Phlebotomist

PhlebotomistThe Phlebotomist is responsible for obtaining blood specimens required for the various laboratory tests.Obtaining blood specimens involves the performance of an invasive procedure requiring extensive procedural knowledge and good judgment. It is important that he/she interacts with patients and nursing staff in a friendly, helpful, and courteous manner. Of utmost importance is the correct identification of the patient prior to drawing the blood specimen and the accurate labeling of the specimen before returning it to the laboratory. At times the phlebotomist is also responsible for the operation of the laboratory office, and therefore must be proficient in the clerical duties associated with the lab office.Minimum EducationGED or High School Diploma required or current high school student in pursuit of GED to be obtained within one calendar yearMay have one or more years of college, vocational or technical school.May have completed a phlebotomy course and/or certification program.Minimum Work ExperienceExperience in phlebotomy is highly desirable.ASCP, NCA or similar certification is desirable.On-the-job training is available under some circumstances.Required SkillsBLS requiredPhysical RequirementsSitting - 16-31%Walking - = or greater than 32%Standing - = or greater than 32%Bending/Squatting - 16-31%Climbing/Kneeling - 1-15%Twisting - 1-15%OSHA CategoryExposure to bloodborne pathogens.Visual and Hearing RequirementsMust be able to see with corrective eye wear.Must be able to hear clearly with assistance.Color vision required.Other Physical/Environmental DemandsLifting - 0-50lbs, 50lbs or more with assistanceCarrying - 0-50lbs, 50lbs or more with assistancePulling - up to 100lbsPushing - up to 100lbsFrequent talking and hearing is required for communication with physicians, nurses, other hospital employees, and physicians' office personnel.At times of emergency occurrences and heavy workload, stressful and strenuous situations may arise.Most tasks require manual dexterity and frequent use of the hands.Frequent movement from sitting to standing and back (up and down) required for most tasks.Mission, Service, and ValuesSupports the hospital Mission, Service and Values.Essential FunctionsPHLEBOTOMYAlways greets patient courteously by introducing self and briefly explaining the procedure about to be done.Always performs two checks for patient identification; compares armband to each label/request form and asks patient to state his/her name.Never draws blood from a patient without an ID band except in extreme emergencies, and then always follows established lab policy with physician or nurse identification.Consistently and skillfully draws blood properly; rarely misses a vein on any patient.Uses proper techniques and selects proper lancet size when performing capillary punctures on neonates, children and adults, and obtains adequate, acceptable capillary specimens.Always labels Blood Bank specimens by hand, and adheres rigidly to Blood Bank policies regarding patient ID, specimen labeling and identification.Always accurately labels specimens by comparison to the wristband immediately after blood is drawn and before leaving the patient's bedside.Strictly adheres to antiseptic techniques and isolation procedures.Always wears gloves while drawing blood and changes gloves between each patient.Always washes his/her hands or uses waterless hand cleaner between patients.Never draws blood above or just proximal or distal to the IV.Uses extreme care to prevent hematomas by applying pressure for at least one minute and a pressure bandage.Always draws an appropriate specimen using the correct order of draw and obtaining the right amount of blood.Handles the Outpatient Room with competence and courtesy according to established policies.Competently obtains adequate sweat chloride specimens.Performs therapeutic phlebotomies according to defined policy.Performs chain-of-custody collections competently and accurately; avoids specimen rejection.Strictly follows all phlebotomy policy and procedures.Uses proper technique when using all safety needle devices and discarding sharps.Does not take "short cuts".Understands the importance of specimen integrity.Properly uses the Problem Logs.Consistently collects timed specimens within the time limits established by procedure.CLERICALAnswers the laboratory phones and responds with a pleasant, courteous, and helpful manner.Notifies appropriate personnel of STAT's to be collected in a timely manner.Receives and updates floor collected specimens and specimens from the pneumatic tube and transports them to the appropriate lab department in a timely manner.Accurately places orders in the hospital information system on Outpatients, Home Health patients, and nursing home patients.Always checks with the physician or nursing personnel when an ambiguous or illegible test order or a questionable specimen is received in the laboratory before the test is ordered (for outpatients), performed, charged, or reported.Conscientiously credits lab tests that have been erroneously ordered or performed.Verifies that the proper lab reports are placed on the proper patient's chart when performing charting procedures.Demonstrates competence in filing, faxing, and charting laboratory reports in an accurate and timely manner.Organizational ExpectationsT.J PledgeI Will Show Compassion-see all patients, family members, coworkers, physicians, and anyone else at T.J. as my customer.-recognize that each and every interaction I have at T.J. Regional Health matters-show kindness and compassion towards my customers at all times-be sensitive to the personal and private needs of every customerI Will Cooperate With Others-maintain zero tolerance for abusive behavior-listen and be willing to accept fault when I make a mistake-never underestimate the power of an apology-refrain from blame and judgment-bring a sense of calm to stressful situationsI Will Collaborate With Others-value myself and every coworker as an equal part of one GREAT team working together-treat others in a way that I would like to be treated-participate only in conversations that are courteous, respectful, and reflect positively on my teammates and T.J. Regional Health-foster a calm and pleasant atmosphere, and refrain from gossip, rumors, and insults-speak honestly, seek truth, and act with integrity towards my teammates-value the uniqueness and expertise that each team member contributes to the whole-meet the need of the moment, regardless of whether or not it is considered part of my jobI Will Communicate-smile - at everyone-always introduce myself, my role, and my purpose use body language, eye contact, and tone of voice that shows respect in every interaction-follow the 10/5 rule: always acknowledging people at 10 feet away with a smile and always greeting people at 5 feet away-escort any customer in need (visitors, patients) to their destinationI Will Adapt To Change-be a part of the solution when I am presented with a challenge-embrace change and set the example for those around me-accept openly when there are changes that T.J