Job Description

AND SCOPE

The Phlebotomist is primarily responsible for the collection of blood specimens – venous, capillary and arterial – from both inpatients and outpatients according to age-specific protocols. Phlebotomists are responsible for receiving patient specimens from the patient care units, ordering laboratory tests on outpatients, scheduling and performing therapeutic phlebotomies, and reporting critical patient results received from reference laboratories. They provide technical assistance to the Laboratory Technologist by assisting in the performance of CLIA-waived tests and clerical assistance by performing specimen labeling, handling, preservation, processing and/or preparation for transportation of specimens to reference laboratories as well as other clerical duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs phlebotomies, including arterial puncture, capillary punctures and venipunctures as appropriate for the patient requiring the procedure, applying age-specific criteria as appropriate.
• Receives and processes specimens utilizing protocols and technical knowledge.
• Assists in the performance of CLIA-waived laboratory tests, as needed.
• Assists the Laboratory Manager in the coordination of point of care testing (POCT) performed by all Down East Community nurses and medical assistants. Including training, competency and proficiency testing, as appropriate.
• Maintains phlebotomy supplies necessary to perform collection of biological samples.
• Provides clerical assistance to the laboratory – answering the telephone, communicating critical patient results received from reference laboratories to care providers, scanning reference laboratory reports into patients’ electronic laboratory record, and reconciling reference laboratory billing to ensure appropriate patient billing.
• Assists in the maintenance and development of laboratory policy and procedural manuals.
• Assists with orientation and teaching students and new employees.
• Follows established safety practices including biohazards, exposure control plan (blood-borne pathogens), infection control to include universal precautions, employee right to know (hazardous chemicals), and chemical hygiene standard.
• Promotes effective working relationships and works effectively as part of a department / unit / team inter and intra departmentally to facilitate the department/unit’s ability to meet its goals and objectives.
• Attends all inservice education as required by hospital, policy and national credentialing agency requirements.
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible and courteous environment.
• Seeks out needed information by staying informed and involved by attending meetings, reading memos, policies, meeting minutes, newsletters, email and other appropriate information in a timely manner.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality, including observing appropriate break times and extending a scheduled shift when necessary to meet patient demands
• Performs duties in a safe manner, in compliance with all safety policies and procedures
• Complies with the Code of Conduct and all appropriate policies and procedures
• Other duties, as assigned, that are relevant to the position and department

*DECH is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High School diploma required.
• Graduate of an accredited phlebotomy or medical assistant program desired.
• Phlebotomy certification with a National certifying agency, preferred.
• Hospital experience with a general knowledge of medical terminology, preferred.
• Must have excellent customer service skills.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Active: Frequently lifts up to 25 pounds independently. Visual acuity correctable to 20/20. Color vision. Walks, stands, kneels, bends most of the time. Exhibits fine motor skills and manual dexterity necessary to perform the essential job functions of the position. Must be able to function in limited space and with frequent interruptions. Must be able to adapt to day-to-day temperature variations and moderate noise levels from equipment within the laboratory.

EXPOSURE RISK Exposure Category I: Employee at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

• Maintains current knowledge of the hospital-wide Quality Improvement Program.
• Collaborates with management to improve the effectiveness of the department through the Quality Improvement plans and processes.
• Participates in the departmental and hospital-wide Quality Improvement activities as directed by the manager.

COMPLIANCE

• Adheres to the federal, state, and local statutes and regulations.
• Adheres to the Compliance Program policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Adheres to all Privacy and Security policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Communicates any concern related to compliance issues to manager of department or Compliance Officer.
• Communicates any concern related to confidentiality issues to the Privacy Officer.