Lead Phlebotomist - Inpatient

UT Southwestern Medical Center • Dallas, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position requires technical and skill set expertise in drawing blood samples from a patient safely and accurately for testing and research. The role involves submitting samples of blood, urine, or tissue with proper labeling for analysis to the laboratory. The Lead Phlebotomist will also demonstrate strong leadership skills and work ethics, provide excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, and serve as a trainer for new hires.

Requirements

• Completed Phlebotomy program in an accredited college or university.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• (BLS) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT course accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) or
• (ACLS) ADV CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT course accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC)

Nice To Haves

• 2 years experience in phlebotomy.
• Phlebotomist (ASCP) or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Obtains blood specimens by venipuncture and/or capillary puncture with minimum trauma to patient.
• Instructs patients on proper collection of urine samples.
• Researches specimen requirements prior to specimen collection for esoteric or new tests.
• Maintains a fast and accurate specimen collection turnaround time.
• Uses Epic Beaker to enter lab orders.
• Verifies tests ordered on the requisition with respect to details for accurate test codes while processing specimens through the LIS system.
• Maintains positive patient identification and specimen requirements/handling.
• Provides support to other less senior laboratory staff members in regards to policies and procedures.
• Provides complex phlebotomy services for inpatients and outpatients.
• Helps monitor pending lists, including the unreceived specimen log.
• Supports CLS Quality Assurance program, actively participating in performance improvement activities.
• Ensures specimen requirements are maintained during transportation and storage as per protocol.
• Ensures that specimens sent via tube system are sent successfully.
• Maintains specimen integrity at all times.
• Maintains positive patient identification for all specimens collected, using defined protocols.
• Maintains patient confidentiality throughout all activities and communications.
• Enters data of patient demographics and lab order instructions as needed.
• Labels patient specimens and paperwork accurately according to established procedures.
• Performs Final Check at all times.
• Strives to improve patient continuity of care by monitoring daily activities, troubleshooting and documenting problems and providing resolution.
• Provides exceptional customer service to patients of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Answers calls/communication in a pleasant and professional manner.
• Follows up and accepts responsibility for the resolution of caller's concerns or gives an informed hand off to the next person of authority.
• Processes laboratory samples according to procedure.
• Centrifuges and prepares aliquots when needed.
• Maintains specimen requirements at all times according to protocol.
• Dispatches specimens to the main laboratory or other designated testing facility as per established procedure.
• Documents all correct and accurate information in regard to the specimens collected.
• Delivers collected specimens to the laboratory and may receive specimen using Epic Beaker.
• May have to enter orders or look up orders in EPIC Beaker.
• May be required to contact the Core Laboratory for retrieval of specimens.
• Adheres to Patient Safety Goals as defined by UTSW, TJC, CAP, and other regulatory/accreditation agencies.
• Performs inventory of supplies as assigned.
• Provides training to other Phlebotomists as needed.
• Trains students and new employees.
• Ensures all tests are accounted for in the ordering system.
• Contacts physician's office or nurse to obtain order clarification/verification prior to collecting specimens if necessary.
• Tracks every specimen to ensure specimen integrity.
• Orders and monitors supplies and ensures all are within expiration date.
• Ensures that expired supplies are discarded and none are in the general supply, storage or on phlebotomy carts.
• Ensures phlebotomy carts are fully stocked with required supplies.
• Keeps work area well organized and free from clutter, stocked with essential supplies and decontaminated with proper cleaning solutions and disposal of wastes and trash in appropriate containers.
• Utilizes the Risk Management and Process Improvement tools (Event Reports) in an accurate and timely way to identify issues concerning Quality Improvement and assists coworkers in this process as needed.
• Follows chain of command when reporting unsafe practices observed.
• Actively participates in the review of the monthly schedule and work assignments in conjunction with the Supervisor/Coordinator.
• Knows daily tasks and is accountable for the daily workflow.
• Acts as a liaison/problem solver for phlebotomy issues.
• Performs blood collections, blood cultures, and other special collections according to procedures defined by the LIS Collection Management with minimum errors.
• Attends work on the assigned days at the assigned times.
• Follows procedures regarding requesting and using leave in a manner that consistently supports effective job performance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED