Phlebotomy Tech

Emory•Decatur, GA

About The Position

Collects, labels, and transports patient specimens for testing in a timely manner, including routine and advanced venipuncture. Upholds the organization’s values by providing exemplary customer service throughout preanalytical and analytical processes. Follows strict patient-identification and medical protocols, processes STAT and timed-study orders within required time frames, and accurately labels specimens before processing or transport. Operates departmental computer programs to activate and manage orders, enter comments, and troubleshoot; reconciles unresolved outstanding orders and takes prompt action to address collection, registration, or processing problems. Practices universal precautions, barrier protection, and infection control; monitors commonly used supplies and expiration dates; and performs preventive equipment maintenance. May perform specimen processing, assume coordinator responsibilities when supervisory staff are absent, assist with training, and participate in quality improvement and professional development activities. Performs basic clerical duties and other duties as required. For clinic-based work, the role may include reviewing requisitions and appropriately ordering tests, following up on incomplete or questionable orders, instructing patients and outreach clients on non-blood specimen collection, maintaining standing-order files, scheduling or arriving lab appointments, preparing and triaging specimens, and obtaining Medicare coverage waivers when applicable. For hospital-based work, the role maintains and uses computerized WOW carts, follows patient isolation procedures, remains available by phone for emergent collections, and works with clinical staff to maintain computerized records and resolve specimen or collection issues. The position is identified as night shift, 10:00 p.m.–6:30 a.m. Physical demands are classified as medium and include lifting up to 50 pounds, carrying objects up to 25 pounds, standing and walking occasionally to frequently, sitting occasionally, and close visual work. Environmental exposures may include blood-borne pathogens, biohazardous waste, chemicals, communicable diseases, electrical shock, varied floor surfaces and temperatures, indoor or outdoor conditions, latex, lighting, patient-care or handling injuries, radiation, shift work, and travel. Personal protective equipment, including respirators, may be required depending on the work area and tasks.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Basic computer skills.
Basic medical terminology and customer service skills.
For clinic-based positions, ability to type at least 35 words per minute is required; for hospital-based positions, it is preferred.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including lifting up to 50 pounds and carrying objects up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Two years of relevant phlebotomy experience preferred.
Phlebotomy certificate preferred.

Responsibilities

Collect, label, and transport patient specimens, including routine and advanced venipuncture.
Verify each patient's identity before specimen collection and follow established medical protocols.
Process STAT and timed-study orders within required time frames.
Operate departmental computer programs to activate and manage orders, enter comments, and troubleshoot.
Reconcile unresolved outstanding test orders and address problems with registration, collection, or specimen processing.
Follow universal precautions, barrier protection methods, infection-control practices, and patient-isolation procedures as required.
Maintain commonly used supplies, inspect stock levels and expiration dates, and perform preventive equipment maintenance.
Perform specimen-processing procedures as required and prepare and triage specimens to the proper testing facility.
Perform basic clerical duties and participate in quality-improvement activities.
Identify and document issues, problems, and opportunities, escalating them to supervisory staff when appropriate.
Assist with training new staff or students in blood collection or specimen processing as directed.
Attend educational in-services and training classes for relevant computer systems; work with a supervisor on professional development.
For clinic-based assignments, review requisitions, order tests, follow up on incomplete or questionable orders, instruct patients and outreach clients on non-blood specimen collection, maintain standing-order files, schedule or arrive lab appointments, and obtain Medicare coverage waivers when applicable.
For hospital-based assignments, maintain and use computerized WOW carts, remain available for emergent collections, and work with clinical staff to maintain records and resolve specimen or collection issues.
Perform other duties as required.