Daily Operations: Collects laboratory specimens to include blood, throat and nasal cultures, urine, urine drug screen and invasive nasopharyngeal swab collections, from patients of all ages in accordance with accepted laboratory standards, policies and procedures (operational and safety) in order to ensure optimal specimen integrity and accurate test results

• Maintains and stocks the work area as required. Keeps the area clean and equipment appropriately maintained in accordance with established protocols and time frames

• Performs registration/patient intake to include insurance determination, client/physician selection, diagnosis data entry, patient eligibility/ABN, etc. Explains phlebotomy and/or specimen collection procedure to patients and/or relatives as appropriate for the age and development status of the patient

• Performs phlebotomy using appropriate technique based on the physical and psychosocial needs of the neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult or geriatric patient. Examines site to insure patient safety and satisfaction. Prepares, administers and collects special preparation testing ie: glucose/lactose tolerance and breath tests according to established procedures. Interacts with patients, family members, physicians, nursing personnel and team members in a customer focused manner, ie: follows AIDET and Be Safe tools

• Reviews and prioritizes laboratory test orders and determines the appropriate method and type of specimen to be obtained. Pulls collection lists and labels at designated time. Distributes them according to daily assignments. (Site specific.)

• Appropriately labels each specimen according to policy ensuring security of all specimens drawn and delivers specimens to appropriate locations as required. Assures proper patient identification according to policy, utilizing a minimum of three identifiers. Documents all phlebotomy activities as required by department protocols, ie: stat logs, swarm processes

• Refers specimens to internal and external system laboratories; Prepares specimens for approved studies; Accounts for, receives, and tracks specimens and test requests received from Advocate sites and physician offices through appropriate IS; Packages and ships specimens according to DOT and other regulatory agency protocol assuring safe handling for all parties involved

• Performs LIS computer functions, including but not limited to specimen collection/verification, registration, order resolution and comment entry. Pulls/reviews logs or reports. Distributes report according to daily assignments. Investigates and resolves any conflicting or confusing orders. (problem resolution)

• Promotes a safe working environment in the laboratory. Maintains a clean and safe work area. Follows established laboratory safety procedures in accordance with CAP, Accrediting Organization, OSHA, FDA, and other regulatory agencies

• Operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment. Monitors, prints, and distributes reports (result and management) according to schedules and procedures utilizing LIS; Maintains printers involved in patient report printing performing preventative maintenance according to schedules or when needed; Understands the operation of the pneumatic tube system; Performs temperature checks on temperature controlled devices daily. Monitors reports and responding to alerts; Performs equipment preventive maintenance as defined by vendor and department maintenance schedule

• Ability to independently diffuse adverse patient situations in a positive manner. Appropriately responds to patient reactions including patient fainting, changes in vitals or patient becoming irate and irrational. Adaptable to changing situations. Effectively resolves conflict that may arise in the work location. Escalates emergency situations per site protocol including activating the site panic button. (Site specific)

Triages and processes specimen efficiently and accurately according to policy and procedure. (Site specific)

• Orders, receives, accessions, and labels specimens in the LIS (as applicable), from inpatient and outpatient areas and Outreach clients

• Processes specimens ensuring specimen integrity; Understands and follow individual laboratory protocols for specimen requirements ie centrifugation, specimen additives, storage and special handling, etc,

• Follows through with any specimens without orders or orders without specimens to ensure timely processing and testing

• Ensures appropriate handling of priority requests to effectively meet service levels

• Follows protocol for specimen acceptability, utilizing appropriate judgment and policy, identifying problems and interacts with internal and external customers to resolve problems

• Ensures that all specimens are organized, maintained and properly stored or discarded according to policy

Performs EKG testing ensuring accurate results from computerized electrocardiograms and rhythm strips are provided for Cardiologist interpretation. (Site specific.)

• Identifies and reports severe electrocardiograph abnormalities

• Maintains department equipment

• Performs all routine clerical tasks associated with the accurate completion of EKG. (site specific)

• Administers computerized electrocardiograms to outpatients, explaining procedure to patients as required.

Performs limited laboratory test analyses, under general supervision in all areas of the lab as needed

• Performs Microbiology set ups as required. (site specific)

• Documents all maintenance and technical problems per established protocol. Identifies and solves common problems relating to laboratory methodology, instrumentation and procedure under the direction of the Supervisor

• Performs and documents appropriate Quality Control according to laboratory policies and procedures

• May record and/or report patient analysis data, under the supervision of testing personnel, following proper documentation and procedures

• Demonstrates understanding of the basic principles, competencies, applicable laboratory tests and functions of laboratory instrumentation used

• Assists testing personnel in the performance of routine analyses according to laboratory procedure and in accordance with manufacturers' guidelines. For example, places specimens on instruments

Provider Involvement

• Provision of patient data, specimen status, collection procedures, etc. in response to physician and/or nursing staff inquiries. Provides, as appropriate, a single point of contact within the department for answering questions, troubleshooting problems, receiving information with a positive approach

• Responds respectfully and professionally to all inquiries in a manner that always seeks understanding customer needs and reflects positively on the organization. Answers phones and keeps records

• Serves as a resource for proper ordering for esoteric tests

• Works closely with individual laboratories to obtain specimen status when required to ensure proper turnaround time

• Properly allocates specimens for add-on tests and communicates to technical areas regarding add-on tests

Maintains competency in phlebotomy skills and assists in the orientation and training of newly hired phlebotomists and processing personnel

• Completes training, competency and continuing education assignments within allotted time and appropriately communicates completion and/or need for additional training

• Training will include demonstration of proper collection techniques (including site selection and order of draw) and patient interactions

• Observes, supports, and corrects trainees, as necessary; Participates in interdepartmental cross-training as required

• Maintains certification status.

Education/Experience Required

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Minimum of 1 - 2 years previous patient care delivery experience

• Phlebotomy certification required within 1 year of hire

• Previous laboratory experience in specimen handling and simple test performance

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing

• Good organizational skill

• Courteous and professional interpersonal skills

• CRT/Computer familiarity

• Customer Service approach to providing care

• Manual dexterity/flexibility

• Phlebotomy certification: PBT (ASCP)/NAP/ACA/NHA/AMT/NCCT; NCMA certification also accepted within 1 year of hire. EKG certification if applicable within 1 year of hire

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to work under stressful conditions and in difficult situations

• Ability to work rotating shifts and day of the week, including holidays

• Ability to rotate to other ACL site

• Endurance for long periods of standing, bending, and walking; carrying phlebotomy equipment throughout hospital

• Exposure to contagious diseases, potentially biohazardous specimen and materials

• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015

• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.