Phlebotomist- Full Time

Description

Job Description

Position: Phlebotomist

Reports To: Laboratory Manager

Schedule:

Position Location/Department: Laboratory

Job Summary: The phlebotomist, by using proper techniques, draws blood from patients for laboratory testing into proper tubes as well as assure proper post-phlebotomy care to the patient. This individual will also assist in certain pre-testing duties as defined by department policy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the proper identification of each patient prior to performing any phlebotomy or specimen collection procedure.
• Draws venous blood samples from patients by any method necessary without causing undue harm to patient, oneself, or any other individual present.
• Labels all specimens correctly according to proper procedure and protocol.
• Assures that all specimens are drawn within the specifications for each test ordered by the provider.
• Responsible for providing care to patients following phlebotomy when needed.
• Helps with the processing and handling of the specimens after collection.
• Assists in maintaining phlebotomy supply inventories and putting supplies away when they arrive in the laboratory.
• Understands and abides by safety procedures; knows location and use of SDS materials, and location and use of emergency equipment.

• Effectively and courteously communicates with department and hospital staff to ensure quality care, safety, and efficiency in day to day work flow and operations.
• Safeguards the privacy of patients, staff members and their families, by abiding by all HIPAA and HITECH standards as well as all other applicable laws and policies.
• Participate in quality improvement projects. Attend training and meetings as required
• Maintains awareness of current quality and safety measures on the unit and follows guidelines or reporting measures to ensure safety of patients, visitors, and staff.
• Knowledge and skills in quality improvement and research methodologies.
• May be tasked with other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Laboratory Manager.

Performance Requirements:

• The employee will attempt to acquire the proper specimen(s) from the patient based on the provider’s orders.  If unsuccessful, or when the occasion requires it, the phlebotomist will be responsible to find someone to help or assist. They’re also responsible for administering the proper post-phlebotomy care to the patient and for the processing and distribution of specimens after collection.
• The employee will complete all tasks on their daily task checklist and follow the task priority list as set forth by the Laboratory Manager. Any task left unfinished is to be communicated with the team using the appropriate method of communication (email, End-of-Shift Report, etc.).
• The employee will follow laboratory procedures and hospital policies as written. Any questions are to be directed to the lab team and Lab Manager.

Special Demands:

• May be asked to learn and perform some basic laboratory procedures.
• May be required to report earlier or stay later than scheduled hours based on staffing needs and work load.

Qualifications:

• Training: Some knowledge of medical terminology is helpful but not necessary. Previous employment in a healthcare-provider environment with phlebotomy experience is preferred.
• Prior knowledge of area hospitals, practitioners, laboratory procedures is helpful but not required.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to assist individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use their hands or fingers to handle/feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee frequently is required to talk and/or listen at the same time.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50lbs.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Performance of testing may include color vision and close vision.  Working on instrumentation may involve sitting, standing, bending and lifting.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made (but are limited) to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Discretions are based on individual basis.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts.  The employee is occasionally exposed to loud noises, temperature changes, wet and/or humid conditions, risk of electrical shock and vibrations, fumes or air borne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals.

Qualifications

Education, Experience and Other Requirements:

• Education: Should be a high school graduate and/or student in a healthcare field of study.
• A phlebotomy course is beneficial but not necessary to be qualified for the position.