Phlebotomist at Beacon Health System – Battle Creek, Michigan

Reports to the Director. Under general supervision and according to established policies and procedures, performs various clerical and patient care duties. Responsibilities include assisting the physician and/or nurse in support of medical care, answering the telephone, admitting and discharging patients, and performing data entry.

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Performs routine specimen collection to ensure the efficiency of the laboratory operations and accuracy of test results by:

• Accurately identifying patients and specimens according to prescribed procedures.
• Collecting blood specimens from patient by either venipuncture or skin puncture techniques.
• Identifying variations from procedure and documents issues as part of the laboratory quality plan.

Performs specimen processing, accessioning and related duties necessary to ensure the efficiency of the laboratory operations and accuracy of test results by:

• Receiving, handling and/or processing of blood and non-blood specimens (body fluids or materials), verifying specimen integrity and routing them to various laboratory sections according to established procedures.
• Operating the laboratory information system to prepare the draw list and specimen labels or to print out reports and worksheets.
• Performing basic specimen processing to meet priority requirements.
• Verifying information on requisitions for accuracy and completeness.
• Accessioning laboratory test requests, verifying work for accuracy and detail and resolving problem orders.
• Obtaining and verifying pertinent patient information for laboratory records and/or billing purposes.
• Preparing specimens and supplies for transport or following applicable shipping regulations.
• Adhering to established quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) policies and procedures.

Performs special collections and point of care testing duties to ensure the efficiency of laboratory operations and accuracy of test results by:

• Accurately identifying patients and specimens according to prescribed procedures.
• Performing point of care testing and toxicology specimen collections according to regulatory requirements regarding processing and handling of specimens as needed.

Interacts with internal and external customers providing excellent customer service by:

• Communicating with care providers regarding delays in draws and complications when obtaining specimens.
• Documents all specifics out of the ordinary.
• Using resources to provide direction and answer questions from clinical staff regarding lab procedure and specimen requirements.
• Assisting internal and external customers with questions, concerns and problems.
• Answering the telephone and responding to requests for specimen pick-up, courier dispatch, laboratory reports, test orders, etc.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Assisting the Coordinator with the orientation and training of new associates.
• Completing other job-related assignments and special projects as assigned.
• Transporting or delivering items such as specimens, reports and supplies. May act as a courier, as directed.
• Maintaining appropriate levels of supplies and reagents and placing orders as needed.
• Maintaining cleanliness of laboratory, cleaning spills with special attention to body fluid precautions and contaminated waste disposal per OSHA guidelines.

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR), and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of high school diploma (with courses in mathematics and some biological sciences preferred). Minimum of one year of patient care, customer service, general office/clerical or related experience is preferred. Completion of a phlebotomy training program or experience preferred. Qualifies as testing personnel for moderate complexity testing as defined in CFR.493.1423.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires in-depth knowledge of venipuncture and other specimen collection processes.
• Requires ability to be effective in a fast paced, quality focused, multi-priority environment that frequently deals with stressful situations and deadlines.
• Demonstrates interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) necessary to maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, other employees, and the public.

Working Conditions

• Possible exposure to communicable diseases, hazardous substances, chemicals and other conditions common to a hospital laboratory.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to stand, bend and walk for long periods of time and lift up to 35 pounds) to perform the essential functions of the position. Also requires visual acuity, normal color perception and full range of body motion, including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.