective draws.
• Skill in applying appropriate testing procedures.
• Skill in equipment proper use and preventive maintenance.
• Skill in appropriate quality control and confidentiality procedures.

Abilities: 

• Ability to interpret and respond appropriately to instructions.
• Ability to coordinate eye–hand movements to ensure patient comfort during blood draws.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, problem solve and make decisions and use discretion in reporting/distributing results.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with patients, families and staff.
• Ability to organize workload effectively and work quickly with high level of accuracy using manual/finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.

Qualifications:

• A High School Diploma or GED required.
• Graduation from an accredited medical vocational institution with phlebotomy course diploma.
• Minimum one year of phlebotomy experience preferred. Medical clinic experience helpful.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Physical ability to sit, perform data entry and view computer screen for long periods at a time.
• Daily standing, walking, bending, and maneuvering.
• May require lifting up to 50 pounds or more to transfer and/or turn patient with and without assistive devices.

Environmental Conditions:

• 
  Occasional exposure to communicable diseases and biohazards.
• 
  This is a safety sensitive position.

Travel:
Travel may be required if phlebotomist is needed at other OAC sites.

Scheduled Working Hours:
Normal work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Fridays. Hours may vary depending upon the needs of the position, department, and clinic.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change from time to time, with or without notice.

Equipment Operated:

Computer, standard laboratory equipment, and various testing instruments.