Phlebotomist

Job Summary:

Incumbent collects human clinical specimens using established, approved laboratory methods, in a safe and efficient manner.  Methods employed may include venipuncture, capillary puncture, and collection of swabs for detection of microorganisms. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.
• Established patient identification protocols are followed consistently.  Inpatients are identified by their wristbands, with no errors.  Outpatients, including residents of assisted living facilities, are identified by having patient verbally spell complete name, confirm state and date of birth.
• Interprets laboratory orders from clinical provider staff and enters orders into hospital computer systems. 
• Clinical Collect device is used appropriately in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Outpatient specimens are collected based on the requisition (not label). Compare requisition to Clinical Collect to verify all information.  Correctly selects existing patient file from a search list 100% of time.
• Quality Assurance review of all orders for accuracy is done before drawing the patient’s blood to ensure tests are crossing the interface and not missed.
• Duties may include registering patients in the hospital admission and billing systems, verifying insurance coverage, placing physician orders into the order entry system, verifying information for medical coding and billing, and resolving client concerns and inquiries.
• May register patients for non-lab departments, such as Diagnostic Imaging (to include X-ray, Ultrasound, Bone Density and Mammogram) and Milford Urgent Care.
• Performs minor specimen processing tasks which may include centrifugation of specimens, separation of serum/plasma and specimen preservation.  
• Interacts with patients, physicians, and hospital staff members in a professional manner. 
• Periodically, phlebotomists will be required to collect and process blood samples for legal blood alcohol testing when requested by law enforcement. 
• Performs clerical duties as needed to create, maintain, and communicate patient data to health care providers.
• All specimens are labeled and initialed according to established policies.  Ask patients to verify labeled specimens.
• Specimens accepted from patients or healthcare providers are verified for proper labeling and specimen integrity prior to allowing the individual to leave.
• Understands specimen requirements and venipuncture techniques applicable to all age groups.  Familiar with and competent in using all types of specimen collection equipment.
• Organizes / prioritizes test requisitions to ensure timely collection of specimens.  Obtains STAT specimens within 15 minutes of request.
• Collects appropriate specimen type and amount, according to established policy, to ensure specimens are suitable for accurate testing.   Research specimen requirements when needed.
• Performs capillary puncture according to established procedures. 
• Understands and follows special collection protocols, such as collecting blood cultures, timed specimens, tolerance tests, throat cultures, nasal swabs and breath tests.
• Productivity standards are consistently met:  An average of 6 to 8 minutes for one inpatient; 5-7 minutes for each outpatient.
• Handles collected specimens to ensure they are delivered for optimum laboratory processing.  Uses pneumatic tube appropriately. STAT specimens sent to lab immediately
• Repeat venipuncture attempts are minimized and conducted according to policy. 
• Checks the collection lists and computer to consolidate requests and verify patient has/has not been recently drawn. Monitors wait list regularly to achieve low patient wait times and help meet patient satisfaction goals.  Uses routine scheduled collection times to optimize patient flow.
• Recognizes, reports, and seeks appropriate intervention for signs and symptoms of complication or significant change in patient status (e.g., fainting, nausea, etc.). 
• Provides patient education as needed including instructions for pre-collection preparation, specimen collection, and specimen labeling
• Performs administrative and clerical tasks such as registering patients, ordering tests, maintaining patient records in a filing system, filing important records, retrieving data, and sending reports to physicians via phone, mail, fax, or computer.
• Operates hospital and laboratory information systems effectively to enter and retrieve patient data.
• Performs basic patient reception and specimen processing duties to include registration, ordering of tests, test add-ons, centrifuging, poring off specimens (aliquoting), and preserving specimen appropriately.
• Registers patients accurately in the hospital information system by obtaining and verifying all required demographic and insurance information. 
• Orders laboratory tests in HIS and LIS with utmost accuracy.  Able to make corrections when errors occur.
• Identifies and effectively resolves specimen collection problems.  Rejects improperly collected samples when appropriate.
• Documents follow-up for patient recalls. Ensures patient consent has been obtained, Medicare Secondary Payor questionnaires and Advanced Beneficiary Notices are completed as necessary.
• Performs phlebotomies at sites remote from the main hospital, including clinic collection stations, physician offices, nursing homes, business clients and health fairs. 
• Assists in training new phlebotomists, students, and clinic office staff as needed.  Acts as a resource in obtaining difficult venipunctures and answering technical phlebotomy questions.
• Other duties as consistent with this role.

Job Requirements

Job Knowledge and Skills

• Position requires knowledge of medical terminology and familiarity with clinical laboratory policies and procedures related to specimen collection, handling and processing.  
• Entering and retrieving data from hospital and laboratory information systems
• Excellent communication skills, interaction with the public and medical/nursing personnel to promote positive outcomes, handling multiple priorities, and managing stress effectively

Education and Experience

• National certification (ASCP or equivalent) in Phlebotomy is preferred but not required
• 6 months experience in phlebotomy preferred.
• Training in an approved school or program of phlebotomy is desired, but on-the-job training and experience will be evaluated through display of job knowledge and skills
• High School Diploma or GED preferred

An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with this position that involves a combination of sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching. Occasional lifting/carrying up to 25 lbs.  Some stress related to high level of responsibility for quality care.

Americans with Disabilities Statement

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.  Covenant Health reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

Standard of Business Conduct

Every St Joseph Hospital employee is required to abide by the Standards of Conduct and to report any activity that appears to violate the Standards of Conduct.

Covenant Health Mission Statement

We are a Catholic health ministry, providing healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities.

Our Core Values:

•Compassion

We show respect, caring and sensitivity towards all, honoring the dignity of each person, especially the poor, vulnerable and suffering.

•Integrity

We promote justice and ethical behavior, and responsibly steward our human, financial and environmental resources.

•Collaboration

We work in partnership, dialogue and shared purpose to create healthy communities.

•Excellence

We deliver all services with the highest level of quality, while seeking creative innovation.

Applicants, employees and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information (including family medical history).

Comp Range:

$17.73 - $24.42

Rate of pay displayed reflects the beginning of the pay scale.  At the time of an offer, determination of your offer will reflect your skills and experience as it relates to the position.

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