Phlebotomist II

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for the patient registration, identification, collection, labeling and stabilization of patient specimens at the patient service center(s) and various client sites, according to established methods and procedures. Ensures patient is provided with necessary information and is comfortable and safe, displaying excellent interpersonal skills with all patients. Perform Point-of-Care Testing. Participates in training other staff members as requested.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direct supervision of the Patient Service Center (PSC), Registration, and Phlebotomy Supervisor and within established department policies and procedures, performs the following functions:

1. Demonstrate competency in obtaining venous specimens for Transfusion Service, Hematology, Chemistry, and Microbiology, from outpatients of all ages (newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric) upon request or as assigned, performing accurate patient identification, requisition verification, specimen labeling, specimen handling to include processing/specimen stabilization and disposal of contaminated waste and sharps. Call for Bio Hazard Waste Removal as appropriate at all off sites. Demonstrate competency in the collection of Throat Cultures, Anterior Nares Cultures, Glucose Challenge Testing and Urea Breath Test (UBT) Collection. Communicate the procedures to be performed to the patient. Convey the appropriate non blood collection process in a manner the patient understands. Validate collection and information associated with "patient collected" specimens.

1. Perform accurate and complete registration process for lab specimens and/or patients requiring sample collection as appropriate. Patient registration process to include; greeting and acknowledgement of patient; registration interview with patient to obtain and/or verify patient information, secures appropriate signatures from the patient and/or responsible party on any required hospital, insurance, consent, and/or financial forms; and give the patient informational booklets as necessary. Maintain knowledge of Medical Necessity requirements to ensure appropriate documentation is completed. Sustain working knowledge of registration support software to ensure timely reimbursement. Perform daily quality checks on registration and test ordering.

1. Receive and process physician orders via laboratory requisitions and/or bar code labels for routine, timed and emergency blood tests. Recognizes a valid/ambiguous order. Call physician's office to gather additional information as necessary. Promptly respond to all calls, pages and other requests for services, facilitating timely collection of specimens /performance of phlebotomy procedures at off-site locations as required. Travel to client sites for purpose of phlebotomy collections, providing own vehicle for transportation; provide documentation annually on proof of driver's licensure, vehicle insurance, and vehicle registration/inspection. Obtain assistance from appropriate laboratory personnel regarding procedures, as needed. Look up reference test specimen requirements via the internet, as needed. Accept specimens by outside collectors as appropriate.

1. Demonstrate competency in the operation of the Pneumatic Tube System and recognizes specimens that are inappropriate for transport. Deliver blood specimens and other lab specimens and requisitions to designated Specimen Processing Area as appropriate. Incorporates the LIS tracking system into the delivery of specimens to include proper stabilization/packaging of all specimens prior to Courier Pick Up. Ensure priority delivery of STAT/Time Sensitive specimens to the laboratory.

1. Provide care to the patients to insure well being immediately following specimen collection.

1. Immediately respond and document adverse patient reactions.

1. Ensure patient/client information is confidential at all times. Issue "Release Forms" according to the HIPAA guidelines for patients requesting results.

1. Display courtesy and professionalism at all times while providing timely, helpful service to all patients, clients, visitors, physicians, and hospital personnel. Maintain a professional decorum in the work environment under all types of circumstances, demonstrating ability to remain calm in tense and/or emergency situations.

1. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of the Hospital and Laboratory Information Systems and the application to perform a variety of clerical duties accurately including patient registration, entering/editing patient data, receiving specimens, and downtime procedures.

1. Assist with the greeting and the workflow of arriving patients.

1. Perform Point of Care Testing as requested both on and off site. Troubleshoot Point of Care procedural problems and discuss with supervisor. Assist with quality control discrepancies, interpretations or review. Check, calibrate and maintain Point of Care equipment, performing all maintenance at prescribed intervals and as appropriate. Make minor repairs on equipment as appropriate and keep related records.

1. Train staff in the operation and processes associated with the telephone system, copy/scanner and clerical duties. Assume quality monitoring of Scanning and the Practice Management System when appropriate.

1. Maintain phlebotomy tray/cart, supplies, equipment and work area in a clean and orderly manner. Ensure appropriate inventory level to perform duties.

1. Inform Supervisor of significant problems and suggest solutions. Internally report all suspected compliance violations to supervisor or designee using the reporting mechanisms identified in the Catholic Medical Center Compliance Program Manual.

1. Participate as a team member, effectively adapting to change or unusual circumstances.

1. Maintain professional growth and development through attendance at continuing educational sessions within the laboratory and outside the laboratory as appropriate.

1. Participate in departmental meetings, documenting participation. Attend required in-service programs on Infection Control Practices/Universal Precautions, Disaster Plan, Electrical & Fire Safety and Chemical Hygiene/Hazardous Communications. Comply with all Laboratory and Hospital policies as outlined in the Laboratory Department Manual, Laboratory Safety Manual, and Hospital/Laboratory Compliance Manual, adhering to policies, i.e. unscheduled absence, time-off/vacation time, driving policy, professional dress code and proper use of business/personal phones, E-mail, etc.

1. Report to work consistently and promptly as scheduled. Provide proper advance notice of absence or tardiness. Work overtime as required to meet the business need.

1. Consistently document time worked each week as required.

1. Perform similar or related duties as requested or directed.

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Phlebotomy training course required.

Experience:

• Three (3) years full-time or equivalent phlebotomy experience required.

Licensure/Certification:

• None