Phlebotomist - Laboratory

New London Hospital - New London, NH

New London, NH

Hospitals

About the position

The position involves performing venipunctures and skin punctures competently and expediently, entering or retrieving test orders in the laboratory information system, instructing patients on how to properly collect urine and other specimens, and processing specimens for testing in-house and for reference lab testing. Additional responsibilities include handling phone calls, result queries, printing/faxing, and assisting with other laboratory-related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Perform venipunctures and skin punctures competently and expediently.
• Enter or retrieve test orders in the laboratory information system.
• Instruct patients on how to properly collect urine and other specimens.
• Process specimens for testing in-house and for reference lab testing.
• Handle phone calls and result queries.
• Print and fax results as necessary.
• Assist with other laboratory-related duties as assigned.
• Understand the process to identify test requirements.
• Use laboratory information system for test ordering.
• Verify information and tests ordered via the information system against requisitions.
• Clarify questions with provider's offices or nursing departments when necessary.
• Adjust approach to patients and families in accordance with age group.
• Consistently draw blood competently and expediently with minimal patient discomfort.
• Obtain blood samples from patients of all ages, whether outpatient or inpatient.
• Support and reassure patients during procedures.
• Follow lab procedure for patient identification and label samples accurately.
• Use verbal communication and mobile laboratory information system barcode device to retrieve orders and print labels at the patient bedside.
• Prioritize STAT orders, scheduled orders, and outpatients.
• Accurately and expediently process specimens delivered to the lab.
• Assist in training new phlebotomists/aides as assigned by Supervisor or Director.
• Assist Medical Technologists as necessary.
• Print patient demographic sheets to send to reference lab when required.
• Process specimens for reference labs.
• Understand different tubes and labeling requirements for each reference lab.
• Complete paperwork for each reference lab.
• Determine specimen requirements for tests sent to each reference lab.
• Bag and store specimens at appropriate temperatures for reference lab tests.
• Have specimens ready for courier pickup at scheduled times.
• Maintain training for IATA Specimen packaging and shipping.
• Answer phone calls professionally and politely.
• Place calls on hold and transfer calls as necessary.
• Understand when to answer questions and when to refer callers to a technologist or supervisor.
• Use laboratory information system for result query and report printing.
• Use hospital information system to fax results.
• Request supplies when low.
• Understand which patient services are to be charged venipuncture charge.
• Review requisitions for order entry accuracy, following established protocol.
• Adhere to current documentation standards and policies.
• Release results only to authorized individuals.
• Perform all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Follow standard precautions at all times.
• Discard sharps into a rigid sharps container.
• Use personal protective equipment appropriately and when needed.

Requirements

• Prior phlebotomy experience or completion of approved phlebotomy program required.
• High School graduate or equivalent.
• 12-18 months experience.
• Phlebotomy or Medical Assistant certificate preferred.
• BLS Certification (obtained within 3 months of hire).