Job Details

Phlebotomist role at Kaiser Permanente Northwest.

Job Summary

Support the laboratory function of providing diagnostic information for use in patient care by ensuring proper collection and processing of laboratory specimens. Perform or assist with special procedures; mentor/orient students and new employees; ensure workflow meets service delivery needs. Respond effectively to member, clinicians, nursing staff and other department needs.

Essential Responsibilities

• Perform order entry, specimen collection and processing according to Work Instructions (WI); clarify clinician orders; obtain pertinent patient information; accurately identify patients; determine specimen requirements and collect patient sample using appropriate venipuncture or capillary collection based on patient age and/or condition. Ensure accuracy and completeness of specimen labeling and entry into the laboratory computer system. Provide excellent customer service to all members.
• Prioritize workload according to urgency; coordinate activities of the Phlebotomy and Laboratory Service/Technical Assistant workgroups to meet operational service needs. Act as a resource for medical or laboratory staff, provide information, facilitate specimen or order problem investigation and resolution, and make decisions as required for sample collection and patient processing.
• Provide instructions to physicians, nursing staff and patients in proper specimen collection; answer related questions accurately. Evaluate, process and coordinate specimens for testing and/or shipping by following applicable WI. Perform centrifuge, aliquot, separate, refrigerate, freeze or handle specimens as required to maintain specimen integrity. Consult computer information for special handling instructions and refer questions to Client Services or technical specialists as indicated. Complete appropriate forms as applicable.
• Use laboratory computer system to obtain patient demographics; perform order entry; enter pertinent clinical information; generate barcode labels; ensure tracking of each test ordered and each specimen collected and/or received; print reports; track specimens; perform all duties required of Laboratory Service/Technical Assistant.
• Assist clinicians or pathologists with bone marrow collection and processing; perform isolation procedures, bacterial, acid?fast and fungal blood cultures, blood smear preparation, microbiology set?up and Code?99 (Code?Blue) response as required and ordered by clinician.
• Remain current on new and revised work instructions and lab and organizational policies; review procedure manuals, Quality System documents and organizational policies; assist supervisor or coordinator in identifying and reporting procedural discrepancies; complete annual requirements (PPD, safety, etc.); provide input into development or revision of procedures; attend and participate in staff meetings; support department workflow and records maintenance through accurate workload recording, quality assurance monitors, supply inventory, quality control checks and records.

Basic Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited phlebotomy program which includes successful completion of an experience practicum OR minimum eighteen (18) months of phlebotomy experience within the previous five (5) years in a multi?patient clinical laboratory.
• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrated customer?focused service skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of basic phlebotomy principles and techniques.
• Detail?oriented, able to handle multiple tasks in a limited time frame.
• Able to produce high quantity/quality of work, problem?solve, exercise good judgment.
• Adaptable.
• Able to bend, stoop, reach and lift minimum of 10?pounds.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills with command of the English language.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, teamwork.
• Working knowledge of keyboard/data entry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum four (4) years phlebotomy experience in a multi?patient laboratory setting including geriatric, pediatric, inpatient and/or difficult phlebotomy draws.
• National phlebotomy certification.
• Thorough understanding of phlebotomy principles and techniques and phlebotomy equipment.
• Thorough understanding of sample collection requirements.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal skills, teamwork, independent work.
• Leadership skills.

Notes

• Variable, weekend and holiday coverage required as needed for replacement/vacancies.
• This is a replacement pool position that supports all medical offices in the East Service Area.