Phlebotomist

The Phlebotomist is responsible for all blood draws, urinalysis, rapid tests, and swabs performed within Opelousas General Health System, hospital clinics, nursing and assisted living areas. As patients arrive to the outpatient lab area or admitted into health organization the phlebotomist is to review medical record or patient identification bracelet, follow printed lab orders and determine vials to be drawn per patient. Phlebotomist is also to provide effective communication/education to patients on the proper collection of urinalyses, stool specimens, etc. and is to work closely with lab, nursing and clinical staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Greets patients in a friendly, cheerful, and professional manner; determines their needs and responds accordingly.

• Utilizes professional telephone etiquette with all callers; answers incoming calls by the third ring.

• Reviews and prints lab orders and labels

• Explains blood draw procedures to patients and answers any questions about the process.

• Ability to successfully draw blood from patients with minimal or no complications.

• Following all health and safety protocols and procedures to maintain sanitary work area.

• Gathers medical testing materials, including needles, sample vials, blood storage bags and test tubes

• Verifies patient information and labels blood samples properly

• Accurately updates patient information in the organization database.

• Helps nervous or frightened patients remain calm during blood draws.

• Works with clinical staff and always follows their directions

• Educates patients on proper UA collection.

• Processes urinalysis and rapid tests within the organization

• Uses centrifuge regularly.

• Follows confidentiality and security rules when providing patient information.

• Receives all lab specimens within the organization database

• Calls reference labs for stat pickups/special tests

• Documents and footnotes all information that is pertinent to all lab specimen collections

• Packages all lab specimens.

• Adheres to OSHA guidelines and participates in safety program.

• Performs any other services deemed reasonable by physician or Manager.

Education: High School Diploma/GED required. National or State Phlebotomy certification required.