Phlebotomist

Description:

Phlebotomist

POSITION PURPOSE

The phlebotomist collects and labels blood and other required specimens requiring testing in the clinical laboratory. The phlebotomist may assist with order entry of tests, assists technologists and ensures specimens are timely routed to the appropriate areas for testing. Educates patients with relevant information regarding lab testing.

Requirements:

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Bachelor's Degree is preferred.

Completion of a lab or phlebotomy program is preferred. Must be able to read and write the equivalent of eighth grade English.

Experience:

Prior critical care or intensive care experience is preferred.

Prior phlebotomy experience in a hospital or outpatient setting is preferred.

Licenses/Certificates:

Current Mississippi RN licensure is required.

BLS & ACLS certification is required. PALS certification is preferred.

Phlebotomy certification is preferred.

Competencies:

Patient Approach & Identification; Patient Preparation and Venipuncture; Documentation and Completion; Situational Response; Transfusion Sample Procedures

Working Conditions:

Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne/airborne disease; contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances; exposed to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries, chemicals and illness); subject to varying and unpredictable situations; able to handle emergency, crisis or pressured situations; subject to multiple interruptions; occasionally subject to extended or irregular hours; requires judgment/actions that impact patient outcomes.

VISUAL AND HEARING REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to see with corrective eye wear

Must be able to hear clearly with assistance

May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases. May be in contact with patients in a wide variety of circumstances. Able to handle emergency or crisis situations. Occasionally subject to irregular hours. May be required to wear protective equipment as necessary.

General Duties

• Collects, verifies, records and prepares specimens for laboratory analysis; provides timely collection and submission to the laboratory per the test protocol and physician orders; ensures that the technologist is aware of testing status.
• Demonstrates knowledge and care standards for all patient populations; consistently performs patient/test identification and verification practices according to facility expectations/policy; maintains patient confidentiality according to HIPAA Standards.
• Uses appropriate equipment for all procedures and appropriate tube types according to tests ordered.
• Inspects and labels specimens, rejects those inappropriately collected, processed or labeled; dispenses specimens and test information to the appropriate clinical or testing area.
• Assumes responsibility for patient care, safety and comfort while in the phlebotomist's care.
• Timely, accurate and legible documentation of all assigned/required tasks or duties.
• Timely completion of all assigned non-patient care related duties (e.g. stocking of supplies, equipment maintenance, unit cleaning).
• Ensures accurate, timely communication among caregivers (e.g. handoff/report, SBAR, timely communication to charge nurse/supervisor of issues) to include appropriate chain of command when indicated. Establishes and maintains two-way communication with peers, staff, physicians and administration. Communication and follow through on issues or concerns and communicates information using appropriate chain of command.
• Supports orientation, instruction and training of unit personnel and/or students.
• Enhances growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-services and meetings.
• Timely reporting and documenting of unexpected incidents or adverse events, including participation in investigations and completion of incident reports as applicable.
• Participates in the department's quality assurance and improvement plan; responsible for compliance with department, regulatory, and facility policies, procedures and regulations.

Standards for Customer Service

• Treats customers as the most important part of job.
• Listens to customer.
• Takes actions to appropriately and successfully addresses customer issues.
• Demonstrates respect for diverse cultures of all patients, families and co-workers.
• Honors the CHS Customer Service Standards and the Employee Commitment Contract.
• Communicates with customers using AIDET with every encounter.
• Understands department-specific HCAHPS results.
• (Nursing/Support Services) Conducts clinical hourly rounding.
• (Nursing/Support Services) Communicates with patients and family by updating Patient Communication Boards (white boards) and bedside shift report.

Standards for Safety

• Follows safety guidelines in safety manual.
• Knows RACE procedures, location of closest fire extinguisher.
• Speaks up for safety and reports potential safety issues to leader.
• Attends all required safety education programs.
• Provides complete and accurate response to safety questions.
• Participates in unit or departmental Safety Huddle to maintain situational awareness of at-risk patients or procedures, safety critical situations or conditions, and any deficiencies that will impact safe, quality care.
• Incorporates “SAFE” error prevention behaviors and tools into daily practice.

Standards of Employment

• Attire is professional, neat, clean and appropriate for work preformed and wears proper identification while on duty.
• Maintains confidentiality of hospital and patient information at all times.
• Employee has completed the required Annual Mandatory Education within the past twelve (12) months.
• Consistently follows attendance policy.

Standards of Quality Improvement/Innovation

• Identifies and challenges work processes.
• Works toward continuous improvement based on customer needs.
• Contributes new ideas, makes helpful suggestions for change.
• Works effectively as a part of the team, participates and supports group efforts.

Department/Job Specific Competencies

Handwashing / Infection Control

Security Awareness

Privacy Awareness