Phlebotomist I - Laboratory - University Hospital

USA Health•Mobile, AL

About The Position

The Phlebotomist I works in the laboratory at University Hospital, collecting and processing blood specimens from inpatients and outpatients and supporting laboratory operations. The role uses electronic patient identification and laboratory and hospital information systems, ensures accurate specimen collection, labeling, handling, and delivery, and helps keep collection areas supplied and clean. The position also involves communicating with patients, families, physicians, and laboratory users; assisting with training; and following patient-care, safety, infection-control, confidentiality, and compliance requirements. Employees must hold a regular position of at least 20 hours per week (0.50 FTE or greater) to qualify for benefits.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to work the defined schedule and overtime as required.
Regular and prompt attendance.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a clinical laboratory is preferred.

Responsibilities

Positively identify patients before specimen collection and collect inpatient and outpatient blood specimens using electronic PPID processes.
Perform venipuncture and microtechnique collections, including special testing such as glucose tolerance tests and STAT or timed specimens.
Label specimen tubes correctly, select the appropriate collection containers, preserve specimen integrity, and verify and document collections, including incomplete collections.
Use computer programs for laboratory functions, including the WOW collection cart procedure, and operate the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and Hospital Information System (HIS).
Order, receive, and process specimens using the LIS; organize collection rounds; generate and complete collection pending reports; and deliver specimens to the appropriate laboratory section.
Use the Pneumatic Tube System (PTS) to send specimens to the laboratory and assist other laboratory workers with sample processing as needed.
Assist with laboratory clerical duties and with training new laboratory personnel and students.
Inventory collection supplies, order replacements, clean and disinfect collection equipment and areas, and keep collection areas clean and stocked.
Document customer complaints, ordering errors, and specimen collection errors, and report them to a supervisor for corrective action.
Provide competent patient care to neonates, infants and toddlers, preschool and school-age children, adolescents, adults, geriatric patients, and reproductive-age and post/perimenopausal patients.
Use proper body mechanics when moving, positioning, or transferring patients and when handling equipment and supplies, seeking assistance when needed for patient safety.
Communicate appropriately with physicians, patients, families, and the healthcare team in person and by telephone; respond to overhead and cellular pages; and share laboratory collection, ordering, and operational information with laboratory users.
Access and accurately maintain electronic and paper medical records.
Complete assigned duties cooperatively and professionally; meet mandatory unit, educational, and hospital requirements; and use cost-effective practices.
Follow and enforce compliance requirements and policies, maintain confidentiality, and adhere to infection-control and safety standards.
Participate in continuing education, assigned committees, and Performance Improvement activities, including quality measurement or the ICARE process as assigned.
Maintain regular and prompt attendance, work the defined schedule and overtime as required, and perform related duties as required.