Phlebotomist

Job Description:

SUMMARY

Works under the direction and supervision of Physician, Advanced Practice Provider, Registered Nurse, and/or Licensed Vocational Nurse on clinic site. PHLEBOTOMIST is responsible for setting up lab for day-to-day operations including but not limited to specimen collection, specimen processing, and result tracking. Performs lab test according to phlebotomist and lab scope of practice (CLIA waived testing). Responsible for lab maintenance and supplies. Responsible for equipment maintenance and quality controls as appropriate.

POLICY

PHLEBOTOMIST must perform only duties that are within limitations of the scope of practice and in accordance with the guidelines stipulated by the Oregon Department of Public Health. It is the responsibility of the PHLEBOTOMIST to know his/her limitations and abide by the regulatory standards.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE

Phlebotomist may perform clinical laboratory tests or examinations classified as waived or of moderate complexity under CLIA, but not high complexity, and may report the test results. However, a licensed Phlebotomist shall not perform microscopic analysis or immunohematology procedures, except for blood smear reviews other than manual leukocyte differentials, microscopic urinalysis, and blood typing of moderate complexity such as automated ABO/Rh testing and antibody screen testing. The Phlebotomist shall work under the supervision of a licensed physician.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adhere to TRHC lab policies and procedures.
• Draw blood from patients, process specimens, package, store and send out according to lab vendors specifications.
• Label all specimens completely and accurately using the two-patient identifier system in the presence of the patient.
• Reconcile all drawn specimens with the lab accession log daily.
• Monitor accession log on a daily basis to ensure that all results are returned within the proper turnaround time.
• Work closely with the lab vendors to recover any overdue lab results.
• Process CLIA waived in-house tests ensuring that all results are entered into their corresponding logs and/or Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Process requisitions using HER.
• Ensure all processed specimens are ready by scheduled Quest pickup.
• Keep quality assurance logs for lab equipment current and up to date per TRHC policy and protocol.
• Keep all lab logs current, up to date, and on site for a period of three years (Results, Controls, Maintenance, Daily Task, Inventory, etc.).
• Set up equipment for daily lab use; ensure proper operation of equipment, and report operating deficiencies to supervisor.
• Monitoring calibration needs and reporting any deficiencies to supervisor.
• Clean lab facilities and equipment after lab operations are complete; stores supplies and equipment as applicable.
• Practice safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
• Contacts patients that have tasks for pending lab orders.
• Process letters, call patients to notify them of the normal/no further action lab results per provider’s instructions. Document patient notification in electronic health record.
• Track all FIT tests given out to patients, follow up with patients to ensure they return their FIT test within a timely manner.
• Responsible to provide complete information to reference lab when processing requisitions.
• Responsible for processing missing information/E-trailer requests from reference lab.
• Act under patient specific written standing orders provided in patient electronic health record.
• Keep monthly inventory of supplies and dispose of them according to policy when supplies are expired.
• Notify RN Supervisor of any tests that are positive for items that require morbidity reporting.
• Relay information from reference lab on critical results to Provider/Licensed Nurse.
• Actively provides willingness to help and maintain professional relationships with coworkers.
• Performs other duties as needed within scope of practice.
• Responsible for having current CPR card.
• Attends all staff meetings.
• Observes and acknowledges all TRHC policies and procedures.
• Always greets patients, visitors and providers in a courteous and respectful manner; responds to patients with empathy and positive interpersonal skills; consistently handles all requests in a positive manner.

LIMITATIONS

LAB TECHNICIANS/PHLEBOTOMISTS SHALL NOT PERFORM ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

• Any other microscopic analysis or immunohematology procedures.
• Any manual leukocyte differentials.
• Blood typing performed to determine donor/recipient compatibility (for example, recipient & donor ABO group/D (Rho) type/antigen typing, direct antiglobulin test, test for unexpected antibody detection & identification, and crossmatch procedures, when these have been ordered and are being performed for the purpose of donor/recipient compatibility).
• Any high complexity tests, including high complexity immunohematology procedures.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS

• Able to lift/move up to 40 pounds, move from place to place, and stand for long period of time.
• Ability to do math, organize and prioritize workload, work effectively and efficiently under stress.
• Ability to supervise, multitask, understand and follow instructions.
• Ability to proficiently read, write, speak and understand English.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent English oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent knowledge of medical clinic protocols.
• Ability to complete forms and documents.
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to appear for work at scheduled time.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure.
• Ability to accept constructive criticism.
• Excellent knowledge of laws and regulations governing medical records and medical office management.
• Ability to provide excellent internal and external customer service.

SAFETY

• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures related to safe work practices.
• Uses all appropriate equipment and/or tools to ensure workplace safety.
• Immediately reports unsafe working conditions.
• Follow all infection control procedures including blood-borne pathogen protocol.
• Be familiar with and know locations of Safety Data Sheet Binder.

PRIVACY/COMPLIANCE

• Maintains privacy and security of all patient, employee, and volunteer information and access to such information. Such information is accessed on a need to know basis for business purposes only.
• Complies with all regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations. Reports unethical, fraudulent or unlawful behavior or activity.
• Upholds strict ethical standards.

JOB LOCATION
Three Rivers Health Center
150 S. Wall Street
Coos Bay, Oregon 97420

Apply online @ www.ctclusi.org

Open until Filled