LAB CLERK/PHLEBOTOMIST-CLINICAL LABORATORY-FULL TIME AM SHIFT -8HR-VARIABLE SHIFTS - Washington Hospital Healthcare System

Position Summary:

Performs basic clerical and phlebotomy duties under the direction of the Office/Phlebotomy Supervisor. Acts as a receptionist, handling a variety of related clerical duties, and as a registration clerk where typing is a primary requisite. Also functions as a phlebotomist, where drawing blood and processing specimens is a primary responsibility. Assists in the Histology and Microbiology departments when needed. Handles blood and other potentially infectious body fluids on a daily basis. Follows all hospital and lab infection control and safety policies and procedures. Performs work assignments according to procedure. Assists in training new clerk/phlebotomists. Responsible for verifying specimens, doing collection group inquiries and printing label sets using the lab computer system. Must have proven good guest relation skills, maintain a good attendance record and follow all hospital rules, policies and procedures. Must perform accurate work in a timely manner. Must be competent to assess and meet the needs of patients of all age group or contact appropriate hospital resource for guidance.

In addition to performing the essential functions listed below, may also be assigned other duties as required.

Statement of Accountability

Reports to:  Lab Office/Phlebotomy Supervisor

Qualifications

Education - Required:  High School Diploma
 

Desired:  Courses in medical terminology or medical assisting

Licenses/Certifications - Required:  Current State of California Phlebotomy Technician Certification

Work Experience - Required:  One year hospital experience or equivalent of three (3) years of phlebotomy experience; ability to type at least 20 net wpm
 

Language Skills - Required:  English

Computer Skills - Required: Ability to use Microsoft Windows, Word Excel. E-mail or equivalent

Other Skills and Abilities - Required:  Verbal ability to communicate with staff, patients, and physicians

Other Qualifications - Required: Clerical perception is necessary to proofread typewritten reports, to cross-index and file various documents and to avoid transcription errors.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Achieving Results

Key Components: assess, plan, evaluate, demonstrate initiative, quality of work, productivity

1.  Draws outpatients as soon as possible to minimize patient waiting time.

2.  Orders tests and processes specimens arriving in the laboratory according to established procedure and test requirements.

3.  Verifies specimens in the computer with the correct date and time.

4.  Maintains blood drawing areas and trays in a neat, clear and orderly manner.

Demonstrates Skill

Key Components: competency, job knowledge, organizational skills, analytical skill, management of information, employee & patient safety

1.  Follows patient identification procedures including checking both name, MR#, or date of birth when drawing patients and labeling specimens.

2.  Performs venipunctures and skin punctures as needed in a timely manner. Observes strict principles of asepsis and antisepsis to prevent infection of patient and contamination of specimens.

3.  Operations centrifuges, bar code printer, fax, and other equipment as needed.

4. Processes specimens for microbiology as required.

5.  Instructs patients on specimen collection geared to their age and physical abilities.

6. Assists in Histology as required.

7.  Performs information collection and reporting as required.

8.  Follows safety policies at all times, helps to maintain a safe workplace.

9.  Follows through on tests or procedures left from a previous shift, and reports any incomplete assignments to assure continuity of reports.

10. Acts as receptionist for the laboratory by receiving and registering patients, answering and handling incoming telephone calls, giving results of tests to doctors and giving instructions to patients.

11. Participates in Training of Phlebotomist and assessment of initial and periodic Competency performance.

Planning & Coordinating

Key Components: delegates, decision making, problem solving, management of resources

1.  Judgement - Displays good judgement and a practical and effective approach to problem solving.

2.  Evaluates incoming specimens for rejection criteria that apply and follows specimen rejection procedures.

Professionalism

Key Components: dependability, interpersonal skills, teamwork, patient first ethic, customer service, communications skills, punctuality/attendance, receptiveness to criticism, judgment, confidentiality

1.  Act as receptionist for the laboratory by receiving and registering patients, answering and handling incoming telephone calls, giving results of tests to doctors and giving instructions to patients.

