Blood Donor Phlebotomist

At Houston Methodist, the Blood Donor Phlebotomist position collects whole blood and donor apheresis products by established protocols. Responsibilities for this position include performing pre-donation screening, processing whole blood into components as needed, and performing critical processes which necessitates a knowledge of standards required by accrediting agencies for Blood Bank and Blood Donor Center.

FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
• Course in phlebotomy/venipuncture preferred

EXPERIENCE

• Two years whole blood collection experience which must include phlebotomy and donor apheresis experience
• Previous data entry experience preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

Preferred

• CPT – Certified Phlebotomy Technician (ACA) or
• PBT(ASCP) - Phlebotomy Technician (ASCP) or
• RPT – Phlebotomy Technician (AMT) or
• NCPT – Phlebotomy Technician (NCCT)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing evaluations consisting of one or more of the following: skills, competency assessments and/or performance reviews
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all donors, patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
• Demonstrates skills necessary for venipuncture and capillary techniques on patients and donors utilizing appropriate equipment and supplies for whole blood and donor apheresis collections
• Strong organizational skills to handle a heavy workload and maintain accuracy
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain donor records and other related documents
• Independently adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing work flow
• Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent donor and patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Greets donors, patients, and visitors in a clear and professional manner. Answers telephone in a timely and professional manner; routes calls to appropriate person.
• Performs and accurately evaluates donor/patient pre-donation screening and medical history in accordance with requirements of regulatory agencies.
• Performs a variety of Laboratory Information System functions. Documents the donor visit, ensures patients have correct registration, and documents the processing of blood components according to requirements of regulatory agencies.
• Organizes workload and sets priorities. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks. Maintains a well stocked, clean and organized work area.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Accurately identifies patient/donor/unit for phlebotomy procedures, obtains correct specimens and labels them appropriately. Collects appropriate whole blood from donors using accurate and sterile technique. Prepares quality components from whole blood by established procedures in accordance with standards of accrediting agencies.
• Appropriately prepares instruments for donor apheresis procedures. Performs donor apheresis procedures using accurate and sterile technique.
• Monitors patients/donors for adverse effects from the donation. Reports all unusual occurrences, procedural discrepancies and adverse reactions to supervisory personnel. Assists physician or designee in the management of adverse effects from donation.
• Appropriately collects samples, orders tests, and calculates results of component Quality Control. Performs, evaluates and documents quality control of equipment and procedures within established guidelines.
• Recognizes problems, investigates the cause, takes remedial action or escalates to leader and notifies management for follow-up.
• Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
• Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in departmental projects activities, and seeks continuing education opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: No
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
• Course in phlebotomy/venipuncture preferred

EXPERIENCE

• Two years whole blood collection experience which must include phlebotomy and donor apheresis experience
• Previous data entry experience preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

Preferred

• CPT – Certified Phlebotomy Technician (ACA) or
• PBT(ASCP) - Phlebotomy Technician (ASCP) or
• RPT – Phlebotomy Technician (AMT) or
• NCPT – Phlebotomy Technician (NCCT)