Phlebotomist

SUMMARY:
Under supervision of the Manager Laboratory Outreach Services or guidance of the Lead Phlebotomist, performs responsibilities associated with obtaining blood and various other patient specimens in accordance with department procedures. Obtains samples ordered by physicians for routine and specialized tests on assigned unit. Takes samples from pediatric and adult patients on outpatient units. Transports specimens and completes basic records. Fosters patient and family centered care and nursing services in accordance with the Brown University Health and The Miriam Hospital's mission, vision, values, with consideration of the life span, including all developmental stages as well as cultural patterns.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

• Schedules venipunctures or capillary blood punctures according to priority and type of test, such as timed studies. Utilizes computer-generated collection labels and references Pathology Handbook as necessary to ensure collection of specimens is in accordance with established procedures, i.e., specimens are collected in proper containers and meet special collection requirements as appropriate. Duties are performed according to hospital policy and observance of universal precautions.

• Verifies identity of patient following established procedures and proper patient preparation prior to venipuncture such as fasting or special diet.

• Obtains blood samples from patient according to venipuncture or capillary puncture technique. Alerts nursing staff or supervisor to any deviations from puncture or adverse patient condition.

• Obtains samples for specialized tests (thyroid Releasing hormone, therapeutic drug monitoring, and D-Xylose tolerance). Verifies volume and timing of dosage. May monitor patient as assigned to observe reactions, including Diaphoresis, sleeping, etc.

• Performs coagulation tests on outpatients such as bleeding times.

• Labels, wraps and transports samples according to type and urgency of sample. Maintains records on sample procurement.

• Performs duties according to hospital policy and universal precautions.

• Performs various functions associated with the laboratory computer system to assure proper collection and documentation of patient specimens.

• All essential functions performed in this position reflect the age specific needs of the patients.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Phlebotomy certificate through National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences and/or completion of a Phlebotomy certificate program to include formal internship demonstrating 100 successful venipunctures.

• In lieu of internship, 6 months of phlebotomy experience may be considered.

• In lieu of phlebotomy certification, 5 plus years direct phlebotomy experience may be considered.

• Ability to perform venipuncture techniques and capillary puncture on adults, children and infants.

• Interpersonal skills to obtain and provide information to patients and to explain procedures effectively in order to allay fears and anxiety.

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

• Clerical skills to prepare and maintain records and reports, including keyboard skills to enter access information.

• Familiarity with blood collector equipment, anticoagulants, special precautions and interference.

• Ability to distinguish chromatic colors.

• A Phlebotomy certificate required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Works with in-patient care environment with considerable walking between units and where some physical effort may be required to deal with patients who are uncooperative.

• Some exposure to odors when handling specimens.

• Exposure to communicable diseases while administering to patients, however chance of injury is minimized by the adherence to established infection control procedures.

• Manual dexterity to perform venipunctures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None.

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EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

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