Phlebotomist - Laboratory - New London Hospital

• GENERAL SUMMARY

  • Clinical Responsibilities: Perform venipunctures and skin punctures competently and expediently; enters or retrieves test orders in the laboratory information system; instructs patients on how to properly collect urine and other specimens; processes specimens for testing in-house and for reference lab testing. Other responsibilities include phone calls, result query, printing/faxing, and assist with other laboratory related duties as assigned.

• FUNCTIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Phlebotomy
    • Understands process to identify test requirements.
    • Uses laboratory information system for test ordering.
    • Verifies information and tests ordered via the information system against requisitions, and clarifies questions with provider's offices or nursing departments when necessary.
    • Has working knowledge of standing order process.
    • Adjusts approach to patients and families in accordance with age group.
    • Consistently draws blood competently and expediently with as little patient discomfort as possible.
    • Is able to obtain blood samples from patients of all ages whether outpatient or inpatient.
    • Supports and reassures patients during procedures.
    • Follows lab procedure for patient identification and labels samples accurately.
    • Uses a combination of verbal communication with inpatients along with the mobile laboratory information system barcode device, to retrieve orders and print labels at the patient bedside, ensures positive patient identification.
    • Prioritizes STAT orders, scheduled orders, and outpatients.
    • Accurately and expediently processes specimens delivered to the lab.
    • Assists in training new phlebotomists/aides, as assigned by Supervisor or Director.
  • Lab Aide:
    • Assists Medical Technologists as necessary.
    • Knows how to print patient demographic sheets to send to reference lab when required.
    • Processes specimens for reference labs.
    • Understands the different tubes and labeling requirements for each reference lab.
    • Knows how to complete paperwork for each reference lab.
    • Knows how to determine specimen requirements for tests sent to each reference lab.
    • Bags and stores specimens at appropriate temperatures for reference lab tests.
    • Has specimens ready for courier pickup at scheduled times.
    • Maintains training for IATA Specimen packaging and shipping.
  • Clerical / Administrative:
    • Answers phone calls professionally and politely.
    • Knows how to place calls on hold and transfer calls as necessary.
    • Understands when to answer questions and when to refer callers to a technologist or supervisor.
    • Uses laboratory information system for result query and report printing.
    • Knows how to use the hospital information system to fax results.
    • Requests supplies when low.
    • Understands which patient services are to be charged venipuncture charge.
    • Reviews requisitions for order entry accuracy, following established protocol.
  • Safety, Quality Control & Compliance:
    • Adheres to current documentation standards and policies.
    • Releases results only to authorized individuals.
    • Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
    • Follows standard precautions at all times.
    • Discards sharps into a rigid sharps container.
    • Uses personal protective equipment appropriately and when needed.
• POSITION REQUIREMENTS
  • Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
    • Prior phlebotomy experience or completion of approved phlebotomy program required
  • Experience
  • Education
    • High School graduate or equivalent
    • 12-18 months experience
    • Phlebotomy or Medical Assistant certificate preferred
    • BLS Certification (obtained within 3 months of hire.)

PI255277050