Lab Phlebotomist – Lexington Regional Health Center – Lexington, NE

Lexington Regional Health Center

Title: Phlebotomist/Lab Assistant

Supervisor: Director of Laboratory

Department: Laboratory

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Principle duties and responsibilities

• Collects blood samples from infants, children, adults, and geriatrics, deciphering the best method of collection depending on the specific patient.
• Practices proper patient identification of all samples.
• Instructs patients in the correct way to collect a clean catch urine sample.
• Answers phone calls into the lab and transfers to appropriate personnel as needed.
• Files orders and paperwork, as instructed by lab personnel.
• Performs waived testing as ordered by care provider.
• Performs non-Department of Transportation (DOT) drug screen collections.
• Ensure patients and visitors follow current infection control guidelines.
• Participates in patient care activities that could include blood exposure and risk to bloodborne pathogens (eg: collection of blood specimens, handling of specimens for culture and anatomical specimens, etc.)
• Responsible for following safe-blood collection practices.
• Responsible for ensuring the environment meets appropriate governing body standards.
• Maintains patient and staff safety through the use of patient safety tools (Teamstepps, Just Culture, etc.).
• Regular attendance at the assigned work location is required.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Ability to read, write and use basic computer skills as is typically acquired through the completion of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic Life Support certification via American Heart Association required within six months of hire.
• Communication skills necessary to answer questions pertaining to laboratory specimens to other laboratory staff. Ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, explaining specimen collection and/or testing that will be performed.
• Knowledge of the appropriate tubes to collect for specific lab tests. Ability to determine if specimen is adequate for testing.
• Attention to detail up to 90% of time when labeling each specimen, patient identification, etc.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with regard to protected and sensitive information.
• Ability to complete reports and correspondence at a professional level.
• Ability to immediately respond to common inquiries and complaints from patients, employees and regulatory agencies.
• Successful completion of required knowledge and training of standard precaution and transmission protocols and when to apply during principle duties and responsibilities.

Working conditions

• Works in a normal patient care environment, well lighted and ventilated with minimal exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature, etc.
• During blood draws, will need to access the patient by bending, squatting, or getting into other positions to achieve the draw, 15-20 draws per day on average. A wheelchair is pushed to help maneuver patient into room, requiring 40 horizontal force pounds 50 feet. A lab tray weighing 6 pounds is transported 50 feet to care provider area for draws. In an emergency, may need to catch a patient if he or she begins to faint during a blood draw.
• Occasionally exposed to unpleasant specimens and odors up to 5% of work time.
• May be exposed to blood-borne pathogens up to 95% of work time, personal protective equipment must be worn when drawing or working with specimens.
• Exposure to chemicals and other hazards related to patient care. Appropriate safety precautions, such as safety glasses, gloves, etc. must be used to minimize risk of injury.
• Direct exposure to body substances during patient care activities and on contaminated surfaces such as patient equipment.

Management responsibilities

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.