Phlebotomist Certified

Mount Nittany Health•State College, PA

About The Position

Under the direction of supervisors, the Certified Phlebotomist is responsible for promptly, efficiently, and accurately performing specimen collection and handling procedures. Specimens are collected from inpatients, outpatients, nursing homes, and other facilities as required. The role performs blood collection using venipuncture, arterial puncture, capillary puncture, and other required techniques; verifies patient identification; responds to collection requests; performs bedside glucose testing; prepares and handles specimens for testing and reference laboratories; and assists patients with specimen collection instructions. The position also supports laboratory operations through training, quality and safety compliance, supply and equipment maintenance, report distribution, and evaluation of new procedures, products, or equipment. The position receives general supervision from the Medical Director, Administrative Director, Assistant Administrative Director, Supervising Technologist, and Section Heads. It has no supervisory responsibilities. Weekend or holiday work may be scheduled as required for laboratory coverage, and shift rotation may be required based on seniority.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Graduate of a certified Phlebotomy program or equivalent.
Certified Phlebotomist certification through ASCP, AMT, CLSI, or equivalent.
Valid driver's license and an available vehicle.
Meet the American Heart Association's standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renew BLS every two years.
Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, patients, medical staff, visitors, and other Medical Center personnel.
Ability to make mature judgments.
Pleasant personality for dealing with patients.

Nice To Haves

Hospital laboratory experience as a phlebotomist is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform work promptly and accurately.
Collect blood using venipuncture, arterial puncture, capillary puncture, or special techniques required for patients with vascular-access devices, following established laboratory procedures.
Verify patient identification before specimen collection.
Respond promptly to specimen collection requests and communicate delays to patient care areas or staff.
Perform bedside glucose testing at requested times and follow established quality-control standards before releasing results.
Prepare specimens for processing by identifying specimens accurately, delivering them to the appropriate department, entering required patient information, and verifying ordered tests.
Instruct and assist patients with proper collection of specimens, including clean-catch, 24-hour, and pediatric urine, chain-of-custody specimens, and sputum.
Keep work organized to prevent confusion and errors.
Provide assistance and information about proper specimen collection and handling for laboratory testing.
Seek supervisory assistance when encountering difficulty with specimen handling or interpretation of physician orders.
Prepare specimens for reference laboratory testing, ensuring proper preservation and handling, completed requisitions, accurate labeling, and recorded initials for consultation.
Communicate courteously and effectively with peers and staff.
Keep blood-collection supplies and equipment organized and meticulously clean in all collection areas.
Assist with distribution of reports to nursing stations, physician offices, or other destinations as requested.
Assist with glassware washing and distribution within the laboratory as requested.
Train and orient personnel in specimen collection procedures when requested.
Help maintain departmental operations that meet applicable standards of the College of American Pathologists, JCAHO, CLIA, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Maintain current knowledge of laboratory and hospital policies, procedures, and performance standards.
Follow safety, infection-control, quality-assurance, departmental, and hospital procedures; advise supervisors of potential hazards.
Suggest improvements to laboratory services when appropriate.
Follow patient-information release policies and document the time and other required information when reports are released.
Maintain sufficient inventory of departmental reagents and supplies and notify supervisors when additional materials are anticipated or supply problems arise.
Control material costs and suggest conservation improvements.
Rotate, date, and test reagents upon receipt or preparation to ensure accuracy, prevent expiration, and maintain availability.
Assist with opening, verifying, and distributing laboratory supplies when necessary.
Evaluate new products, procedures, or techniques and provide written findings to supervisors when requested.
Suggest changes to methodologies or workflow that may improve accuracy or efficiency.
Perform related and miscellaneous duties as assigned, accept additional assignments from laboratory supervisors, and assist clerical and technical staff when workloads fluctuate.
Work weekends or holidays as required for laboratory coverage and when assigned; participate in shift rotation if required.