Clinical Lab Assistant - Phlebotomist

Job Summary

JOB SUMMARY :

The Clinical Lab Assistant- Phlebotomist is able to work independently and with minimal supervision and / or oversight. Successful candidates have the experience and skillset to perform phlebotomy and potentially other identified modalities.

Compensation is dependent on the number of other modalities performed. Candidates without phlebotomy experience may be considered for a paid apprenticeship level.

Regular in-person attendance during scheduled work hours is essential.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION :

The following items are requirements for all individuals.

1. Performs duties in a professional and courteous manner.

2. Maintains supplies and inventory necessary to perform departmental functions.

3. Observe students and or new staff as needed.

4. Exhibit basic problem solving skills to ensure exceptional customer and patient care service levels.

5. Responsible for hospital communication responsibilities as assigned, including on-call responsibilities during scheduled hours (cell phone) by location.

6. Demonstrates effective telephone and verbal communication skills

7. Actively demonstrates professional judgment when dealing with clients, patients and co-workers.

8. Perform clerical functions as needed by the department, including, but not limited to documenting critical communication such as call-ins in the absence of a supervisor.

9. Responsible for maintaining levels of confidentiality associated with position and access to personal and confidential information.

10. Participate in and maintain coverage levels for on call as needed / required to meet service levels.

11. Participate in coverage for holidays, evenings, and weekends as needed or required.

12. Basic P.C. skills.

Modalities

A Clinical Lab Assistant- Phlebotomist will have demonstrated proficiency and experience and be consistently scheduled to perform the general phlebotomy and other modalities listed below.

Assigned modalities are determined by the department leadership.

1. Check-in and Order Entry Reconciliation- (Modality per system- Clinical, Anatomic, Research, Referral Testing) Including, but not limited to :

a. Identifying patient in system

b. Reconciling electronic orders

c. Manual Entry when necessary

d. Insurance payment when necessary

2. General Phlebotomy (ages 10 and above) includes vacutainer , butterfly and syringe collections.

3. Special Collections and / or external shipping certification. Special Collections include but are not limited to arterial blood gas, pediatric and infant draws, sweat collection, breath collections, occ health / drug screen collections, MRSA and Covid collections, therapeutic phlebotomies)

4. Assisting provider performed procedures, including but not limited to FNA, Bone Marrow, EBUS, Bronchial lavage.

5. Specimen Processing (includes Specimen receipt, specimen sorting , specimen delivery loading, decanting and retrieval for send out testing and surgical sample triage, Specimen storage and disposal functions)

6. Non-conformity investigation Problem Resolution (examples Problem Desk aka Portal, TLC, NCE responses, client service) includes proper documentation.

7. Lab Equipment Maintenance and or support (superuser), to include chemical and biohazard waste management for non-testing instrumentation (cryostats and stainline)

8. Sample Testing (waived to moderate) including appropriate instrument maintenance, including biohazard disposal, and QC.

a. Reviews results to see if they are within defined parameters. Identifies and resolves technical specimen problems. Report out results.

b. Identifies, researches and resolves specimen, QC, or instrument problems.

9. Consistent training and or assisting in competency assessments of modalities to employee and or students with completing initial training documentation.

This may include N95 FIT Testing,

10. Department specific skilled technical assistance :

a. BB-Product prep : irradiating units, thaw cryo and plasma, splitting plasma and platelets

b. Infectious Disease- Planting patient specimens that includes : Tissue and Bone processing (grinding and cutting), Plate Inoculation, Knowledge of anaerobic versus aerobic incubation requirements

c. Genetics and Cytometry Nucleic acid extraction, cell culture and harvesting, renal transplant kit oversight and patient testing scheduling and monitoring

d. Histology and Cytology Cytology specimen processing, slide preparation and staining, Histology specimen processing, including bone marrow grossing and knowledge of processing for each tissue type.

e. TRI Honest Broker

11. Department specific clerical or support functions

a. Organization of AP / HP cases and slide distribution

b. FFPE Block and slide filing and material retrieval

c. Consult Case management (ordering, material retrieval, billing, Client on the Fly, report upload)

d. Client Material return

e. Unit allocation & issue : cryo, plasma, platelet, bone and tissue

12. Skilled Inventory management : (ordering, receiving, monitoring par levels,end of month reconciliations, includes blood supply, reagents, supplies, TriBuy training and competency)

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION :

H.S. diploma or equivalent.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE :

• Demonstrated schooling or experience in general phlebotomy to be hired as a Level 1 or higher.
• Candidates with no training or experience may be considered for an apprenticeship.

PREFERRED :

• PBT (ASCP) or equivalent certification.
• Completion of a relevant Clinical Lab Assistant or comparable program

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS :

Prove Immunity to Hepatitis B, or be immunized, or sign a waiver refusing Hepatitis immunization. Provide documentation of a PPD test conducted not more than 90 days prior to date of hire, or have a PPD test conducted through TriCore.

IN DEPARTMENTS / LOCATIONS WITH DIRECT PATIENT CONTACT : Prove immunity or be eligible to receive rubella, rubeola and varicella immunization.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS :

1. Valid driver's license. Good driving record. Must be insurable by lab insurance carrier as required by location.

2. Eligible to work in a health care facility as provided by the New Mexico Caregivers Criminal History Screening Act or other applicable law.