Job Description

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Summary:
Under the supervision of the Pathology Manager, Phlebotomy Supervisor or guidance of the Lead Phlebotomist, performs responsibilities associated with obtaining blood and various other patient specimens. Transports specimens and completes basic records. Performs related clerical support activities to interview and instruct patients, enters data into computerized database, and maintains related records and reports.

Responsibilities:
Schedules venipunctures or capillary blood punctures according to priority and type of test, such as time 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 preformed according to hospital policy and observance of universal precautions.

Verifies and identifies patient following established procedures and proper patient preparation prior to specimen collection, such as fasting and special diet.

Obtain blood samples from patient according to venipuncture or capillary puncture techniques. May collect other types of specimens (throat cultures, etc. May require splitting or centrifuging samples. Alerts nursing staff or supervisor to any deviations from puncture or adverse patient condition.

Performs coagulation tests on patients such as bleeding times.

Labels, wraps (including appropriate documentation) and prepares samples/specimens for transportation. Maintains records on sample/specimen procurement.

Performs related clerical activities such as, sorts and files records, receiving patient into clinic/treatment area and as necessary interviews patient to obtain insurance, biographical and medical information to complete registration records. Provides patient with forms (e.g. hospital or regulatory required forms) for tests, gives instructions regarding any special preparation necessary prior to test or appointment. May contact patient to return and repeat tests. May contact outside agencies/physician\xe2\x80\x99s office to obtain additional patient information to complete patient records.

Enters patient\xe2\x80\x99s data into the department computer system. May identify billing errors and make adjustments to reconcile error(s).

Other information:
BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

Level of knowledge generally acquired through High School plus accredited course(s) in Phlebotomy Techniques.

Knowledge of principles of aseptic techniques.

Basic understanding of anatomy, physiology, infection control, specimen processing, medical terminology, first aid and safety.

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 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.

EXPERIENCE:

Six to nine months of previous phlebotomy experience to demonstrate venipuncture proficiency or evidence of acceptable clinical training (i.e. written recommendation from the supervisor of laboratory where internship was completed, student evaluation and documentation of successful venipunctures), plus additional one to three months on the job training experience to become familiar with clerical support activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Works with 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 the adherence to established infection control procedures.

Manual dexterity to perform venipuntures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

Lifespan is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetics, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran or marital status. Lifespan is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Location: Rhode Island Hospital, USA:RI:Providence

Work Type: Per Diem

Shift: Shift 1

Union: IBT

Lifespan Health System