Phlebotomy Technician

Mercyhealth Wisconsin and Illinois•Rockford, IL

3d•$18 - $26

About The Position

The Phlebotomy Technician provides patient care while collecting blood and other specimens, labeling and handling specimens accurately, and supporting daily laboratory operations. The role works with patients, providers, and laboratory team members to support a safe and positive experience and timely specimen processing. The position is PRN with variable, as-needed shifts and may involve work at client sites, patient homes, or facilities as well as laboratory locations. The technician registers patients, processes orders, collects and assesses specimens, performs applicable waived testing, and supports laboratory operations including specimen accessioning, supply management, quality control, and training. The position requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to deliver compassionate patient care and excellent customer service.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Successful completion of a phlebotomy course or previous phlebotomy experience preferred.
Phlebotomy certification preferred.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Experience as a Paramedic, EMT, CNA, or MA is helpful.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent.
Successful completion of a phlebotomy course or previous phlebotomy experience.
Phlebotomy certification.
Experience as a Paramedic, EMT, CNA, or MA.

Responsibilities

Use the Hospital Information System (HIS) and Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) to release orders, register patients, enter data, and perform result entry.
Register patients; collect payments; enter demographic and insurance information; and transfer test requests from scripts, requisitions, and verbal orders into computer systems.
Answer and screen telephone calls professionally, resolve unclear test orders by contacting appropriate personnel, document actions, and refer unresolved issues to a supervisor.
Generate lists, labels, and daily reports; review order monitors and investigate collection summary reports.
Assess orders for special collection requirements, patient preparation, and appropriate order of draw.
Verify patient identity using two identifiers; perform phlebotomy and collect blood specimens; assess patient responses and adjust procedures as needed.
Follow safety and infection-control protocols, use aseptic technique, and accurately label specimens with required patient and collection information.
Collect other specimens as indicated, including throat and MRSA swabs, urine samples, heel sticks, finger sticks, blood cultures, and blood bank specimens.
At RMH Phlebotomy only, perform arterial punctures on adults and apply the appropriate collection charge.
Collect glucose tolerance and hormone stimulation specimens at specified time increments and prepare patients appropriately.
Collect research program, Lab One, and special collection kit specimens; instruct patients on collection and handling of self-collected specimens.
Perform specialized collections, including breath alcohol testing and random, pre-employment, and legal urine drug screens.
Receive and accession specimens in the LIS; assess acceptability; centrifuge and aliquot as needed; and deliver or batch specimens for courier pickup.
Notify testing personnel of stat requests; accept and sort specimens from internal and external customers; resolve identification or requisition issues; and package and track specimens sent to reference laboratories.
Apply working knowledge of reference-laboratory insurance processes and basic registration and billing rules, including proper use of collection dates.
Drive a laboratory personal vehicle to client sites, patient homes, or facilities; collect and transport specimens and ensure their receipt by the laboratory.
Perform limited waived testing, including blood glucose monitoring, according to established procedures. At the supervisor’s discretion, perform rapid flu and strep tests, mono testing, pregnancy testing, and dipstick urinalysis.
Perform quality control and proficiency testing; communicate critical results to appropriate licensed caregivers or authorized personnel and chart reports as needed.
At applicable locations, perform ten-lead and pediatric EKG tracing; critical-result communication by EKG is specified for legacy Rockford locations only.
Perform temperature checks and clean and check laboratory glassware.
Assist with inventory and supply maintenance; submit acquisition orders, receive and stock supplies, and fill supply requests from clients and providers.
Assist with orientation and training of new partners, coach on customer service, assess competence before release from training, and provide performance-evaluation input to the phlebotomy supervisor.
Mentor phlebotomy staff as needed and work with the supervisor to ensure adequate staffing and skill mix.
Evaluate new products and provide written documentation of evaluation activities when required by regulatory agencies.
Demonstrate strong phlebotomy skills, serve as a resource to the team, take ownership of the department, identify improvement opportunities, make suggestions, and resolve issues.