Phlebotomist - Laboratory

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs phlebotomy by obtaining blood specimens and collecting non-blood specimens such as urine, sputum, and throat swabs for laboratory testing.
• Accurately and efficiently processes and distributes results to Health Information Management and Physicians.
• Prepares and send out all reference lab work, completing necessary paperwork.
• Accessions all Lab orders into the LIS.
• Performs screening tests, such as drug screens, performs BAT and processes paternity cases.
• Performs community wellness drives as requested by the Laboratory Director.
• Performs EKG's on inpatients and outpatients. Does therapeutic phlebotomies.
• Resolves ambiguous and/or unusual test orders by contacting the physician of the order, pathologist, nursing station, or reference laboratory. Refers unresolved orders back to the originator for further clarification before collecting samples or processing specimens. Makes the supervisor aware of unresolved orders.
• May perform front desk duties such as answering the phone and registering outpatients.
• Practices and behaves in a professional, safe and ethical manner at all times.
• Maintains friendly and courteous interpersonal communication skills and a positive service attitude.
• Participates in performance improvement and educational activities. Completes all CEU’s as required by respective licensure. If licensed, maintains an active and current license.
• Works willingly and accepts assignments as given.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and programs.
• Participates in opportunities that enhance personal and professional growth.
• Performs other duties as necessary or assigned.
• Complies with the Corporate Compliance Policy and all laws, regulations, and Standards of Conduct relating to the position and agrees to report any suspected violations of law or Standards of Conduct.
• Complies with all applicable state and federal regulations and JCAHO standards.
• Maintains a safe work environment using safe work practices, utilizing standard precautions and complying with hazardous waste procedures at all times as described in St. Anthony's Safety Manual.
• Maintains the confidentiality of patient, resident, employee and organizational information.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities, however, may provide support and training to assigned staff as directed by the department Director and/or Supervisor.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma, GED, or similar certification required.
• Medical Assistant or Phlebotomy certification preferred.
• Experience as a Phlebotomist preferred.
• 80 hours training in the proper procedure of performing venipuncture.

Position Requirements, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Medical Assistant or Phlebotomy certification preferred.
• PT (ASCP) preferred.
• Current valid Iowa Driver's license, reliable transportation, and adequate insurance.
• Good driving record required.
• Must possess effective time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before customers, patients, families and employees of the organization.

Physical Demand

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to sit, talk and hear, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Computer work is frequent.

May be exposed to infectious diseases and occupational dangers like accidental needle pricks. Must be able to withstand physical and emotional stress.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and blood borne pathogens. The employee may be exposed to unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. The employee may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of radiation. The employee may occasionally be exposed to high, precarious places and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.