Phlebotomist

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs venipuncture and collects other specimens form newborn, pediatric, and adult patients according to established protocol. Collaborates with patient care regarding difficult venipunctures.
• Receives and sorts lab specimens. Packages and tracks specimens for transport. Processes specimens for testing including centrifuging, aliquoting, and storing samples. Loads instruments while maintaining proper specimen identification.
• Performs limited testing under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), 1988 guidelines according to established policies and procedures. Performs laboratory result entry in the computer system.
• May assists physicians with patient procedures and prepare basic histology stains and uses special handling and knowledge to process pathology send-outs and referrals. Uses specialized knowledge for cleaning and routine general maintenance for histology equipment (cryostat, grossing station). Completes the needed requirements for CAP histology checklist.
• May support histology and/or cytology services. Accessions and tracks surgical specimens in Pathology computer system.
• May perform skin puncture and port access functions to obtain specimens from newborn, pediatric, and adult patients according to established protocol, priority and scheduled draw times. Maintains current knowledge and skills necessary to insert and remove port access devices.
• Performs clerical functions which may include answering telephone calls, patient registration, payment collection, data entry of demographic and insurance information, copying, faxing, laboratory result entry, generating and distributing reports, and/or ordering/delivering supplies and/or equipment.
• Assists in transfusion dept., and performs tasks associated with this specialty.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.  Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures.  Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

License/Registration/Certification Required: None Required

Education Required: High School Graduate

Experience Required: Typically requires 3 years of experience in phlebotomy and/or related laboratory functions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Demonstrates knowledge and experience in laboratory functions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of medical terms.
• Basic computer skills including experience using computer software applications.
• Keyboarding and typing skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Good listening skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrated customer service skills to interface effectively with physicians, patients, visitors, and other healthcare employees.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Good manual dexterity.
• Frequently lifts to 10 lbs. Occasionally lifts to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk and bend the majority of the workday.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, radioactive and/or infectious agents.
• Will be exposed to human blood, tissue, and body fluids.
• Must wear appropriate lab coat, gloves, gowns and eye and face protection as needed.
• Must be able to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Position may require travel, therefore may be exposed to inclement weather and adverse road conditions.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.