Job Summary

The Phlebotomist will perform phlebotomy utilizing a variety of techniques. This position will be responsible for accurately performing specimen collection of inpatients and/or outpatients. Samples collected by the phlebotomist are used for laboratory test procedures that are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The incumbent will be accountable for the accurate data entry of order and collection information, verification and receipt of specimens, and the processing of reports and result inquiry requests.

Essential Job Functions

• Demonstrates competency in Laboratory Information System (LIS) functions by accurately placing orders, monitor various reports to track specimen and/or results, responding to system errors, and correctly look up test codes, collection info, and physician demographics.
• Follow standard precautions when performing venous or capillary phlebotomy.
• Assure the correct identification of patient and specimen by using two identifiers.
• Follow specific written department protocols for blood collection and post-venipuncture care.
• Respond to pages within an acceptable time frame and based on appropriate prioritization.
• Demonstrate minimal redraws and performs in compliance with redraw policy.
• Maintain acceptable blood culture contamination rate of <2%.
• Assist or perform specimen procurement techniques as required.
• Assist with urine drug screen collections and collections for legal alcohols, following established protocol.
• Perform nasal and throat swab collections.
• Receive and process laboratory orders, document receipt of specimens, and assess basic specimen appropriateness.
• Process orders and patients appropriately during downtime to ensure progression to testing.
• Interact effectively with healthcare providers, co-workers and patients to represent the department and to obtain and exchange information needed to expedite quality laboratory services.
• Assure that telephones are answered with professional etiquette and manage calls to keep hold time and transfers to a minimum.
• Remain current with changes in department protocols in order to communicate accurate information.
• Deliver specimens to laboratory in a timely manner, packaging samples to ensure safe transport.
• Fill supply orders and send supplies to floors as needed.
• Monitor collection lists and unreceived lists
• Maintain operational readiness to provide prompt response to service requests.
• Inventories and rotate stock to limit unnecessary waste, monitor phlebotomy basket for out dated inventory.
• Perform scanning and indexing of patient orders at time of registration
• Ready samples for transport, including any and all computer work required, i.e. click and pack, tracking, etc.
• Operate hospital vehicles in compliance with all regulations, ensuring safe and efficient travel between collection sites.
• Participate in the phlebotomy competency and validation of new employees, RN's and technical partners.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED, or Higher Level of Education.
• Completion of Phlebotomy Training Program, Medical Assistant Training Program or six (6) months experience performing phlebotomy.
• Knowledge of coding, basic math, and payer/insurance benefits is preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and general office related equipment, such as a fax or copier is preferred
• Medical terminology and specimen knowledge and laboratory information system experience preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Healthcare setting.

License, Certification & Clearances

• Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License (if out of state hire current Department of Motor Vehicle record report required and obtain PA Current Driver License within 30 days of hire).
• Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between Excela Health locations.

LEAN

• Actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to encourage consistent use of LEAN principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements. Recognizes the necessity of taking ownership of one’s own motivation, morale, performance and professional development. Strives for behavior consistent with being committed to Excela’s missions, vision and values.

AAP/EEO

• Excela Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Excela Health to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class. Excela Health will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
• Ability to perform the Essential Functions listed on the Physical Conditions and ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Condition chart below.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.