Certified Phlebotomist

The Phlebotomist is responsible for patient identification, drawing blood, and specimen handling. This position requires customer service skills and knowledge of different tests that are run in the laboratory or sent to reference laboratories. The Phlebotomist may have to prioritize a workload of competing priorities and draws in different areas. At times, reassignment to another draw site may occur. Proper safety practices must be observed at all times, including PPE usage, specimen collection, and specimen transport.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reviews and follows all relevant policies and procedures, adapting to any changes as they occur.
• Performs all required and expected documentation, both in written and digital formats.
• Follows hospital policy with regard to infection control and hand cleansing.
• Verifies patient/specimen identity using two patient identifiers according to department and organization policy.
• Uses appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required by the patient condition / status.
• Prepares for unusual tests that have special container or transport requirements before collecting specimen.
• Uses proper specimen collection technique, including selection of site, preparation of site, and mixing of tubes.
• Removes tourniquet and disposes of all sharps and contaminated materials according to policy.
• Labels all specimens properly in the presence of the patient, either handwritten or with labels.
• Returns specimens to the laboratory in a timely manner and proper method.
• Uses LIS to track orders and print labels; collects specimens and receives specimens in the LIS.
• Maintains phlebotomy tray/cart in a neat and sanitary condition.
• Maintains an excellent and cooperative relationship with nursing staff and other ordering departments.
• Responds properly to adverse reactions to phlebotomy when they occur.
• Keeps abreast of pertinent federal, and state regulations and laws and Tift Regional Health System, Inc. (“TRHS”) policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.
• Understands and adheres to: TRHS’ compliance standards as they appear in TRHS’s Corporate Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy; and HIPAA and TRHS policies regarding privacy and security of protected health information.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform tasks that meet the age-specific requirements of the persons, patients, vendors, and staff that the employee is charged to interact with as required by the position.
• Offers suggestions on ways to improve operations of department and reduce costs.
• Attends all mandatory education programs.
• Improves self-knowledge through voluntarily attending continuing education/certification classes.
• Maintains required competency levels as identified in written exams, skills checklists, skills labs, annual safety and health requirements as well as service excellence education hours requirements.
• Cross-trains in order to better assist co-workers and to provide maximum efficiency in the department.
• Volunteers/participates on hospital committees, functions, and department projects.
• Manages resources effectively.
• Reports equipment in need of repair in order to extend life of equipment and removes malfunctioning equipment out of service with timely reporting to the appropriate personnel.
• Makes good use of time so as to not create needless overtime.

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

CREDENTIALS:

Southwell/Tift Regional Health System, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.