Phlebotomist Job at The University of Kansas Hospital in Olathe

Overview

The University of Kansas Health System Phlebotomist is a position within the clinical laboratory responsible for interpreting orders for lab work from providers within The University of Kansas Health System and from outside providers presented as a manual order. The Phlebotomist identifies the correct tube type for each test, follows regulatory, accreditation, safety and hospital standards, performs positive patient identification prior to blood draw and confirms patient identification after labeling the tubes. In ambulatory settings, the Phlebotomist presents labeled tubes to the patient to confirm proper labeling; in in-patient settings, the Phlebotomist matches labeled tubes to the patient’s wristband. The Phlebotomist understands pre-analytical variables (e.g., patient identification, tube types, specimen conditions and integrity) and participates in quality assurance and quality improvement activities. The Phlebotomist releases orders from the Hospital Information System (HIS) and receives specimens in the Laboratory Information System (LIS); performs processing steps such as centrifugation, aliquoting urine, and pouring off plasma or serum as needed. The Phlebotomist is the "face" of the clinical laboratory and represents the laboratory and themselves professionally at all times, following AIDET guidelines for customer service and patient satisfaction. In ambulatory settings, the Phlebotomist prepares specimens for transport by scanning bar-coded samples onto an LIS packing list. The Phlebotomist troubleshoots difficult orders and assists with missing specimens when indicated. This position performs some data entry, manages requisitions, and answers telephone inquiries to assist laboratory customers. The Phlebotomist must be patient-focused and capable of multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment. This is a Night Shift position (2030-0700, four 10-hour shifts/week).

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Performs blood draws by venipuncture according to standard protocol, ensuring patient safety and quality specimen collection.
• Performs specimen collection using appropriate techniques and provides patients and/or care providers with instructions and necessary materials for specimen collection.
• Provides immediate patient care if a post-venipuncture reaction occurs (e.g., vasovagal response).
• Proactively assesses patient presentation and escorts patients to the draw room if they are an adolescent/young adult or have a history of reactions to blood draws.
• Performs data entry in applicable information systems in compliance with departmental and organizational policies.
• Demonstrates knowledge of specimen collection techniques and requirements.
• Ensures proper container type, centrifugation, and transport conditions for specimens; determines appropriateness of specimens for add-on testing.
• Releases orders for ambulatory health system patients with orders in HIS.
• Receives samples in LIS, prints bar code labels, affixes labels to specimens, and enters outside orders in LIS when a copy of the outside order is scanned into HIS.
• Consults Phlebotomy Coordinator, Supervisor, or Lab Leadership when appropriate if a situation requires assistance.
• Provides assistance to nursing staff when requested.
• Performs specimen processing duties such as aliquoting urine and separating blood samples as required for testing.
• Understands pre-analytical variables that can impact test results (container type, time, temperature, centrifugation, labeling) and determines the appropriateness of specimens for add-on testing.
• Responds to telephone inquiries and provides customer service by addressing needs and troubleshooting.
• Instructs, orients, and mentors students, employees, patients, and other health care providers as applicable.
• Maintains an adequate inventory of supplies.
• Other duties as assigned, which may include NP, oral, or nasal swab collections with appropriate PPE.
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical, and/or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• These statements describe essential functions and are not an exhaustive list; duties may vary by department or unit and additional duties may be assigned as required.

Required Education and Experience

• High School Graduate
• Less than 1 year (6 months) experience in an internal phlebotomy training program OR
• 1 or more years experience in specimen collection and processing OR
• completion of an external phlebotomy program

Preferred Education and Experience

• Advanced level of skill in adult and pediatric phlebotomy

Preferred Licensure and Certification

• Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) - ASCP

Required Language Skills

• Fluent English - ability to understand, read, write, and speak English

Knowledge Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and transportation to support multiple locations

We are an equal employment opportunity employer without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status or genetic information.