Phlebotomist - Outpatient

St. Charles Health System•Bend, OR

About The Position

The Phlebotomist at St. Charles Health System processes laboratory orders and performs phlebotomy procedures and specimen collections for patients of all ages, aiming to minimize discomfort. The role follows System policies and procedures and works within the boundaries of the Phlebotomy Scope of Practice. It does not directly manage other caregivers, but may include reviewing and providing feedback on their work. The position serves the Laboratory or Family Care/Ambulatory Care Clinic. Laboratory services include blood collection, processing, testing, and reporting across disciplines of laboratory medicine. St. Charles outpatient clinics provide a range of clinical services across three Central Oregon counties and encourage collaboration among clinical and non-clinical staff to provide comprehensive, compassionate care. The role requires professional, compassionate interaction with patients, families, coworkers, and external clients, including people experiencing varied emotions and clinical situations. Phlebotomists prioritize and collect specimens, process and test samples, perform point-of-care testing, navigate laboratory and other computer systems, and facilitate the distribution of results. Laboratory phlebotomists may also support specialty procedures, respond to codes and emergencies, register patients, and address insurance and billing requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification.
Ability to wear the personal protective equipment required to perform the job safely.
Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
Ability to meet St. Charles Health System driving requirements.

Nice To Haves

Participation in college-level science classes.
Phlebotomy certification through a St. Charles Health System-approved accredited agency is highly preferred. Approved agencies listed are ASCP, NCA, NCPT, and phlebotomy-specific military training programs.
Previous direct patient care experience, preferably laboratory experience, and/or a college science background.

Responsibilities

Communicate and interact professionally with a diverse population, representing St. Charles Health System and providing timely, efficient, accurate customer service.
Work effectively with patients and family members experiencing varied emotions and build consensus among people with differing needs.
Meet competency and training requirements, including completing an in-depth sign-off sheet for phlebotomy processes and procedures.
Prioritize procedure requests according to urgency and test type, and navigate specimen collections using the Laboratory Information System and critical thinking.
Process and test samples using instruments and procedures in accordance with laboratory standards.
Perform point-of-care testing, including CLIA-waived testing, moderate-complexity testing, and quality control.
Use complex computer systems to locate physician orders, update and verify patient information, research billing questions, place orders, and meet regulatory requirements.
Maintain accuracy while multitasking and handling frequent interruptions in a fast-paced environment.
Distribute results by fax, phone, or delivery as designated or requested by clients.
Assist with special projects as needed and train or mentor others using constructive feedback after meeting competency and experience requirements.
Support the organization’s vision, mission, values, Lean continuous-improvement principles, and a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests.
Maintain professionalism and confidentiality; comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; report suspected violations and cooperate with organizational investigations.
Perform additional duties of similar complexity as required or assigned.
For Laboratory assignments, greet clients at outpatient draw stations and greet patients appropriately to the hospital setting and situation.
Assist nurses and physicians with blood collection and specialty procedures, including adrenal studies, MRI pediatric blood collections, lumbar punctures, bone marrow collections, legal blood collections with law enforcement, and arterial blood collections.
Respond quickly to codes, traumas, and rapid responses, and maneuver in tight quarters.
Perform AHA Basic Life Support when asked to participate in the rotation by a nurse or physician.
Manage a range of patient types and situations, including confused, combative, upset, intubated, restrained, psychiatric emergency, traumatized, and nonresponsive patients, including situations that may be visually disturbing.
Select the correct patient and assign an encounter number; register patients for ordered laboratory services in accordance with System policies and procedures.
Collect payments for specialty kit draws, select insurance plans, and send and review eligibility responses.
Research tests and diagnostic codes according to billing and insurance requirements, particularly for Medicare and other government-funded programs; inform patients about expenses beyond insurance reimbursement and allow them to decide whether to proceed before tests are drawn, following current guidelines.
Understand and follow downtime processes.