Phlebotomist

Independence Health System Careers•Greensburg, PA

About The Position

The Phlebotomist collects blood and other specimens, processes laboratory orders, and supports timely, accurate laboratory services. The role uses the Laboratory Information System (LIS) to place orders, track specimens and results, resolve system errors, and find test codes and collection information. It follows department protocols for patient identification, specimen collection, and post-venipuncture care, while maintaining specimen quality and minimizing redraws and blood culture contamination. The position also involves communicating with patients, healthcare providers, and coworkers; handling calls and pages; preparing specimens for transport; managing supplies and inventory; and providing support across system locations. The incumbent may rotate shifts and may be scheduled for standby or on-call work according to operational need. Local travel between system locations may be expected, including operating hospital vehicles in compliance with regulations. The work environment includes required protective equipment according to CDC guidelines during the stated pandemic conditions. For lifting requirements over 50 pounds, assistance from a second person and/or a transfer device is required.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or higher level of education.
Completion of a Phlebotomy or Medical Assistant Training Program, or six months of experience performing phlebotomy.
Valid driver’s license; for out-of-state hires, a record report from the applicable state driver’s license department is required.
Act 33 clearance with renewal.
Act 34 clearance with renewal.
Act 73 FBI clearance with renewal.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of coding, basic math, and payer or insurance benefits.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and general office equipment such as a fax machine or copier.
Medical terminology, specimen knowledge, and laboratory information system experience.
Experience in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Use the Laboratory Information System to place orders, monitor reports, respond to system errors, and look up test codes, collection information, and physician demographics.
Follow standard precautions and department protocols when performing venous or capillary phlebotomy, identifying patients and specimens with two identifiers, and providing post-venipuncture care.
Respond to pages in an appropriate time frame and prioritize requests.
Minimize redraws in accordance with redraw policy and maintain a blood culture contamination rate below 2%.
Assist with or perform specimen procurement techniques as required.
Assist with urine drug screen and legal alcohol collections according to established protocols.
Perform nasal and throat swab collections.
Receive and process laboratory orders, document specimen receipt, and assess basic specimen appropriateness.
Process orders and patients appropriately during downtime to support progression to testing.
Communicate effectively with healthcare providers, coworkers, and patients to obtain and exchange information needed for quality laboratory services.
Answer telephones professionally and manage calls to minimize hold time and transfers.
Stay current with department protocol changes and communicate accurate information.
Deliver specimens to the laboratory promptly and package them for safe transport.
Fill supply orders and send supplies to floors as needed.
Monitor collection and unreceived lists.
Maintain operational readiness to respond promptly to service requests.
Inventory and rotate stock to limit waste and monitor phlebotomy baskets for outdated inventory.
Scan and index patient orders during registration.
Prepare samples for transport, including required computer work such as click-and-pack and tracking.
Operate hospital vehicles safely and in compliance with regulations while traveling between collection sites.
Participate in phlebotomy competency and validation for new employees, registered nurses, and technical partners.
Perform other duties as assigned.