Phlebotomist

Independence Health System Careers•Clarion, PA

83d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role demonstrates competency in Laboratory Information System (LIS) functions by accurately placing orders, monitoring various reports to track specimens and/or results, responding to system errors, and correctly looking up test codes, collection information, and physician demographics. The Phlebotomist will follow standard precautions when performing venous or capillary phlebotomy, assuring correct patient and specimen identification using two identifiers. They will adhere to specific written department protocols for blood collection and post-venipuncture care, respond to pages promptly and with appropriate prioritization, and demonstrate minimal redraws in compliance with the redraw policy. A key responsibility is to maintain an acceptable blood culture contamination rate of less than 2%. The role involves assisting or performing specimen procurement techniques, including urine drug screen collections and collections for legal alcohols, following established protocols. Additionally, the Phlebotomist will perform nasal and throat swab collections, receive and process laboratory orders, document specimen receipt, and assess basic specimen appropriateness. They will process orders and patients appropriately during downtime to ensure progression to testing and interact effectively with healthcare providers, co-workers, and patients to represent the department and facilitate quality laboratory services. Professional telephone etiquette is expected, with efforts to minimize hold times and transfers. The Phlebotomist must remain current with department protocols to communicate accurate information, deliver specimens to the laboratory in a timely manner, and package samples for safe transport. Responsibilities also include filling supply orders, sending supplies to floors as needed, monitoring collection and unreceived lists, and maintaining operational readiness for prompt service requests. Inventory management, including rotating stock to limit waste and monitoring phlebotomy baskets for outdated inventory, is required. The role involves performing scanning and indexing of patient orders at registration, preparing samples for transport with all necessary computer work, and operating hospital vehicles in compliance with regulations for safe and efficient travel between collection sites. Participation in phlebotomy competency and validation of new employees, RNs, and technical partners is also part of the role. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED or next level of higher education.
Completion of Phlebotomy or Medical Assistant Training Program or six (6) months experience performing phlebotomy.
Knowledge of coding, basic math, and payer/insurance benefits is preferred.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and general office related equipment, such as a fax or copier is preferred.
Medical terminology and specimen knowledge and laboratory information system experience preferred.
Experience in Healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates competency in Laboratory Information System (LIS) functions by accurately placing orders, monitor various reports to track specimen and/or results, responding to system errors, and correctly look up test codes, collection info, and physician demographics.
Follow standard precautions when performing venous or capillary phlebotomy.
Assure the correct identification of patient and specimen by using two identifiers.
Follow specific written department protocols for blood collection and post-venipuncture care.
Respond to pages within an acceptable time frame and based on appropriate prioritization.
Demonstrate minimal redraws and performs in compliance with redraw policy.
Maintain acceptable blood culture contamination rate of <2%.
Assist or perform specimen procurement techniques as required.
Assist with urine drug screen collections and collections for legal alcohols, following established protocol.
Perform nasal and throat swab collections.
Receive and process laboratory orders, document receipt of specimens, and assess basic specimen appropriateness.
Process orders and patients appropriately during downtime to ensure progression to testing.
Interact effectively with healthcare providers, co-workers, and patients to represent the department and to obtain and exchange information needed to expedite quality laboratory services.
Assure that telephones are answered with professional etiquette and manage calls to keep hold time and transfers to a minimum.
Remain current with changes in department protocols to communicate accurate information.
Deliver specimens to laboratory in a timely manner, packaging samples to ensure safe transport.
Fill supply orders and send supplies to floors as needed.
Monitor collection lists and unreceived lists.
Maintain operational readiness to provide prompt response to service requests.
Inventories and rotate stock to limit unnecessary waste, monitor phlebotomy basket for outdated inventory.
Perform scanning and indexing of patient orders at time of registration.
Ready samples for transport, including all computer work required, i.e. click and pack, tracking, etc.
Operate hospital vehicles in compliance with all regulations, ensuring safe and efficient travel between collection sites.
Participate in the phlebotomy competency and validation of new employees, RN's and technical partners.
Other duties as assigned.