Phlebotomist – Long Term Care

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Using appropriate phlebotomy techniques, drives to LTC clients and private homes to collect specimens from patients and enters data into the computer system.
• Collects patient specimens using all phlebotomy techniques including blood cultures, venipunctures (syringes, butterflies) and central venous lines.
• Maintains an average of ≤ (less than or equal to) 8 re-draws per month due to unable to collect, clotted, or hemolyzed reasons.
• Consistently collects the accurate amount and type of specimens, processes the specimens appropriately by putting them on ice, in warm water, or protecting them from light; and transports specimens in a timely manner to the main lab for testing, as appropriate.
• Identifies all special draws prior to phlebotomy.
• Maintains an average of ≤ (less than or equal to) 3 re-draws per month due to QNS (quantity not sufficient) and ≤ (less than or equal to) 1 re-draw per 6 months due to wrong or missed tube, and ≤ (less than or equal to) 1 re-draw per 6 months due to improperly handled specimen.
• Regularly completes an average of 8-10 LTC patients per hour, as workload requires.
• At all times, adheres to the American Association of Blood Bank (AABB) standards regarding patient identification, with no documented mislabeling errors.
• Identifies patients according to LTC protocol.
• First and last name with date of birth, ID band, or having a staff member physically identify.
• Documents on requisition the manner in which patient was identified and obtains information about staff member such as first name/title when no arm band is present and patient cannot self-identify.
• Consistently practices all applicable patient isolation and standard precautions procedures.
• Utilizes appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) correctly.
• Regularly reviews and organizes patient requisitions for efficient collections (prioritizing STAT and timed orders), and screens LTC draws to prevent unnecessary multiple draws.
• Alerts LTC nursing when discrepancies are identified.
• Completes documentation on LTC requisitions and for all necessary draw information, and consistently gets signature of authorized person when unable to obtain blood specimens.
• Documents all unsuccessful draw attempts on requisition.
• Accurately completes all computer data-entry of LTC specimens.
• Completes travel log, including date, name, tech code, car number and phone number and turns in daily for review.
• Documents any delays or extra mileage on travel log.
• Calculates trip charges correctly and notes applicable trip charge on each requisition.
• Follows all LTC guidelines in the use of company vehicles, including but not limited to keeping car clean and tidy, logging courier cars in/out, returning keys/phones to proper place, returning cars to proper place on time for courier use, performing vehicle maintenance sheets.
• Performs specimen pick-ups at LTC sites, and/or Home Draws.
• Checks for pick-ups at facility when performing a draw.
• Participates in and successfully completes all competency assessments/challenges specific to this position.
• Records documenting and substantiating competency and/or improvement plans are maintained by the specific department.
• Can effectively navigate streets and highways, reading maps and directions to best utilize Long Term Care time and resources.
• Asks for help in a timely manner when assistance is needed.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Windows-based computer skills and also skilled in clerical functions such as telephones, e-mails, pagers, running copy and fax machines.
• Map reading and way-finding skills throughout the Greater Milwaukee area.

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Completion of external phlebotomy program (including clinical and 12 months experience with phlebotomy being a regular daily responsibility)y, including a minimum of 100 draws

OR

• Completion of Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratories Phlebotomy School including clinical and minimum 6 months experience with phlebotomy being a regular daily responsibility, including a minimum of 100 draws.

OR

• In lieu of education (in either case), minimum of 2 years full time experience with phlebotomy being a regular daily responsibility, including a minimum of 100 draws.

Required Certifications & Licensure:

• Valid driver’s license and Department of Motor Vehicle record meeting the requirements of Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratories’ Vehicle Liability Policy.