Phlebotomy Technician 1

Overview:
Draws blood from patients, processes specimens, performs limited testing and performs administrative duties. Work at other Mercy facilities performing the same functions, as required. Work alternate shifts, weekends and holidays as needed to adequately provide services. Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Proficient with Hospital Information System (HIS) and Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) to release orders or register patients as needed.
• Performs patient registration, payment collection, data entry of demographic and insurance information and other procedures as necessary to support efficient sample processing.
• Transfers patient test requests from scripts, requisitions, and verbal orders into the HIS and laboratory computer systems.
• Answers and screens telephone calls in a professional and helpful manner.
• Resolve unusual or unclear test orders by contacting the physician, nurse, reference laboratory and documents actions taken. Refer all unresolved issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Generates lists and labels. Runs daily reports.
• Review order monitor and investigate the collection summary report.
• Assess orders for special collection requirements; patient preparation and appropriate order of draw.
• Accurately identify patients using two patient identifiers.
• Proficiently perform phlebotomy on patient population to obtain blood specimens.
• Possess the ability to assess patient response to procedure and interact with the patient at a level that is understandable and comfortable for the patient. Assess patient reaction to procedures and adjust process as indicated. Obtain medical/supervisory assistance as necessary.
• Accurately identify and label specimens with patient name, date of birth, date and time of collection and collector code.
• Assure specimen integrity by using aseptic technique and following appropriate procedures.
• Proficiently collect other samples as indicated including throat swabs, MRSA swabs, urine samples, heel sticks, finger sticks, blood cultures and blood bank specimens.
• Performs arterial punctures to obtain blood specimens from adults including the appropriate collection charge. (RMH Phlebotomy only).
• Performs glucose tolerance and hormone stimulation specimen collection in the specified time increments, as well as accurate patient preparation.
• Performs research program, Lab One, and special collection kit specimen collection.
• Provides patient instruction in the collection and handling of personally collected specimens.
• Performs specialized sample collections including breath alcohol testing, random urine drug screens, pre-employment urine drug screens and legal urine drug screens.
• Receives and accessions collected specimens using LIS, examines for testing acceptability, centrifuges and aliquots specimens as needed and delivers to the appropriate section in the laboratory or batches specimens for courier pick-up.
• Appropriately notify testing personnel of stat requests.
• Accept specimens from a variety of internal and external customers; sort samples; resolve specimen identification or requisition issues; utilize LIS to appropriately receive specimens; package and track specimens for transportation to reference laboratories.
• Is knowledgeable of general insurance information as related to registration and basic rules related to billing such as proper use of collection dates.
• Possesses in depth knowledge of insurance processes specific to reference laboratories to assure billing is done in accordance with government regulations.
• Coordinate the phlebotomy team functions for the nursing home draw sites; work with the nursing home staff to assure appropriate and timely collection of samples; Drives laboratory owned or personal vehicle to client sites, patient homes or facilities. Performs accurate specimen collection at client sites, patient homes or facilities. Transports specimens properly to the lab. Assure receipt of samples to the laboratory; assure appropriate processing of samples including administrative functions for billing according to regulatory requirements.
• Perform limited waived testing including blood glucose monitoring according to established procedures.
• At the supervisors discretion perform rapid flu and strep tests, mono testing, pregnancy testing and dipstick urinalysis according to established procedures. Perform quality control procedures and proficiency testing accurately and as closely as possible to patient testing. Call critical results to the appropriate licensed caregiver and chart reports as needed.
• Depending on location may be required to perform electrocardiogram tracing ten lead and pediatric EKGs. Communicates critical results to authorized personnel. (Rockford locations). Perform result entry in the LIS.
• Performs temperature checks. Cleans and checks laboratory glassware.
• Assist with inventory and maintenance of supplies at an appropriate level Submits orders for supply acquisition; receives and stocks supplies. Fills supply requests from clients and providers.
• Conduct orientation and training of new partners; coach in customer service excellence on an ongoing basis; assures competence of new partners prior to release of partner from training program; provide input for performance evaluations for phlebotomy partners to phlebotomy supervisor.
• Attend annual nursing skills fair and assist in training activities at fair. Evaluate new products as necessary; provide written documentation of evaluation activities as required by regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrate exemplary phlebotomy skills with all types of patients; Use these skills to serve as a resource to the phlebotomy team.
• Possess knowledge of Administrative partner functions to provide support to that team as needed.
• Demonstrate leadership qualities that include directing the flow of work, sound and accurate judgment in problem resolution, and the ability to provide constructive criticism that results in improved workflow.
• Serve as phlebotomy supervisor in the absence of the supervisor to include scheduling, ordering supplies and problem resolution for issues that cannot wait until the supervisor returns.
• Takes ownership of the department; Identifies areas for improvement and makes suggestions to Phlebotomy Supervisor; Possesses ability to resolve issues.
• Requires 15 hours of continuing education each year.

Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:

Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent.

2 years experience as a phlebotomy technician and demonstrates the ability to perform above essential duties.

Experience as a Paramedic, EMT, CNA and/or MA helpful.

Certification and Licensure

Phlebotomy Certification preferred

(Outreach Lab only) -
For those driving Mercyhealth vehicles:
Maintain a valid driver's license.
Have and maintain an acceptable driving record per Mercyhealth's HR.100 Fleet and Driver Safety policy.

For those driving their personal vehicles:
Maintain a valid driver's license and reliable transportation with proof of vehicle insurance when requested.
Have and maintain an acceptable driving record per Mercyhealth's HR.100 Fleet and Driver Safety policy.

Skills and Abilities
N/A
Special Physical Demands

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Function of the position with or without accommodations.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; bend over; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. Good eye/hand coordination and close vision required. Frequent color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Occasional distance vision and peripheral vision. Frequently carry items from 10-25 lbs. and push a cart greater than 50 lbs. Able to push over 100lbs occasionally.

Level of Supervision

Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Supervises

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.