The Phlebotomist is responsible for performing phlebotomy procedures, including blood sample collection, blood cultures, drug screens, and clerical duties while maintaining patient confidentiality and promoting good public relations. Key duties involve ensuring correct patient identification, proper specimen handling, immediate labeling, and maintaining a clean, safe working environment.
Requirements summary
A high school diploma or equivalent is required, though completion of a recognized phlebotomy or medical office program is preferred. A minimum of one year of work experience as a phlebotomist or medical assistant is preferred, alongside excellent communication and customer relation skills.
The Phlebotomist promotes good public relations for the department and Jennie Stuart Medical Center while maintaining patient/customer confidentiality. Phlebotomists are responsible for phlebotomy procedures, including collection of blood samples, blood cultures and clerical duties of the department. Phlebotomists are also responsible for performing drug screens, sample processing and are responsible for recognizing problems that require referral to Section Supervisors or Medical Technologists/Technicians
Essential Functions
Maintains a positive morale and positive working relationship with coworkers.
Maintains professional manner at all times; accepts and profits from constructive criticism.
Utilizes effective interpersonal skills to interact with patients, families, fellow workers, medical staff, and visitors.
Demonstrated behavior standards established by JSMC and Studer Group.
Must promote good public relations for the department and JSMC while maintaining patient/customer confidentiality.
Recognizes how the phlebotomists’ position and duties relate to the overall function of the laboratory and the hospital in view of patient care.
Abides by hospital and departmental dress code.
Promptly arrives for designated shift.
Maintains clean and safe working environment.
Demonstrates an ability to assess the situation, consider alternatives, and choose the appropriate action.
Demonstrates confidence in learning new routines and methods.
Assumes responsibility for continuing education requirement as required by certifying agency, as required.
Demonstrates the ability to set priorities.
Obeys JSMC policies and procedures regarding patient care, with special attention to biohazard procedures.
Performs duties in an independent manner with little or no direct supervision.
Always practices and supports safety in the workplace by using PPE (lab jackets, gloves, etc.) Demonstrates competence in all procedures required in accordance with policy.
Ensures supplies are available and notifies appropriate personnel when low.
Maintains phlebotomy tray/cart in a sanitary and properly supplied condition at all times.
Greets patients in a courteous manner by utilizing AIDET.
Requires two patient identifiers when collecting specimens and asks patient to give their name and date of birth.
Verifies correct patient using two identifiers.
Must check the name/dob on request with the name/dob on the patient’s armband prior to specimen collection.
Washes hands (or foams) before and after each patient contact.
Uses proper technique in obtaining blood samples.
Labels samples immediately after specimen is collected while still in the presence of the patient.
Disposes of used needles after use in suitable containers.
Does not recap needles and uses all safety devices appropriately.
Orders tests in HIS correctly, following up with supervisor of physician office on ambiguous orders.
Receives drop offs, checks all paperwork, and signs samples into laboratory.
Uses time between sample collections to departmental advantage by filling in with office/clerical work, assisting technical staff, performing general household duties, putting away supplies, checking supplies for current expiration dates, etc.
Seeks information or asks for assistance from appropriate personnel regarding patients who present difficulties.
Requests assistance after two unsuccessful phlebotomy attempts.
Completes routine blood sample collection within 5 minutes and difficult cases within 15 minutes.
Completes procedures scheduled during shift without interfering with the quality of work.
Follows through on tests or procedures left from a previous shift, and reports any incomplete assignments to assure continuity of care.
Responds to changes in work schedule as necessary; continually uses time to departmental advantage; performs well in emergency situations.
Prioritizes work to achieve maximum efficiency; can adjust schedule in view of STAT orders, admissions, etc. and can obtain timed specimens according to procedure.
Knows various needles, anticoagulants, special handling, and preparation of tests that are to be performed.
Assists in orientation of new staff members as necessary.
Assists in training of students as necessary.
Reports any change in the patient’s condition to appropriate personnel.
Recognizes and performs duties which need to be performed although not directly assigned.
Completes all mandatory in-service requirements before deadlines.
Attends staff meetings, providing input and evaluation into unit strategic plans, operations, and performance improvement.
Limits personal telephone calls Other duties, as assigned.
When assigned as charge phlebotomist
To be the first point of contact for phlebotomy department when supervisor is not present. To oversee the work in phlebotomy and to ensure that samples are being collected in a timely and efficient manner. To ensure the workflow within phlebotomy is not hindered, attempting to solve any issues that are interrupting workflow. To solve issues that arise during assigned shift and ensure occurrence management documentation and communication with section supervisors and laboratory management. To report to the charge tech when issues arise that are beyond scope of care. To ensure all uncollected reports are run and reviewed as scheduled. To ensure temperatures/refrigerator checks are performed as scheduled.
Reports To
Phlebotomy Supervisor, Laboratory
Manager,
Director of
Laboratory
Services,
Medical
Director
Supervises: None
Shift / Work Hours: Variable with on call responsibilities
