Phlebotomist

Minidoka Memorial Hospital

Job Description

Job Title: Phlebotomist

Department: Laboratory Services           

Reports To: Phlebotomy Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt           

Job Summary

The Phlebotomist performs venipunctures and skin punctures competently and expediently.  Has thorough knowledge of test requirements, assists in Clinical Laboratory as needed.  Responsibilities include bleeding time tests, blood cultures, blood samples.  Participates in performance improvement activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assembles and maintains stock of all phlebotomy equipment as required for all tests performed in-house and sent out to reference laboratories.
• Verifies and records identity of patient; converses with patient to allay fear of procedure, especially children.
• Performs ever improving venipunctures and finger/heel sticks as required to obtain an optimal specimen for testing using approved safety supplies and techniques including latex gloves, safety needles, etc.  Performs occasional phlebotomies in a patient’s home or physician’s office as approved by the Laboratory Manager.
• Distributes all specimens to the proper testing section.
• Conducts interviews, takes vital signs in preparation for therapeutic phlebotomies.
• Prepares patient, applies electrodes and performs technically readable EKG in preparation for professional interpretation.
• Clerical functions that are varied and defined by the supervisor, include but are not limited to:
• takes phone orders and verifies written orders, conducts telephone reporting, inquiry, send facsimile transmissions, performs the most current billing procedures and processes, maintains all files in appropriate alphabetical and/or chronological order
• Navigates efficiently and effectively through the Healthland Health Solutions Clinicals Lab Information System to ensure accurate entry of physician’s orders, complete documentation for technical analysis and specimen handling and to retrieve reports as required.
• Participates in all quality assurance activities as required by CLIA’88 to ensure compliance with the preanalytical phase of specimen analysis.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Eighty (80) hours of training in the proper procedure to be employed in the performance of venipuncture and skin punctures under the supervision of the Chief Medical Technologist.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Preferred Requirements

• Medical Assistant or Phlebotomy certification preferred.
• Additional languages preferred.

Skills/Competencies

• Basic computer knowledge and abilities.
• High level of communication with coworkers, supervisors and patients.

Physical Requirements

Perceive the nature of sounds by the ear, express or exchange ideas by means of spoken word, perceive characteristics of objects through the eyes, extend arms and hands in any direction, seize, hold, grasp, turn, or otherwise work with hands, pick, pinch, or otherwise work with fingers, perceive such attributes of objects or materials as size, shape, temperature, or texture; and stoop, kneel crouch, and crawl. Must be able to lift 25 pounds maximum with frequent lifting, carrying pushing, and pulling of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Continuous walking and standing. Must be able to identify, match, and distinguish colors.

MMH provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.