Phlebotomist

Under general supervision of the Supervisor of Chelsea HealthCare Center Laboratory, the individual collects specimens for laboratory analysis including blood and urine. Explains safety protocols and procedures to patients, is customer focused and provides certain clerical functions.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Collect blood using good judgment, reasonable and prudent care and according to policies and procedures, including but not limited to the following:

1. Check two patient identifiers and insure a complete match between orders, labels and patient verbal response before and after collection.

2. Once the patient has been called, insure the safety of the patient always. Avoid leaving the patient alone.

3. Use hand hygiene procedures according to lab guidelines

4. Select appropriate specimen collection equipment

5. Select appropriate site for blood collection.

6. Tie tourniquet and prepare site for venipuncture

7. Collect specimen according to order of draw

8. Insure a safe collection by adhering to all safety and other protocols such as needle stabilization during draw

9. Insure adequate mixing of specimen in tube by inversion

10. Label in presence of patient

11. Package and transport specimen appropriately for in-house and/or MGH Boston lab testing

12. Batch specimens and file manifest for transport to MGH Boston Core Lab

13. Monitor patient and insure bleeding has stopped, and patient is stable

14. Verbally give patient post draw instructions on wound care

* Review prior to collection, standard questions which includes checking for potential adverse reactions such as history of fainting and latex allergy

* Is customer focused and puts the needs of patients first

* Maintain adequate workflow by consistently checking at front desk for patients in waiting queue

* Maintains patient privacy, and follows all HIPAA guidelines

* With training or if qualified by competency review, provide EKG, clerical and specimen transport functions

* With training or if qualified by competency review, provide pediatric and ancillary services to phlebotomy operations serviced by Chelsea Laboratory

* Provide reception and associated clerical functions at front desk including Fax receipt and send, filing of orders, answering telephones, greeter/receptionist and placing face sheets and/or requisitions in queue according to policies and procedures

* Maintain adequate supply inventory by performing bi-weekly inventory checks

* Satisfy annual required continuing education for phlebotomists and mandatory life safety, HIPAA and other required training via HealthStream and CAP

* Work in collaboration with and practice good team working and communication skills with co-workers

* Adhere to unit polices for dress code and other areas of personal presentation such as, but not limited to fingernail policy and personal hygiene, and interpersonal communications

* Adhere to unit polices for attendance, time off, scheduling, breaks, lunch, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS:

* High school diploma or equivalent required

* Graduate of training program preferred

* 1-year work experience and national certification in phlebotomy preferred.

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

* Familiarity with metric system units

* Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology

* Knowledge of aseptic technique

* Knowledge of cardiovascular system

* Knowledge of standard precautions

* Must be able to read/write English and communicate clearly with staff and patients

* Effectively performs venipuncture on adults, elders, adolescents, school aged children, pediatric venipuncture, finger and heel sticks on infants or toddlers or preschool age children

* Attentive to standard safety and infection control procedures including standard precautions

* Effective interpersonal and communication skills

* Attentive to detail

* Ability to provide compassionate care to patients

* Ability to recognize emergency situations and respond appropriately

* Must be able to lift ten pounds

* Capable of physical exertion including walking, standing, sitting and bending for entire shift assignment

* Possesses manual dexterity and visual acuity

* Able to work under stress of time constraints and heavy workload demands requiring accuracy

* Basic computer and keyboard skills. Familiarity with MS Windows and LIS preferred

* Neat and orderly work habits

WORKING CONDITIONS:

* May be exposed to disease bearing specimens, hazardous chemicals or fumes, other hazards normally associated with a clinical laboratory setting including patient instability and /or unpredictability. Work environment may be noisy or crowded.