Phlebotomist

Job Summary:

Collects and transports blood samples from inpatients and outpatients. Monitor drug screen collections and document chain of custody. Review workload and resolve issues. Assists with clerical duties and provides specimen and report transport when necessary.

Major Responsibilities:

Performs venipuncture, capillary fingerstick or heel puncture as appropriate for inpatients and outpatients, using expertise to determine proper mode of collection for each patient in order to cause the least discomfort and obtain the highest quality sample.

Uses judgment for individual blood collections with regard to timing of test, special techniques or preparations needed, and proper handling and transport. Must recognize discrepancies and be able to resolve. Routes all specimens to appropriate area for testing. Follows OSHA standards.

Is proficient at accessioning, rescheduling, and appropriately ordering/canceling test requests in Laboratory computer system. Must utilize computer system to obtain work lists for blood collections scheduled by physicians and patient care areas.

Is available by pager at all times during shift for the stat/asap collection of blood or pickup of stat blood and body fluid specimens as needed. Interacts frequently with employees and patients in patient care areas while collecting blood samples. Works closely with phlebotomists and other laboratory personnel to assure the timely collection and testing of blood samples.

Between collection rounds while in lab, monitor blood collection requests, paging other phlebotomists when needed. Answers phone and organizes workload for next scheduled collection. Reviews status of orders/tests and follow ups as needed, including workload logs for each shift.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

Must be eligible for certification as a phlebotomist.

Education Required:

Must be a High School or GED Diploma Graduate.

Experience Required:

Completion of approved phlebotomy training course, or 6 months phlebotomy experience in hospital or other patient care setting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

Must have computer knowledge and skills. Must have manual dexterity, must maintain patient confidentiality.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Must be able to use visual near and distance acuity. Must have verbal ability to communicate in person and over the phone or radio. Must be able to assist co-workers in transfers and transport supplies, patients/residents, or equipment using good body mechanics. Must have functional range of motion of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines, upper and lower extremities with a grip strength of 60-80 pounds, specific to the job class evaluation. Must be able to forward reach, overhead reach, bend, squat, kneel and change from one position to the other rapidly. Must be able to lift 25-60 lbs. and carry 25-50 pounds specific to job class evaluation. Must be able to tolerate high noise, busy atmospheres and noxious odors. Must be able to work in noisy environments and be self directed to complete jobs as ordered. Must be able to remain calm under stressful situations. Must be able to assess and respond to multiple situations simultaneously. Must be able to assist co-workers in multiple overlapping tasks simultaneously. Must be able to prioritize job tasks and organize work space to be efficient and conducive to completing work tasks as assigned in a timely manner. If job class is identified as falling under POPE C, the individual must pass the cardiac recovery test.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.