Lead Phlebotomist Lab Assistant

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

Summary

• The Lead Phlebotomist Laboratory Assistant performs phlebotomy duties and also acts as the area lead under the direction of the laboratory supervisor or manager. The Lead is responsible for the monitoring and coordinating the workflow of the phlebotomy section of the inpatient and/or outpatient laboratories assigned by redirecting personnel resources to ensure the smooth care of patients. The incumbent will be responsible for ordering and maintain supplies and equipment, orienting/training staff, and maintaining policies, procedures, and quality performance practices. The Lead assists internal and external customers with information, reports, and service. (3701 Market Street- HUP - Phlebotomy Outpatient)

Responsibilities

• Assists in overall daily operations of the section, which includes scheduling, ordering, stocking and managing supplies; Organizes and assigns workload for AM/PM collection/monitors inpatient and outpatient areas; Monitors turnaround time of AM/PM collection process and recommends enhancements; Receives feedback from Manager/Supervisors regarding quality of specimens collected; Reports appropriate feedback to Manager/Supervisors, and relays instructions to phlebotomists as required to enhance the quality of specimens; Receives and resolves problems and complaints associated with inpatient/outpatient blood draws and reports to Manager/Supervisor.

• Reviews and investigates non-conformities with service goals; Collaborates with staff to identify and eliminate barriers to meeting service commitments as directed by section Manager/Supervisor; Assists the Manager/Supervisor in recruiting, hiring, evaluating, and performance reviews of staff; Evaluates workflow and initiates changes to keep patient wait time to a minimum and expedite process; Provides administrative support to Supervisor.

• Correctly identifies the stage of growth of development of patients and significant others; Utilizes knowledge of growth and development when communicating to various age groups; Explains appropriate information according to age and developmental level of patients and visitors; Identifies communication barriers and intervenes appropriately; Recognizes cultural differences and the need to adjust communications styles and behaviors to meet the needs of the patient (e.g. direct eye contact, touching with transferring); Listens to patient's queries, comments and/or concerns and provides appropriate information and responses; Introduces self when interacting with patients, families, visitors or other employees.

• Entry of (release of) patient demographics, test orders, billing information into a variety of computer systems (EMR/LIS); Follows established SOP and age-specific techniques for the collection of biological specimens for analysis and evaluates and solves problems related to that process; Correctly identifies outpatients and inpatients according to approved protocols with 100% accuracy; Performs accurate venipuncture and micro (capillary) techniques in sample collection; May perform specialized collection to include breath alcohol testing, hair collection, and EKGs.

• Properly labels specimens with 100% accuracy; Draws all timed/scheduled samples in a timely manner; Observes emotional and physical state of patient for any adverse reactions to phlebotomy; Performs assigned patient-sample processing activities.

• Performs assigned patient-sample processing activities; Follows established SOP for the processing of biological specimens for analysis, and evaluates and solves problems related to that process; Operates the pneumatic tube system properly and observes all Infection Control policies while handling specimens; Provides timely distribution of specimens to appropriate laboratory sections; Maintains accurate and orderly log records and/or worksheets where required according to SOPs.

• Maintains a safe and orderly work area; Demonstrates safe work practices; Keeps work area free from personal documents & items.

• Answers phone in a professional, courteous, and timely manner, speaking to caller in a caring manner; Answers questions or refers callers to the appropriate source; Avoids putting caller on hold or transferring call unnecessarily.

• Researches phone inquiries regarding specimen collection or test results by referencing available manuals and records, and calls caller back promptly; Understands collection requirements for special or referral testing, prepares specimens, ensures integrity and correctness of sample, and arranges for dispatch and pick-up of specimens; Keeps current with laboratory minutes and documented changes.

• Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies, and takes appropriate action prior to supplies running out; Assists with the instruction of procedures and techniques to other employees and students; Performs daily temperature checks on rooms, refrigerators, freezers, incubators and preventive maintenance on centrifuges as needed; Reports technical issues to the appropriate Manager/Supervisor.

• Projects an image of professionalism in appearance and conduct at all times; Works well with peers and those in authority; Promotes patient and staff relations and displays pride in work; Complies with Hospital, Laboratory, Safety, and HIPAA regulations; Notifies Supervisor or Safety Officer of hazards when found; Completes annual mandatories on or before the due date; Responsible for maintaining adequate staffing on all three shifts, weekends and holidays.

Credentials: Certification as a PBT or MLA by a minimum knowledge-based exam such as the Board of Certification PBT(ASCP) or MLA(ASCP) (Required)

Education or Equivalent Experience

• H.S. Diploma/GED (Required)

• 2+ years' Experience as a Phlebotomist is required.

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.

REQNUMBER: UPHS-INFOR-216206