2.  Answers telephone questions regarding phlebotomy section and specimen requirements.

3.  Performs job both in person, on telephone, and through other means of communication, according to requirements.

4.  Remains in compliance with hospital policies on attendance and punctuality.

Improving the Organization

Key Components: performance improvement, quality initiatives

1.  Participates in Performance Improvement activities as requested.

2.  Reviews employee policies and procedures regularly to maintain a complete understanding of hospital regulations and new relevant and pertinent information. 

Self-Development

Key Components: maintain license/certification, education and training

1.  Education - Maintains licensure, certification, education & training levels.

Regulatory Compliance

Key Components:  JCAHO, Title 22, OIG, HIPAA, State/Federal laws, hospital policies

1.  Follows OHSA Blood Borne Pathogens Standard.

2.  Confidentiality - Maintains confidentiality of all hospital information.  Safeguards protected health information from any intentional or unintentional disclosure. 

Hazards Which May Be Encountered

Injury

Methods to Prevent Injuries

Lifting Objects/Patients

Back injuries

Hernias

Understand A&P of back, causes of back pain, preventive approaches, use of aids when lifting.

Preventive measures when lifting and use of aids when lifting.

Slip/Trip/Falls

Contusions, Sprains, Strains

Avoid undue speed.  Use handrails.  Clean up spills immediately.

Fires & Natural Disasters

Burns & All Types of Injuries

Recognize possible causes of fires.  Smoking materials, faulty equipment. Employees should educate patients.  Compressed gasses are flammable & under pressure so must be handled with care.  Workers need to be familiar with disaster plans and know exit routes.

Electrical Hazards

Shocks & Burns

Be aware of unsafe equipment and appliances.  Attend electrical safety classes and seek assistance if any unsafe areas are noted.

Assaults

Minor Injury to Death

Employees need to be cognizant of potential dangers to ensure safety.  Awareness of existing security measure and defensive behavior can protect employee from assaults.

Needles & Sharps

Cuts, Punctures, Lacerations

Sharps should be discard in designated containers.  Employees should examine and handle soiled linens & similar items as if they contain hazardous items.

Obstacles & Broken Objects

Abrasions, Contusions, and Lacerations

Arrange furniture to allow free movement about the room.  Keep doors & drawers closed when not in use.  Clean/discard broken objects properly (i.e., broken glass should be swept up, not picked up with fingers). 

Possible Exposures to Infections

Hepatitis/Tuberculosis/Cytomegalovirus/Varicella/AIDS/Herpes

Staph Infections, Lice/Scabies/Rubeola

Infection

Use Infection Control procedures as define din Infection Control manual. These include handwashing, protective clothing, knowing the risks.  Label lines and wastes properly. 

Possible exposure to acids & other chemicals used within the hospital

Refer to MSDS's

Employees should follow procedures as explained in their department Hazardous Material training and refer to MSDS's before using/handling any chemicals.  Follow procedures and do not use any chemical without proper labeling.

Latex

Dermatitis to death

Alert supervisor if you feel that you are allergic to latex materials.  Use non-latex gloves for sterile procedures.

Soaps, Detergents, Cleaning Solutions

Dermatitis

Follow Departmental procedures.  Protective clothing is available if department is unable to substitute agents that do not cause dermatitis.

Ergonomic Problems

Wide Variety of Musculoskeletal nervous disorders

Body mechanics, positioning of equipment/furniture, and repetitive actions can cause employees to experience a variety of physical problems.  Employees should follow safe body mechanics as describe in hospital education.  Employees are encouraged to seek assistance from their supervisor if they feel a tasks is causing them to experience physical problems. Work site evaluation may be indicated and this could be discussed with manager. 

Possible Chemical Exposure

Refer to MSDS's

Employees work with a variety of chemicals within the lab setting.  Employees receive training upon hire and also are expected to review the Chemical Safety plan yearly.  Employees are expected to follow safe working procedures as instructed. 

Exposure to Video Display Terminals

Eye strain & stress in addition to ergonomic complaints

It is unknown if significant visual dysfunction results from long-term use of VDT's.  Problems may be controlled with control of lighting and glare, the color contrast, and workers should have adequately corrected vision.  Employees should seek assistance from their supervisor if they feet VDT is causing problems for them.