Description
The Phlebotomist is assigned to inpatients and outpatient’s collection of laboratory specimens. They will perform all procedures involved with Venipuncture, finger sticks, and heel sticks, as well as entering them in the computer and distributing the specimens to the various departments within the laboratory. They will also assist in the clerical area as needed.
Attendance/Work Habits
Complies with South Shore Hospital attendance policy.
Essential Responsibilities
- Must be able to communicate effectively face to face with patients having a blood specimen drawn.
- Must be able to obtain blood specimens under stress.
- Must display patience and persistence when dealing with patients who have veins difficult to find.
- Must display maturity and the ability to deal with any unusual circumstances arising from venipuncture, i.e., hematoma, patient fainting or feeling nauseated.
- Must be discreet in the use and divulgence of confidential information regarding a patient.
Blood Collection Duties:
- Perform venipuncture, finger sticks and heal sticks, on in/out-patients.
- Complete all procedures in allocated time frames.
- Obtain all special collections correctly (example: Blood Cultures, Glucose Tolerances).
- Understand ICU collection procedure.
Clerical Duties:
- Fill out PAT Slips correctly.
- Requisition must have date, time, and venipunctures’ initials written in the appropriate area when needed.
- Maintain all necessary log sheets and keep supply available.
- Understand hold board procedure and report any inconsistencies encountered on rounds.
- Check out patient requisitions against physician’s orders and clarify if needed.
- Help lab clerks during slow periods.
Specimen Handling Duties:
- Draw specimens in correct tubes and deliver to correct lab locations.
- When appropriate, requisitions must be punched by time clock upon arrival in lab.
- All tubes must have correct identification on them.
- STAT specimens must receive a verbal acknowledgement from department which they are delivered to.
Section Maintenance Duties:
- Use supplies correctly and maintain hands on inventory.
- Keep drawing area clean and stocked daily as indicated.
- Keep drawing trays neat, clean, and orderly.
Miscellaneous Duties:
- Read Phlebotomy manual yearly.
- Maintain personal appearance and follow department dress code.
- Promote good will.
- Report and be ready to work on time.
- Attend Phlebotomy and Laboratory meetings.
- Perform functions other than any described above when extenuating circumstances arise as determined by a supervisor, lab manager, or pathologist.
Requirements
Phlebotomy Certificate.
High School diploma or equivalent.
1 year clinical Laboratory experience.
Work Environment
Subjected to clinically infectious specimens.
Fast paced, stressful and demanding.
Moderate noise level.
Physical Requirements
Frequent lifting, carry and transfer up to 10lbs
Occasional lifting, carry and transfer up to 11-50lbs
Regular standing, walking, talking and hearing.
Regular use of hand or finger, to handle or feel object, tools.
Frequent Sitting.
Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling and bending.
Vision Requirements
Close, distant and peripheral vision
Ability to adjust focus.
MUST BE VACCINATED FOR COVID-19
Summary
Employees will maintain respect for the dignity of every person by addressing issues and concerns with co-workers directly with a positive problem-solving approach, and observance of the right of patient privacy and confidentiality.
It is the responsibility of each individual employee to provide quality service in all endeavors by supporting organization changes designed to improve quality. This includes identification of opportunities to improve a system/process, inter or intra departmental and reporting this opportunity to the appropriate entity for action and team participation.