Phlebotomy/Laboratory Assistant

Job Purpose & Position Overview 

• Under limited supervision and/or according to established policy and procedure, is responsible for executing assigned phlebotomy (procurement of blood specimens) and specimen processing laboratory functions.  As a member of the laboratory team, the Phlebotomist/Laboratory Assistant serves as the laboratory and hospital liaison to patients, clients, physicians and staff members and adheres to hospital and laboratory policy and procedure related to blood borne pathogens and safety. Adheres to the principles of Service Excellence Guiding Behaviors and the philosophy and mission of the Hospital in all aspects of job performance 

Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide service/care appropriate to the age of the patients served, in accordance with WCHS standards.
• Is proficient in the appropriate designated use of Laboratory Information System, to include but not be limited to, department order entry, specimen log in, reprint labels, printing collection lists, printing pending collections, and other basic computer functions.
• Always follows established positive patient identification procedures PRIOR to the collection of patient samples. Labels samples in compliance with hospital and established laboratory policy and procedure.
• Is technically proficient in procurement of blood samples via venipuncture technique. 
• Is technically proficient in procurement of blood samples via capillary collection (finger/heel stick) technique.
• Is technically proficient in procurement of blood samples via arterial stick technique.
• Is technically proficient in procurement of blood cultures using appropriate drawing decontamination procedures and techniques. 
• Is responsible for receiving, appropriately logging, and verifying receipt of all specimen types in the laboratory according to laboratory policy and procedure. Also, processes samples appropriately and distributes those specimens appropriately to the designated testing areas of the laboratory.
• Validates that all samples collected by nursing personnel from patients with indwelling vascular access are collected in accordance with laboratory policy and procedure, and labeled appropriately.
• Assembles and transports samples to the laboratory in accordance with test specifications (i.e. ammonia on ice, cold agglutinins kept warm) and alerts technologists that the samples are available for processing.
• Is a team player who readily assists co-workers as indicated with workload, hard-sticks, and collections from children or combative patients. 
• Maintains an organized, clean, safe collection tray and work environment.
• Assists in receiving and stocking supplies, rotating inventory, and inventory control. 
• Is capable of answering phone inquiries, to relate specimen status, and results in accordance with HIPAA standards.
• Actively participates in departmental meetings, committees, conferences, professional development opportunities and in-services.
• Recognizes and communicates issues/occurrences utilizing established lines of authority, and assists in identifying ways to resolve variances or unacceptable outcomes.
• Adheres to hospital policy and procedure related to patient precautions and special considerations/guidelines that are posted inside/outside the patient room, i.e. infection control precautions, isolation precautions, mastectomy precautions. 

Qualifications/Skills: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Formal phlebotomy training in an academic setting or medical assistant training preferred.
• Phlebotomy experience in a clinical setting preferred.
• Has current working knowledge of laboratory operation, test requirements, and the ability to utilize resource sources as appropriate.
• Is knowledgeable of and actively participates in improving patient safety and reducing risk to patients. Complies with Safety and Infection Control policies.
• Knows, understands, incorporates, and demonstrates the Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System Mission, Vision, and Values in behaviors, practices, and decisions.
• Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, as well as other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical, and professional behavior.
• Maintains confidentiality of information pertaining to clients, physicians, employees, and WCHS business.
• Demonstrates general working knowledge of computers and department specific software (i.e. Healthstream, internet, etc.)
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned. 

Training Requirements: 

• Must complete all mandatory training and education as assigned.  

Physical Requirements:  

• Normal to light office work which includes the ability to lift up to 10 lbs. 
• Regularly required to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time and use hands to operate computer keyboard, phone, and various office equipment.  

Cognitive Requirements: 

• Reading, writing, calculating.
• Excellent social interaction skills. 
• Reasoning/Analysis.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a team.
• Works with minimal to no supervision. 

Language Requirements:  

• Must possess the ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently. 
• Must be able to continually and effectively employ professional verbal and written communications skills.  

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations: 

• All applicants will comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31, C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and to comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check. 

Please note the position description duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.