Phlebotomist

Under supervision of the Manager Laboratory Outreach Services or guidance of the Lead Phlebotomist performs responsibilities associated with obtaining blood and various other patient specimens in accordance with department procedures. Obtains samples ordered by physicians for routine and specialized tests on assigned unit. Takes samples from pediatric and adult patients on outpatient units. Transports specimens and completes basic records. Fosters patient and family centered care and nursing services in accordance with the Brown University Health and The Miriam Hospital’s mission vision values with consideration of the life span including all developmental stages as well as cultural patterns.

Responsibilities:

Performs various functions associated with the computer system to assure proper collection and documentation of patient specimens.

• Patient Registration including Patient Identification and verification, Patient Look-up, enter patient demographics, insurance information, guarantor, PCP, ordering provider, order tests, enter diagnostic codes, ordering provider following established policies and procedures for patient identification and verification, registration, test orders, medical necessity and document scanning.
• Manage Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN/ASN) to include obtaining supporting diagnostic codes, document review, patient signature, document management and scanning.
• Performs related clerical activities such as medical necessity follow-up, sorts and files records, daily checklists, answering phones, report delivery, receiving patient into clinical treatment area as necessary.
• Maintains/monitors standing orders for expiration and renewals confirming tasks are followed through to completion.
• Provides patient with forms for tests and gives instructions regarding any special preparation necessary prior to specimen collection, test, or appointment. May contact additional patient information to complete patient records.

Schedules venipunctures or capillary blood punctures according to priority and type of test such as timed studies. Utilizes computer-generated collection labels and references Pathology Handbook as necessary to ensure collection of specimens is in accordance with established procedures, i.e., specimens are collected in proper containers and meet special collection requirements as appropriate. Duties are performed according to hospital policy and observance of universal precautions.

Verifies identity of patient following established procedures and proper patient preparation prior to venipuncture such as fasting or special diet.

Obtains blood samples from patient according to venipuncture or capillary puncture technique. Alerts nursing staff or supervisor to any deviations from puncture or adverse patient condition. May collect other types of specimens (throat culture, etc.). May require processing of samples to include centrifuging samples and specimen tracking.

Obtains samples for specialized tests (thyroid releasing hormone, therapeutic drug monitoring, and D-Xylose tolerance). Verifies volume and timing of dosage. May monitor patient as assigned to observe reactions including diaphoresis, sleeping, etc.

May be required to perform bleeding times.

Labels, wraps, and transports samples according to type and urgency of sample. Maintains records on sample procurement.

Performs duties according to hospital policy and universal precautions.

Performs various functions associated with the computer system to assure proper collection and documentation of patient specimens. Register patients and order tests following established policies and procedures for patient identification and verification, registration, test orders, medical necessity and document scanning. Performs related clerical activities such as sorting and filing records, daily checklists, answering phones, report delivery, receiving patients into clinical/treatment area and as necessary interviews patients to obtain insurance, biographical and medical information to complete registration records. Provides patients with forms for tests and gives instructions regarding any special preparation necessary prior to tests or appointments. May contact patients to return and repeat tests. May contact outside agency or physician's office to obtain additional patient information to complete patient records.

All essential functions performed in this position reflect the age-specific needs of the patients. Follows established procedures, guidelines, and protocols when obtaining samples at the patient’s home.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Other information:

EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Phlebotomy certificate through National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences and/or completion of a Phlebotomy certificate program to include formal internship demonstrating 100 successful venipunctures.
• In lieu of internship, 6 months of phlebotomy experience may be considered.
• In lieu of phlebotomy certification, 5 plus years direct phlebotomy experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to perform venipuncture techniques and capillary puncture on adults, children, and infants.
• Interpersonal skills to obtain and provide information to patients and to explain procedures effectively in order to allay fears and anxiety.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
• Clerical skills to prepare and maintain records and reports including keyboard skills to enter/access information.
• Familiarity with blood collector equipment, anticoagulants, special precautions and interference.
• Ability to distinguish chromatic colors.
• A Phlebotomy certificate required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Works within in-patient care environment with considerable walking between units and where some physical effort may be required to deal with patients who are uncooperative.
• Some exposure to odors when handling specimens.
• Exposure to communicable diseases while administering to patients; however, chance of injury is minimized by adherence to established infection control procedures.
• Manual dexterity to perform venipunctures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• None.