Phlebotomist – Long Term Care

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Using appropriate phlebotomy techniques, the Phlebotomist travels to long-term care (LTC) facilities and private homes to collect patient specimens and accurately enters data into the computer system.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Collects patient specimens using all phlebotomy techniques, including blood cultures, venipunctures (syringes and butterfly needles), and central venous lines.
• Maintains an average of ≤ 8 re-draws per month due to unable to collect, clotted, or hemolyzed specimens.
• Maintains an average of ≤ 3 re-draws per month due to quantity not sufficient (QNS), ≤ 1 re-draw per 6 months due to wrong or missed tube, and ≤ 1 re-draw per 6 months due to improperly handled specimens.
• Consistently collects the correct type and amount of specimens and processes them appropriately (e.g., placing on ice, in warm water, or protecting from light).
• Transports specimens to the main laboratory in a timely manner.
• Identifies and prepares for all special draws prior to phlebotomy.
• Completes an average of 8–10 LTC patients per hour, as workload requires.
• Adheres at all times to American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) standards for patient identification, with no documented mislabeling errors.
• Identifies patients per LTC protocol using first and last name with date of birth, ID band, or staff verification when necessary.
• Documents the method of patient identification on requisitions, including staff name and title when patients cannot self-identify.
• Practices all applicable standard and isolation precautions and correctly uses appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Reviews and organizes patient requisitions to ensure efficient collections, prioritizing STAT and timed orders and preventing unnecessary multiple draws.
• Alerts LTC nursing staff when discrepancies are identified.
• Completes all required documentation for collections, including unsuccessful draw attempts and authorized signatures when specimens cannot be obtained.
• Accurately performs all computer data entry related to LTC specimens.
• Completes daily travel logs, including date, technician code, vehicle number, phone number, mileage, delays, and trip charges.
• Calculates trip charges accurately and records them on each requisition.
• Follows all LTC and company guidelines for vehicle use, including cleanliness, key/phone management, vehicle logs, timely returns, and maintenance documentation.
• Performs specimen pick-ups at LTC facilities and home draw locations and checks for pick-ups when on site.
• Participates in and successfully completes all required competency assessments.
• Maintains documentation related to competency and improvement plans as required.
• Navigates streets and highways efficiently using maps and directions to maximize time and resources.
• Requests assistance promptly when needed.

Required Education:

High School Diploma or GED and one of the following:

• Completion of an external phlebotomy program (including clinical training) plus at least 12 months of phlebotomy experience with a minimum of 100 successful draws.
• Completion of Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratories Phlebotomy School (including clinical training) plus at least 6 months of phlebotomy experience with a minimum of 100 successful draws.
• In lieu of education, a minimum of 2 years of full-time phlebotomy experience with phlebotomy as a daily responsibility and at least 100 successful draws.

Required Certifications & Licensure:

• Valid driver’s license with a Department of Motor Vehicles record that meets Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratories’ Vehicle Liability Policy requirements.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Proficiency with Windows-based computer systems.
• Clerical skills, including use of telephones, email, pagers, copy machines, and fax machines.
• Strong map-reading and navigation skills throughout the Greater Milwaukee area.

Schedule Hours Per Day: 8.00
Schedule Days Per Week: 5.00
Schedule Hours Per Week: 40.00