Phlebotomy Tech

Emory Healthcare•Decatur, GA

2d•$19 - $22

About The Position

Collects, labels, and transports patient specimens for testing in a timely manner, including routine and advanced venipuncture. Upholds organizational values by providing exemplary customer service throughout preanalytical and analytical processes. Follows strict patient-identification and medical protocols, processes emergency orders within required time frames, and ensures specimens are accurately labeled and properly handled. Uses departmental computer programs to manage orders, resolve outstanding orders, enter comments, and troubleshoot. Practices universal precautions and infection-control measures; maintains supplies and equipment; may perform specimen processing, basic clerical duties, quality-improvement activities, and training. May assume coordinator responsibilities when supervisory staff are absent and works with a supervisor on professional development. Clinic-based duties may include reviewing requisitions, resolving incomplete or questionable orders, instructing patients and outreach clients on non-blood specimen collection, maintaining standing-order files, scheduling laboratory appointments, preparing and triaging specimens, and obtaining Medicare coverage waivers when applicable. Hospital-based duties may include maintaining computerized WOW carts, following patient-isolation procedures, remaining available by phone for emergent collections, and collaborating with clinical staff to maintain computerized records and resolve specimen or collection issues.

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.
Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and carry objects up to 25 pounds; work may involve standing, walking, sitting, and close eye work.
Ability to work in conditions that may involve blood-borne pathogens, biohazardous waste, chemicals or fumes, communicable diseases, electrical shock, varied floor surfaces and temperatures, indoor or outdoor settings, latex, lighting, patient-care or handling injuries, radiation, and shift work; personal protective equipment, including respirators, may be required.
Travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

Two years of relevant phlebotomy experience preferred.
Phlebotomy certificate preferred.
For hospital-based positions, ability to type at least 35 words per minute is preferred.

Responsibilities

Collect, label, and transport patient specimens, including blood samples obtained through routine and advanced venipuncture.
Positively identify patients before collecting specimens and follow strict medical protocols.
Process STAT and timed-study orders within required time frames.
Accurately label specimens before processing or transport and intervene on unacceptable specimens when appropriate.
Use departmental computer programs to activate and manage orders, order tests, enter comments, troubleshoot, and reconcile outstanding orders.
Follow universal precautions, barrier-protection methods, infection-control practices, and applicable patient-isolation procedures.
Maintain commonly used supplies, inspect stock levels and expiration dates, and perform preventive equipment maintenance.
Resolve problems involving specimen registration, collection, or processing, including referral specimens.
Perform specimen-processing procedures and basic clerical duties as needed.
Identify and document issues and opportunities, escalating them to supervisory staff when appropriate.
Assist with training new staff or students in blood collection or specimen processing as directed.
Participate in quality-improvement activities and professional-development planning.
Attend educational in-services and training for computer systems used in patient registration and referral testing.
For clinic-based work, review requisitions, follow up on incomplete or questionable orders, instruct patients and outreach clients about non-blood specimen collection, maintain standing-order files, schedule or arrive laboratory appointments, triage specimens, and obtain Medicare coverage waivers when applicable.
For hospital-based work, maintain and charge computerized WOW carts, follow isolation procedures, remain available by phone for emergent collections, and work with clinical staff to maintain records and resolve specimen or collection issues.
Perform other duties as required.