Health Technician (Phlebotomist)

Phlebotomist

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

• Performs skilled venipuncture in accordance with facility and laboratory policies and procedures.
• Assures all test tubes are labeled accurately when performing venipuncture using facility and laboratory designated patient identifiers.
• Verifies correct patient identification, performs proper specimen handling and labeling, accessions specimens, checks that lab test requests are consistent with physician orders, generates labels and sorts labeled specimens.
• Performs a wide variety of blood collection in a responsible nature requiring enhanced knowledge of clinical science to understand the multiplicity of tests and specimen requirements, the mechanics of venipuncture and patient preparation.
• Demonstrates versatility of skill in rapidly proceeding from one patient to another to perform multiple and simultaneous collections using accurate patient and specimen identification procedures.
• Establishes minimum acceptable criteria for control/documentation protocol pertaining to test or examination procedures.
• Accepts responsibility for the accuracy of the results and for the adequacy of the results in furthering the clinical objectives.
• Works closely with facility and laboratory computers systems, CPRS and VistA to accession specimens and retrieve results.
• Performs routine Electrocardiograms and ensure data uploading to electronic medical record (CPRS).
• Displays expertise with preparing lab equipment for all phlebotomy procedures, ensuring phlebotomy and ancillary equipment is functioning to standard.
• Recognizes abnormalities and brings them to the attention of the appropriate Medical/Health Care Provider.
• Maintains record of procedures performed in the phlebotomy area.
• Provides orientation/training in performance of phlebotomy and test procedures with the information and experience required to understand underlying disease processes, and inform the physician if unable to obtain specimen.
• Sets up equipment for all phlebotomy procedures, making sure that all phlebotomy and ancillary equipment is functioning to standard.
• Maintains laboratory in a clean and safe condition according to agency or accreditation requirements.
• Calibrates and maintains laboratory Instrumentation on timely intervals so as to minimize breakdown and delay of procedures.
• Utilizes phone and face to face communication with all levels of clinical, clerical and administrative staff and our Veteran customers. Incumbent must exhibit a professional attitude and technical competence.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with agency customers, co-workers, the general public and others who come in contact with the lab.
• Obtains release forms as per policy and assists patients, visitors, and others requesting information. Provides guidance or referral for special assistance.
• Communicates and treats customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8 hour shift between 6:30AM to 6:00PM

Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (Phlebotomist)/ PD09972A

Physical Requirements: The work requires manual dexterity and exceptional hand/eye coordination, some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking, bending, standing, sitting and concentration for long periods of time during the preparation of specimens. In many situations, the duration of the activity (such as most of a workday) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. Position requires lifting of reagent containers and supplies weighing up to 35 pounds.