Phlebotomist/Specimen Processor I

Ellis Medicine • Schenectady, NY

1d

About The Position

Under the direction and supervision of the Phlebotomy Supervisor, the Phlebotomist performs venous and capillary blood specimen collection on inpatients and is responsible for identifying, processing, and distributing laboratory specimens according to laboratory standards. The role includes patient and specimen registration, specimen preparation for transport, and adherence to health and safety standards to ensure the quality and quantity of samples collected.

The position serves patients from neonatal through geriatric ages and provides phlebotomy coverage in areas including the Emergency Department, Emergent Care, and other organizational locations as needed. It also involves laboratory specimen processing, patient-facing service, clerical and data-entry duties, communication with clients and colleagues, and coordination of specimen pickups and supply orders. The Phlebotomist must be flexible to work in all laboratory areas and available according to staffing needs, including weekends and holidays.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Able to perform assigned duties in a timely manner with minimal supervision.
• Comply with educational and organizational policies and procedures.
• Flexible to work in all areas of the laboratory as needed.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Independent, mature, self-motivated, reliable, and responsible.
• Able to serve patients from neonatal through geriatric ages and interact pleasantly and professionally with different types of customers and patients.
• Able to handle numerous tasks simultaneously and maintain excellent organizational skills.
• Able to push or pull and lift or move 35 pounds.
• Able to perform moderately difficult manual tasks, including keyboard use, writing, and filing, for extended periods.
• Able to perform hand-eye-coordination tasks such as data entry, typing, and using photocopiers.
• Able to comprehend spoken English and communicate and read in English.
• Flexible and available according to staffing needs, including weekends and holidays.
• Accurately complete patient registration, order entry, specimen processing, and other required data-entry tasks.

Responsibilities

• Collect venous and capillary blood specimens from inpatients and perform phlebotomy coverage in the Emergency Department, Emergent Care, ICU/Critical Care, and other areas as needed.
• Verify patient identity and laboratory specimens using proper patient identification procedures; verify demographic information and confirm that specimens are labeled in the patient's presence.
• Identify, register, prepare, process, and distribute laboratory specimens according to laboratory standards and specimen-specific protocols.
• Deliver logged-in specimens to laboratory sections and sign for delivered specimens as required.
• Prepare specimens by batching, centrifuging, decanting, splitting, freezing, and labeling as required by test orders.
• Monitor the Phlebotomy Task List for STAT and timed draws and report STAT results to clients through the laboratory call-back process.
• Perform patient registration, enter test orders from requisitions or databases, manage standing orders, and complete other data-entry requirements accurately using hospital and laboratory information systems.
• Operate and maintain the Work Station on Wheels and keep current with departmental communications and technical information.
• Perform supply and inventory checks, rotate stock to prevent use of expired products, and coordinate client supply orders with Distribution.
• Answer calls on a high-volume multi-line phone system and communicate professionally with providers, families, colleagues, patients, hospital employees, and clients.
• Coordinate specimen pickup requests with courier services and assist clients with concerns or issues related to laboratory service.
• Provide respectful, nonjudgmental patient care; use AIDET during patient encounters, listen to patient needs, and maintain privacy and confidentiality.
• Follow applicable phlebotomy, venipuncture, infection-control, hand-hygiene, PPE, safety, fire, disaster, exposure-control, and medical-waste procedures.
• Report bruising or injuries resulting from phlebotomy procedures to Nursing and follow policies for bloodborne pathogens, sharps disposal, and blood or bodily-fluid spill cleanup.
• Read and comply with departmental and organizational policies, protocols, manuals, and procedures; complete mandatory hospital and department competencies on time.
• Accept constructive feedback, support hospital policies and changes, and read department and organizational communications in a timely manner.
• Follow policies for operating the company's leased vehicles.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable health, dental, and vision insurance starting on the first day.
• Generous paid time off, including six paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
• Retirement plan with company match after longevity.
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Account.
• Free yearlong unlimited CDTA Navigator Pass, including access to the CDTA bike share program.
• Employee Wellness Program.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employer-paid life insurance.

What This Job Offers

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