PHLEBOTOMIST III

LOCATION: John H. Stroger, Jr Hospital

UNION: SEIU LOCAL 73

Job Title Department

Phlebotomist III Phlebotomy/Messengers

This position is exempt from Career Service under the CCH Personnel Rules.

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Phlebotomist Ill draws blood from patients and performs related phlebotomy services as required. Demonstrates skill and tact in connection with various assignments within the hospital or clinic or under a variety of circumstances, including emergency or other situations involving patients who may be experiencing pain or discomfort. Ensures the proper identification of patient, accurately labels and packages specimens, and delivers same to appropriate drop off site or testing area according to prescribed standard operating procedures. Demonstrates skill and proficiency in collecting, recording and maintaining control of samples and exercising tact and discretion in explaining procedures to patients and obtaining their cooperation. Performs bleeding and coagulation times on patients. Operates laboratory equipment according to established procedures. Assists in covering the telephones, or relieving other staff as necessary.

Typical Duties

• Procuress blood specimens in a skilled professional manner by collecting samples from patients using standard techniques and equipment.
• Exercises skill and tact in dealing with patients under a variety of conditions, including emergencies and situations involving patients undergoing pain or discomfort.
• Explains procedures to patient in order to ensure the patient's cooperation and assistance.
• Applies tourniquet, locates accessible vein, swabs puncture area with antiseptic, and inserts needle to withdraw blood into collection device.
• Applies bandages to puncture site, ensures bleeding has stopped and releases patient once procedure is successfully concluded.
• Performs bleeding and coagulation times as necessary.
• Notifies nursing or medical staff of any sign that patient is having an adverse reaction, such as dizziness or other distress.
• Assembles and maintains equipment, such as tourniquet, needles, blood collection devices, gauze, cotton and alcohol, etc.
• Ensures accuracy in labeling, sorting and maintaining records and samples of specin1ens. Confirms patient's name, ID number, bed location, etc., and refers to Physician's orders as needed. Advises supervisor or other staff of discrepancies.
• Ensures that all specimens are delivered or brought to drop off site or testing area in a timely manner; works effectively within designated schedules and responds effectively to emergencies as required.
• Executes written or verbal instructions and seeks assistance where necessary to confirm work orders and ensure the effective continuity of service.
• Assists in the demonstration of proper blood drawing procedures to others, such as Medical Laboratory Technicians or medical and nursing students, as needed.
• Assists with store keeping and inventory in related areas and notifies supervisor of supply needs accordingly.
• Observes proper safety precautions and disposes of waste appropriately.
• Assists in dispatching, scheduling or relieving other staff in order to assist with telephone and unit coverage.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED certificate (MUST PROVIDE PROOF AT TIME OF INTERVIEW)
• Successful completion of an acceptable training program in venipuncture/phlebotomy techniques through an accredited vocational school, college, or military training program (MUST PROVIDE OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS AT TIME OF INTERVIEW) OR one (1) year of fulltime work experience as a Phlebotomist in a hospital or healthcare setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful completion of an acceptable training program in venipuncture/phlebotomy techniques through an accredited vocational school, college, or military training program
• Two (2) or more years of fulltime work experience as a Phlebotomist in a hospital or health care setting

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Proficiency in procedures involving the application of tourniquet to arm, locating accessible vein, swabbing puncture area with antiseptic, and inserting needle to withdraw blood.
• Skill and proficiency in the use of laboratory equipment and related informational systems.
• Skill and proficiency in collecting blood specimens from patients under a variety of circumstances, including emergency situations, by using standard techniques and equipment.
• Skill in performing bleeding and coagulation times as nec