Job Description

Performs Phlebotomy, utilizing a variety of mechanisms and techniques according to age-specific requirements. Accountable for the accurate data entry of order and collection information, verification and processing of specimens, and timely processing of reports and results inquiry requests.
Actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to encourage consistent use of LEAN principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements. Recognizes the necessity of taking ownership of one’s own motivation, morale, performance and professional development. Strives for behavior consistent with being committed to Excela’s missions, vision and values.

1. Regular, consistent, on-site, and timely attendance.
2. Demonstrates competency in LIS functions.
a. accurately places orders
b. Monitors various reports to track specimens and/or results, e.g., pending logs, collection lists, etc.
c. retrieves information in an efficient manner, providing timely resolution to inquiries
d. responds appropriately to system errors, with help desk notification and follow-up
e. resolves minor printer and printing problems
f. Proficient in use of LIS functions to look up test codes, collection information and physician demographics.
3. Performs phlebotomy using various techniques from inpatients and outpatients of all ages.
a. follows standard precautions when performing venous or capillary phlebotomy
b. assures the correct identification of patient and specimen, using two identifiers
c. follows written department protocols for blood collection
d. uses correct "order of draw" when collecting
e. follows written guidelines for post-venipuncture care
4. Performs phlebotomy in a prioritized environment, and with attention to patient safety goals.
a. responds to pages within an acceptable time frame and based on appropriate prioritization
b. demonstrates minimal redraws and performs in compliance with redraw policy
c. maintains acceptable blood culture contamination rate of <2%
5. Assists or performs specimen procurement techniques as required.
a. demonstrates use of procedures specific to age of patient served
b. assists with urine drug screen collections, follows established protocol
c. performs collections for legal alcohols according to established procedure
d. performs nasal swab collections for MRSA
e. collects throat swabs for culture and strep screen
6. Receives and processes laboratory orders, documents receipt of specimens, assesses basic specimen appropriateness.
a. accessions patient orders and specimens according to current policies and procedures
b. verifies accurate entry of information and prioritization
c. Adjusts information to enable maximum efficiency in testing and reporting, e.g., modifies orders as necessary, attaches FAX, etc.
d. remains current in knowledge of test menu and specimen requirements
e. complies with established protocols for patient identification and specimen labeling; is knowledgeable about patient safety goals
f. processes orders and patients appropriately during downtime to ensure progression to testing
g. assures accurate transfer of physician orders and special instructions
h. accurately tracks specimens and resolves problems related to tracking
7. Interacts effectively with healthcare providers, co-workers and patients to represent the department and to obtain and exchange information needed to expedite quality laboratory services.
a. assures that telephones are answered with professional etiquette and within a target of three rings
b. manages calls to keep hold time and transfers to a minimum
c. remains current with changes in department protocols in order to communicate accurate information
d. demonstrates a professional image in the work area
e. delivers specimens to laboratory in a timely manner, packaging samples to ensure safe transport
f. seeks timely resolution of questions or problems by referring to supervisor or manager
g. fills supply orders, sends supplies to floors as needed
h. progresses specimens to sections in an organized manner, recognizing the impact on overall operations
8. Prints, organizes and processes a variety of documentation to assure continuity of service between and among staff.
a. prints and monitors collection lists and labels
b. organizes barcode labels to clearly represent work processes and status
c. monitors delays and takes action to resolve, especially with pending or incomplete collections
d. utilizes function CLR to monitor collections and orders, initiates corrective action as needed
e. processes faxes and results to expedite results reporting, assuring professional appearance and quality of the report
f. monitors status of fax modems to assure timely processing; resolves issue of hung faxes
9. Maintains operational readiness to provide prompt response to service requests.
a. assures that printer, computers, faxes and pneumatic tube are ready and functioning properly; initiates corrective action if needed
b. inventories and orders supplies as necessary
c. rotates stock to limit unnecessary waste
d. maintains organization, current stock inventory and professional appearance of phlebotomy baskets
e. organizes breaks/lunches to ensure timely response to phlebotomy requests
f. prioritizes tasks to ensure timely response to requests
g. complies, sort, mail, fax and process results in a timely accurate manner
h. performs scanning and indexing of patient orders
“Ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Physical Conditions chart; and the ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Conditions chart (see attached charts)”

