Phlebotomist

Summary

Under supervision of the Manager Laboratory Outreach Services or guidance of the Lead Phlebotomist, performs responsibilities associated with obtaining blood and various other patient specimens in accordance with department procedures. Obtains samples ordered by physicians for routine and specialized tests on assigned unit. Takes samples from pediatric and adult patients on outpatient units. Transports specimens and completes basic records. Fosters patient and family centered care and nursing services in accordance with the Brown University Health and The Miriam Hospital's mission, vision, values, with consideration of the life span, including all developmental stages as well as cultural patterns.

Brown University Health employees are expected to role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide daily actions with patients, customers and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:
Instill Trust and Value Differences;
Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate.

• Performs various functions associated with the computer system to assure proper collection and documentation of patient specimens, including patient registration, identification and verification, entering demographics, insurance information, guarantor, PCP, ordering provider, test orders, diagnostic codes, and document scanning.
• Manage Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN/SN) to include obtaining supporting diagnostic codes, document review, patient signature, document management and scanning.
• Perform related clerical activities (medical necessity follow-up, sorting and filing records, daily checklists, answering phones, report delivery, admitting patients to clinical treatment areas as necessary).
• Maintain/monitor standing orders for expiration and renewals, confirming tasks are followed through to completion.
• Provide patients with forms for tests and instructions regarding any special preparation required prior to specimen collection or appointment. May contact additional patient information to complete records.
• Schedule venipunctures or capillary punctures according to priority and type of test (e.g., timed studies). Use computer-generated collection labels and Pathology Handbook as needed to ensure proper collection and container requirements.
• Perform puncture procedures with proper patient preparation; verify patient identity; alert staff to deviations or adverse conditions.
• May collect other specimen types (e.g., throat culture); may require processing of samples (centrifuging, specimen tracking).
• Collect specimens for specialized tests (thyroid Releasing hormone, therapeutic drug monitoring, D-Xylose tolerance); verify volume and timing of dosage; monitor patient as assigned.
• Label, wrap and transport samples according to type and urgency; maintain records on sample procurement.
• Register patients and order tests following established policies for patient identification and verification; perform related clerical activities and patient interviews to obtain insurance and medical information as needed.
• All essential functions reflect age-specific needs of patients and follow procedures when obtaining samples at the patient’s home when applicable.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• EDUCATION:
  
  High school diploma or GED required. Phlebotomy certificate through National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences and/or completion of a Phlebotomy certificate program with formal internship demonstrating 100 successful venipunctures. In lieu of internship, 6 months of phlebotomy experience may be considered. In lieu of phlebotomy certification, 5+ years direct phlebotomy experience may be considered.
• EXPERIENCE:
  
  Ability to perform venipuncture techniques and capillary puncture on adults, children and infants. Interpersonal skills to obtain and provide information to patients and explain procedures to allay fears and anxiety. Knowledge and skills to provide care with consideration of aging,…