Phlebotomist - Outpatient

St. Charles Health System•Bend, OR

7d•$23 - $29

About The Position

The Phlebotomist 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, though the phlebotomist may be asked to review and provide feedback on their work. The position works in a laboratory or Family Care/Ambulatory Care Clinic setting. Duties include patient and client service, prioritizing and navigating specimen collections, processing and testing samples, performing point-of-care testing, working in multiple computer systems, and distributing results. Laboratory phlebotomists also support specialty collections and procedures, patient registration and billing-related processes, and emergency responses. The role requires professionalism, confidentiality, collaboration, and support for organizational quality, safety, and continuous-improvement efforts.

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; listed agencies include ASCP, NCA, and NCPT, as well as phlebotomy-specific military training programs.
Previous direct patient care experience, preferably laboratory experience, and/or a college science background.

Responsibilities

Communicate professionally with diverse populations and represent St. Charles Health System while providing timely, efficient, accurate customer service.
Work with patients and family members experiencing a range of emotions and help reach consensus among people with differing needs.
Collaborate and communicate with staff at all levels and with external customers, clients, and potential employees.
Work under pressure in a fast-paced environment; meet competency and training timelines and complete required process sign-offs.
Prioritize procedure requests by urgency and test type, and navigate specimen collections using the Laboratory Information System and critical thinking.
Process and test samples using instruments and procedures that follow laboratory standards; perform point-of-care testing, including CLIA-waived testing, moderate-complexity testing, and quality control.
Use multiple computer systems to locate physician orders, update and verify patient information, research billing questions, place orders, and meet regulatory requirements.
Multitask, think critically, and maintain accuracy despite frequent interruptions.
Facilitate distribution of results by fax, phone, or delivery as designated or requested by clients.
Assist with special projects as needed; train and 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 known or suspected violations, and cooperate with investigations and proceedings.
Perform other duties of similar complexity as required or assigned.
For laboratory roles, greet clients at outpatient draw stations and greet patients appropriately for the setting and situation.
Assist nurses and physicians with blood collection and specialty procedures, including adrenal studies, pediatric MRI collections, lumbar punctures, bone marrow collections, legal blood collections with law enforcement, and arterial blood collections.
Respond promptly to codes, traumas, and rapid responses; maneuver in tight quarters and perform AHA BLS when asked to participate in the rotation by an RN or MD.
Manage patients with varied conditions and needs, including confused, combative, upset, intubated, restrained, psychiatric emergency, traumatized, and nonresponsive individuals, including in situations that may be visually disturbing.
Select the correct patient and assign an encounter number accurately.
Register patients for ordered laboratory services according to organizational policies, 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, primarily for Medicare and other government-funded programs; inform patients about costs beyond insurance reimbursement and allow them to decide whether to proceed before tests are drawn, following applicable guidelines.
Understand and follow downtime processes.