Phlebotomist - Proctor Laboratory

Phlebotomist

The Phlebotomist has the primary responsibility of assuring proper procurement of specimens for clinical testing. This may include collection, transportation, ordering, labeling and processing of specimens as well as other support duties as required or assigned.

Contributes to quality patient care by performing accurate and timely collection and transport of clinical specimens by utilizing established procedures. Identifies patients using proper procedures prior to specimen collection. Follows proper procedure in collection of specimens by venipuncture and micro-collection. Accurately and legibly labels specimens collected placing initials, date and time on label for identification. Collects quality specimens as assessed by low rejection rate. Expedites STAT and highest priority specimens without delays. Communicates with nursing staff about any patient concerns or testing delays/questions. Collects specimens in a timely manner. Follows up with appropriate staff when collection cannot be completed or will be delayed. Follows up on uncollected specimens. Transports specimens following established protocol (i.e. on ice, kept in dark, etc.) Follows Carle Health safety policies and HIPPA policies. Verifies specimen requirements or handling prior to collection if unfamiliar with test names. Is familiar with using the test catalogue. Instructs patients, administers glucose solution, and collections blood specimens for glucose tolerance testing according to protocol. Perform EKG testing in outpatient facilities according to standards. Collects specimens under a phlebotomist scope of practice: blood, urine, stool, semen, swabs (nasal & throat), specialty testing, send out tests, pediatric draws, sputum testing, breath testing. Follows age specific care guidelines when procuring blood specimens from elderly patients (over 65 years of age). Takes care to help build and protect sense of worth and feelings of adequacy: calls by name, faces patient, enunciates clearly, does not shout, explains slow and clearly, gives patient as much control over situation as possible. Takes care when moving or bending arms or hands for procedures. Carefully removes bandages to prevent skin damage. Gives detailed and repeated instructions including where they are and what is being done. Always returns bed rails to raised position. Follows age specific care guidelines when procuring blood specimens from adult patients. Gives detailed instructions of what is being done. Assists other units or locations on difficult draw patients. Telephones other units concerning the patient encounter (i.e. escort, imaging, respiratory, registration) Returns bed rails to raised position if lowered during procedure. Follows age specific care guidelines and blood collection volumes when procuring blood specimens from Neonate, Child or Adolescent. Informs toddler (1-3 years of age) of order of events, does not restrain if possible, encourages child with comments to boost self-esteem and reinforce trust ("You were good" or "You did a good job". Explains accurate account of events to Preschooler (3-6 years of age) telling them when any pain should be felt; reassures child that procedure is to help not punishment; encourages verbal protests in place of physical resistance; performs phlebotomy procedures as quickly as possible to decrease anxiety level. Explains procedure to Child/Adolescent (6-12 years age). Allow child-adolescent their own routine to deal with fear or pain, provides atmosphere that allows them to feel free to cry, get angry, or be upset. Processes and prepares clinical specimens for analysis following established procedures in accordance with certification standards. Ensures specimen integrity throughout the specimen handling process and distributes work in such a way as to process by highest priority. Matches barcode label with proper specimen upon receipt of specimen. Ensures all patient information is labeled on specimens. Places label on specimen properly and places initials on label including aliquoted specimens. Operates centrifuge according to standard operating procedure. Sort all specimens by testing site/analyzer and delivers to correct location. Processes and distributes specimens according to highest priority (i.e. STAT,TS, RT, etc.) Processes in a timely manner. Performs basic troubleshooting and maintenance on label printers, centrifuges, and other processing equipment or enters in correct work order. Properly stores specimens according to protocol. Verifies specimen requirements or handling when unsure/unfamiliar prior to processing. Locates and retrieves specimens in storage for additional testing. Performs computer operations and order entry duties in a productive style and in such a way to ensure accuracy and completeness of data. Enters collected specimen data into computer utilizing SPR and CLN properly to log specimens as received in the laboratory. Monitors workload list at frequent intervals for uncollected or pending specimens. Follows up on orders pending collection; does not leave for next shift. Orders additional tests on patients following the Add-On protocol. Cancels tests following proper protocol. Registers patients in the Laboratory Information System (LIS) accurately. Orders tests in LIS/PCS (Patient Care System) accurately.

Effectively communicates information and shares knowledge with peers, Managers, and internal/external customers in a timely manner. Notifies patients/providers of delays in collection, transport or processing functions. Provides quality phlebotomy services at any Carle Health location inpatient and outpatient. Trains new personnel or students and supports the section when fellow employees are involved in training activities. Provides timely responses to patient's request and/or takes responsibility for directing the patient to appropriate personnel when necessary. Follows proper telephone etiquette. Maintains overall team morale and participates in required learning modules. Follows up on problems, questions, and concerns or relays information to appropriate lead/manager. Performs support duties and training necessary to ensure consistent daily operation of section. Covers various position responsibilities as requested or scheduled. Telephones physicians office for basic patient information or clarification on orders. Monitors consumable inventory, stocks items as necessary, unloads shipment of supplies and alerts appropriate personnel for reorder when volume is low. Keeps all work areas clean and neat; cleans work surfaces and utilizes the spill clean up procedure when necessary. Properly disposes of specimen containers, sharps and other contaminated items utilizing the red and gray bags and red barrels appropriately.