Phlebotomist

ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Phlebotomist

REPORTS TO POSITION: Varies depending on location

DEPARTMENT: Laboratory, or Family Care/Ambulatory Care Clinic

DATE LAST REVIEWED: October 2023

OUR VISION: Creating America’s healthiest community, together.

OUR MISSION: In the spirit of love and compassion, better health, better care, better value

OUR VALUES: Accountability, Caring and Teamwork

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Laboratory:

The Laboratory departments provide many services to our multi-hospital organization and outreach community including blood collection, processing, testing, and reporting of results, spanning all disciplines of laboratory medicine.

Clinic:

St. Charles operates outpatient clinics in three Central Oregon counties. Lines of clinical service including Primary Care, Urgent Care, Medical Specialties, Women’s Health, Post-Acute Care, Hospital Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Behavioral Health, Cardiovascular Services and Cancer Services. We encourage collaboration between clinical and non-clinical staff to assure we are providing our community with comprehensive and compassionate health care.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Phlebotomist at St. Charles Health System processes laboratory orders and performs phlebotomy procedures/collections with as little discomfort as possible to patients of all ages. This position performs phlebotomy procedures following the standards of practice as outlined in System policies and procedures and while working within the boundaries of the Phlebotomy Scope of Practice. This position does not directly manage other caregivers, however may be asked to review and provide feedback on the work of other caregivers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

All Departments

Communicates and interacts with a diverse population and professionally represents St. Charles Health System.

Demonstrates excellent customer service skills in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient, and accurate.

Works with patients and/or family members who may be experiencing multiple different emotions. Ability to effectively reach consensus with a diverse population with differing needs.

Interacts and communicates with all levels within St. Charles Health System and external customers/clients/potential employees.

Manages facilitation and consensus building among health care professionals and agencies and achieves expected results.

Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Meets all competency requirements and training timelines. Completes an in-depth sign off sheet related to processes and procedures performed by the phlebotomist.

Prioritizes requests for procedures according to urgency of need and type of tests ordered. Navigates and prioritizes specimen collections using the Lab Information System as well as critical thinking skills. Processes and tests samples using various instruments and processes following laboratory standards. Performs POC testing, including CLIA waived testing, moderate complexity testing and QC.

Navigates through multiple complex computer systems to find MD orders, update, and verify patient information, research billing questions, place orders, and meet regulatory requirements for Medicare and other payers.

Thinks critically, multitasks, and maintains accuracy during periods of frequent interruptions.

Facilitates the distribution of results via fax, phone, or delivery, as designated or as requested by clients.

Assists in special projects as needed.

Trains and mentors effectively using constructive feedback after meeting competency and experience requirements.

Supports the vision, mission, and values of the organization in all respects.

Supports Lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.

Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests.

Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, supporting the organization’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings.

May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.

Additional Duties for Laboratory Phlebotomists:

Greets clients upon arrival at the outpatient draw station or area. Greets patients appropriately according to Hospital surroundings, situation, and time of day.

Assists the RN and MD as requested in the collection of blood samples and during specialty procedures. Including, but not limited to:

• Adrenal Study blood collections

• MRI pediatric blood collections

• Lumbar Puncture blood collection

• Bone Marrow collections

• Legal blood collection with law enforcement

• Arterial blood collection.

Responds quickly to codes, traumas, rapid responses, and can maneuver in tight quarters. Performs AHA BLS when asked to participate in the rotation by an RN or MD.

Manages multiple patient types including but not limited to confused, combative, upset, intubated, restrained, psychiatric emergency services on-site and off-site, traumatized, and nonresponsive individuals in varying situations including some that can be visually disturbing.

Has a clear understanding of how to accurately select the correct patient and assign an encounter number.

Registers all patients for laboratory services as ordered by their physician and in compliance with St. Charles Health System policies and procedures. Includes collecting payments from patients for specialty kit draws. Selects the correct insurance plan, and sends and reviews eligiblity responses.

Researches tests and diagnostic codes according to billing and insurance requirements, mainly pertaining to Medicare and other government funded insurance programs, according to Medicare Compliance Act; informs patients regarding expenses beyond insurance reimbursement and allows the patient to make decisions as to whether to follow through with lab services based on current guidelines before tests are drawn.

Has a clear understanding of all downtime processes.

EDUCATION:

Required: High school diploma or GED

Preferred: Participation in college level science classes.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION:

Required: AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification.

Preferred: Phlebotomy certification through a St. Charles Health System approved accredited agency is highly preferred. The current approved agencies are the following: ASCP, NCA, NCPT, and phlebotomy specific military training programs.

EXPERIENCE:

Required: N/A

Preferred: Previous direct patient care experience (preferably Lab experience) and/or college science background.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:

Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION:

Strong team working and collaborative skills.

Ability to meet St. Charles Health System driving requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Continually (75% or More): Standing, walking, keyboard operation, grasping/squeezing, use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech levels.

Frequently (50% - 75%): Sitting, lifting 1-25 lbs, carrying 1-25 lbs, and pushing/pulling 1-25 lbs

Occasionally (26% - 50%): Bending, stoop/kneel/crouch, climbing ladder/step-stool (**varies by area), reaching overhead, and the ability to hear whispered speech levels.

Rarely (10% - 25%): Climbing stairs, lifting 25-50 lbs, carrying 25-50 lbs, pushing/pulling 25-50 lbs, and operation of a Motor Vehicle.

Never (Not Included): Climbing ladder/step-stool (**varies by area)

Exposure to Elemental Factors

Rarely (10% - 25%): Wet/slippery areas and chemical solutions.

Never (0%): Heat, cold, noise, dust, vibration and uneven surfaces.

Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Category

Risk for Exposure to BBP

Schedule Weekly Hours:

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