1. Demonstrates competency in LIS as evidenced by:
a. Gives attention to accuracy of data entry and transcription of information
b. Monitors various reports to track specimens and/or results
c. Retrieves information in an efficient manner providing timely resolution to inquiries
d. Responds appropriately to system errors
2. Performs phlebotomy using various techniques from inpatients and outpatients of all ages according to department procedures as evidenced by documentation, observation and feedback.
a. Demonstrates use of procedures specific to age of patient served
b. Responds within acceptable time frame based on appropriate prioritization
c. Redraws are minimal and in compliance to re-draw policy
d. Maintains acceptable contamination rate of blood cultures of <2%
e. Takes initiative to reconcile nursing unit log to lab orders
f. Follows procedures described for universal precautions when drawing blood or handling specimens
g. Conforms to hospital standards of patient and specimen identification
h. Completes age-specific competencies as required without reminders and within specified time frame
3. Interacts effectively with health care providers, co-workers and patients to effectively represent the department when obtaining and exchanging information to expedite laboratory services
a. Assures that page or telephone calls are answered with professional etiquette in an appropriate time frame as evidenced by lack of incidents
b. Stays apprised of changes in department protocols in order to communicate accurate information
c. Demonstrates a professional image throughout hospital/work area and when directing visitors
d. Processes requests for information/service in a timely professional manner, obtaining guidance with unusual requests or situations
e. Delivers specimens to Lab in a timely manner, packaging samples to ensure safe transport
f. Communicates, in an effective manner, the information necessary to assure continuity of information between staff, units and co-workers
4. Receives and processes laboratory orders, documents receipt of specimens, assesses basic specimen appropriateness
a. Accessions patient orders and specimens according to current policies and procedures
b. Verifies accurate entry of information and prioritization (e.g. Collection site/workload)
c. Adjusts information to enable maximum efficiency in testing and reporting (e.g. modifies order to attach - CAP to indicate capillary specimen)
d. Keeps current on test menu and specimen requirements
e. Complies with established protocol for specimen labeling and identification
f. Processes orders and patients appropriately during downtime to ensure timely progression
g. Assures accurate transfer of physician orders and instructions for processing and reporting
5. Prints, organizes and processes a variety of documentation to assure continuity of service between and among staff
a. Prints and monitors collection lists and labels
b. Organizes barcode labels to clearly represent work processes and status
c. Monitors and takes corrective action to investigate delays in pending or incomplete collections
d. Utilizes Function CLR to monitor collections and orders, taking timely corrective action
e. Processes faxes and results in a timely effective manner assuring the professional appearance and quality of the report. Organized to allow easy understanding of status at any time
f. Monitors status of fax modems to assure timely processing. Stops hung faxed and resolves issues to continue
6. Maintains operational readiness to provide prompt-timely response to service requests
a. Assures printer, computers, faxes and pneumatic tube readiness and function
b. Inventories and orders appropriate quantity of supplies
c. Rotates stock to limit unnecessary waste
d. Maintains organization and professional appearance of phlebotomy basket
e. Organizes breaks/lunches to ensure adequate coverage
f. Prioritizes tasks to ensure timely response to requests
g. Complies with hospital waste management guidelines
7. Participates in self-development and training of other staff as evidenced by:
a. Assists in the training of entry level associates to increase understanding and development of skills
b. Completes age specific educational tools in timely independent manner, requiring minimal reminders
c. Assists in competency validation
d. Attends staff meetings- minimum of 2/year
8. Compiles, sorts, mails and processes results in a timely accurate fashion.
a. Documents unique requests to clearly communicate special attention required
b. Accessions specimens to maximize reporting efficiency
c. Monitors and takes corrective action to investigate delays in pending reports or incomplete physician information
d. Maintains physician database to reflect changes in demographics
e. Processes faxes and results in a timely effective manner assuring the professional appearance and quality of the report
9. Delivers laboratory and non-laboratory specimens, supplies, equipment and other materials as needed across the system, and physician office.
a. Assures delivery of specimens to appropriate departments within laboratory
b. Assures delivery of x-rays, interdepartmental mail, supplies and equipment as requested.
c. Maintains specimen storage and temperature requirements
d. Transports specimens in designated containers
e. Notifies support services department of any unforeseen delays in transport
f. Responsible for maintaining materials and equipment during transportation.
g. Operates and maintains hospital vehicle according to established policy
h. Notifies supervisor of needed vehicle maintenance
i. Maintains vehicle fluid and gasoline levels for daily operation
j. Operates vehicle in a safe and courteous manner keeping all logs
10. Performs "laboratory send in”, nursing home, and contract registrations.
a. Accurately registers patient specimens and/or orders for processing
b. Contacts physician offices and/or patients to verify information as needed, and does so professionally and courteously
c. Uses the appropriate registration codes and insurance guidelines
d. Ensures that documentation meets current guidelines and standards
e. Completes and distributes necessary patient forms and identifications.
f. Identifies the correct patient during Master Patient index search.
g. Verifies insurance via online eligibility system and updates per response.
h. Completes the Medicare Secondary Questionnaire on all appropriate patients.
i. Ensures correct patient information such as denomination and church, nearest and emergency relative etc.