Phlebotomist

Job Purpose:

Works under the direction and supervision of Clinic Manager, Physician, Mid-Level Provider, Registered Nurse, and/or Licensed Vocational Nurse on clinic site. The Certified Phlebotomist is responsible for setting up lab for day-to-day operations to include but not limited to specimen procurement, specimen processing, and result reporting. Performs lab test according to lab scope of practice (CLIA waived testing). Responsible for lab maintenance and maintaining adequate inventory supply. Responsible for equipment calibration and quality controls as appropriate. Interprets, supports, and acknowledges SMDC Mission and Vision.

Policy: Certified Phlebotomists must perform only duties that are within limitations of the scope of practice and in accordance with the guidelines stipulated by the California Department of Public health. It is the responsibility of the Certified Phlebotomist to know his/her limitations and abide by the regulatory standards. The lab department’s primary focus is specimen procurement, specimen processing, result reporting, and processing of CLIA waived in-house tests.

Scope of Practice: In California, Certified Phlebotomists shall perform skin punctures only when he/she maintains a current, valid certification with the CDPH as a limited phlebotomy technician. Performs skin punctures under the supervision of a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, registered nurse, or designee. Certified Phlebotomists must complete at least three hours per year, or six hours every two years, of continuing education in phlebotomy related courses from a provider of continuing education approved pursuant to Article 2.5 and has posted at the work location in the laboratory employing the person, a current, valid state certificate as a Limited Phlebotomy Technician.

Please see Essential Duties/Responsibilities below for specific procedures Certified Phlebotomist are able and unable to perform.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities, and Limitations:

• Clinical Functions:
  • Maintains inventory of supplies and dispose of supplies according to policies when supplies are expired.
  • Draw blood from patients for reference lab, process specimens and package, store and send out test specimens.
  • Process in-house waived tests.
  • Process requisitions using Electronic Health Record.
  • Keep quality assurance logs of equipment and inventory of supplies.
  • Setup equipment for use in lab; ensures proper operation of equipment, and report operating deficiencies to supervisor.
  • Clean lab facilities and equipment after lab exercises are complete; stores supplies and equipment as applicable.
  • Practice safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
  • Reconcile outgoing test with reconciliation reports.
  • Flag results that are not returned within a reasonable period of time and notify the Clinic Manager or ordering provider.
  • Processes letters, call patients with written education by ordering provider of results, documents patient notifications in electronic health record appropriately.
  • Monthly monitoring of expiration dates of all laboratory supplies.
  • Notify ordering provider and Clinic Manager of positive results for morbidity reporting.
  • Work closely with reference lab to ensure all tests come back in timely manner.
  • Work delinquent deferred orders, schedules patients appropriately to ensure pending orders are processed in timely manner.
  • Relay information from reference lab on critical labs to ordering provider or Clinic Manager.
  • Actively provides willingness to help and maintain professional relationships with coworkers.
  • Performs other duties as needed within scope of practice.
  • Responsible for having current CPR card.
  • Attends all staff meetings.
  • Observes and acknowledges all SMDC policies and procedures.
  • Always greets patients, visitors and providers in a courteous and respectful manner; responds to patients with empathy and positive interpersonal skills; consistently handles all requests in a positive manner.
  • Participates in Quality Improvement Projects related to Laboratory Services.
• Limitations: CERTIFIED PHLEBOTOMISTS SHALL NOT PERFORM ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
  • Perform arterial draws, unless licensed physician is actively on site.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current and valid state certificate of phlebotomy issued by CDPH
• Current CPR certification
• Available for all shifts/assignments and, when required, able to work evenings and weekends

Preferred Qualifications:

• Medical Assistant experience preferred
• Tribal Clinic experience preferred
• Multi-lingual preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent English oral and written communication skills
• Excellent knowledge of medical clinic protocols
• Ability to complete forms and documents
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to appear for work at scheduled time
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure
• Ability to accept constructive criticism
• Excellent knowledge of laws and regulations governing medical records and medical office management
• Ability to provide excellent internal and external customer service

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Able to lift/move up to 40 pounds, move from place to place, and stand for long period of time
• Ability to do math, organize and prioritize workload, work effectively and efficiently under stress
• Ability to supervise, multitask, understand and follow instructions
• Ability to proficiently read, write, speak and understand English

Safety:

• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures related to safe work practices
• Uses all appropriate equipment and/or tools to ensure workplace safety
• Immediately reports unsafe working conditions
• Follow all infection control procedures including blood-borne pathogen protocol
• Be familiar with and know locations of Safety Data Sheet Binder

Privacy/Compliance:

• Maintains privacy and security of all patient, employee, and volunteer information and access to such information. Such information is accessed on a need to know basis for business purposes only.
• Complies with all regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations. Reports unethical, fraudulent or unlawful behavior or activity.
• Upholds strict ethical standards.

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