Phlebotomist

Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, a leader in Pediatric care throughout the Southeast region, is currently seeking a dynamic Phlebotomist. The mission of making care available to all children has allowed Children’s to grow as an organization.

Children's Hospital is a not-for-profit medical center offering the most advanced pediatric care for children from birth to 21 years. With over 40 pediatric specialties and more than 400 physicians, it is the only full-service hospital exclusively for children in Louisiana and the Gulf South. We invite you to experience the magic of Children's Hospital.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Collection of blood specimens from inpatients and outpatients by venipuncture or capillary puncture. Performance of waived laboratory tests limited to the scope of their competency under the supervision of Medical Technologists and/or Medical Laboratory Technicians. Provide technical, clerical and administrative assistance to assigned section(s) of the laboratory while working under the direct supervision of licensed personnel. Perform specimen labeling, handling, computer data entry, sample preparation, preservation, processing and/or transportation and storage.

DUTIES:

Specimen Collection

• Appropriately prepare for timed phlebotomy rounds and completes rounds according to schedule.

• Perform Stat and Timed priority collections within the time ranges in the policy manual

• Determine appropriate specimen collection requirements for the tests requested.

• Determine correct collection technique to use based on the tests requested and amount of specimen required.

• Perform positive patient identification, using two identifiers according to policy and procedure.

• Communicate clearly and compassionately with patients, family members, and visitors.

• Appropriately utilize the Laboratory Information System (LIS) handheld devices to collect inpatient samples.

• Properly label all specimen collection tubes at the patient’s bedside according to policy and procedure.

• Dispose of collection equipment by appropriate means following policy and procedure.

• Transport appropriate specimens to the laboratory via pneumatic tube system.

• Review and resolve pending collections at the beginning, during, and end of each shift.

• Appropriately prioritize specimen collection based on the ordering priority of the tests and the patient location.

• Recognize when the amount of blood required exceeds the safe amount and notify ordering physician or pathologist as appropriate to prioritize.

• Communicate any unexpected patient response to the appropriate individuals immediately after observation. Remain with patient and administer care according to policy and procedure

• Notify incoming shift of any pending work or pertinent issues/problems.

• Handle unusual situations such as uncooperative parents, combative patients, severely handicapped patients, difficult/unsuccessful blood draws, psychiatric patients, and NICU patients in a professional manner.

Positive Patient Identification

• Positively identify all patients prior to specimen collection

• At bedside, verify patient's name and medical record number on armband

• If no armband at bedside, verify identification with patient’s nurse

• For outpatient, ask guardian, hospital attendant or patient to verify by stating full name and date of birth

• Ensure that patients with Blood Bank orders are wearing armbands prior to specimen collection

Specimen Processing/Handling

• Respond promptly to specimen receipt via the pneumatic tube system or specimen drop-off, delivering to department sections within 20 minutes of receipt.

• Appropriately and accurately input valid laboratory orders into the LIS.

• Perform primary source verification for ordering providers not on the Hospital’s Medical Staff prior to processing an order.

• Appropriately match all specimens received with orders in the LIS and accurately enter collection information.

• Appropriately log all histology specimens received after hours and deliver to a technologist promptly.

• Maintain the rejection log with appropriate communication documentation.

• Accurately register and process specimens collected on behalf of Submitters (Clients)

• Implement manual back-up procedure during computer down-times.

• Notify departments of Stat priority sample delivery.

• Clean the countertop at the beginning of shift, end of shift, and when visibly dirty with appropriate cleaning solution.

Quality Management

• Repeat Venipuncture rate must be less than 5%.
  • Unsuccessful venipuncture rate must be less than 5%.
  • Blood Culture contamination rate must be less than or equal to 3%.
  • Acquire fewer than four valid complaints per year from patient, parent/guardian, providers, supervisory lab staff or nursing personnel concerning collection techniques.
  • Assist in updating the Specimen Collection Manual.
  • Assist in the clinical orientation of new or less skilled Phlebotomy personnel as requested by the Non-Technical Supervisor
  
  Supply Maintenance
  • Stock collection trays and carts to meet the expected needs of personnel for all shifts.
  • Notify supervisor of low inventory items.
  • Notify supervisor of any expired tubes or supplies, and of any item found to be defective, contaminated, or otherwise unacceptable, after taking out of inventory.
  • Record receipt of supplies, properly initial and date the inventory items at receipt, and rotate stock so that items that expire first are used first.
  • Assist in the annual inventory of supplies.
  
  Clerical Support
  • Handle incoming phone calls within five rings and appropriately route them to the correct individual without disconnecting the call.
  • Upon request of providers, physician office staff, and nursing staff, correctly retrieve results via the LIS and fax to the office/unit as appropriate.
  • Scan all necessary documents into the Hospital Information System/EMR as appropriate
  

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required

Experience: 6-12 months of Phlebotomy experience required. Pediatric experience preferred.

License/Certification: Licensure by the State of Louisiana as a Phlebotomist or Lab Assistant or must be able to obtain within 6 months of hire. BLS Healthcare Provider Certification from the American Heart Association required

As a member of our team, you will not only experience personal reward, you will also find tangible benefits for you and your family. For more information please go to www.chnola.org.

Children's Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.