The Phlebotomist Processor III is an advanced level position within the Laboratory Services team at Ellis Medicine. This individual is responsible for high-complexity phlebotomy services, specimen processing, mentoring, and training junior staff, and ensuring compliance with clinical and regulatory standards. As a senior team member, the Processor III serves as a shift resource for clinical support, process trouble shooting, and quality assurance, support Reference Laboratory and Pathology send outs, and charge reconciliation. This role is critical to maintaining high-quality patient care and efficient lab operations in a fast-paced setting.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT(S):
Meet all requirements of Phlebotomy Level II
- 5 years in a patient care role with a minimum of 18 months with Ellis
- Must have no disciplinary infractions in the last 12 months or must have a performance evaluation
- Nationally recognized Phlebotomy certification (ASCP, NHA, NCPT or equivalent)
- Must be compliant with all educational and organizational policies and procedures
- Must have flexibility to work in all areas of the lab as needed
- Must be able to work independently at the off-site Patient Service Centers
- Must be able to provide phlebotomy services to Nursing Home residents in the community independently
- Preceptor Trained
- Preceptor competent and ability to train new hires independently according to Lab Leadership directives
- Strong communication skills and professional demeanor with patients, staff, and leadership.
- Quality Assurance documentation
- Familiarity with regulatory standards and infection control.
- Charge reconciliation
- CEW and EBEEW fixes
- Pathology Send outs
- LabCorp, and Reference Lab billing
Skills and Abilities:
- Independent, mature, self-motivated, reliable and responsible
- Able to serve the needs of patients ages neonatal to geriatric.
- Able to deal with all types of customers in a pleasant, professional manner.
- Able to handle numerous tasks simultaneously.
- Must have excellent organizational skills.
- Must be patient-centered and empathetic in high-pressure situations.
Physical Requirements
Should be able to push/pull, lift/move 35 lb., be able to perform moderately difficult manual manipulations such as using a keyboard, writing, and filing for extended periods of time, must be able to perform tasks which require hand-eye coordination such as data entry, typing and using photo copiers. Mobility requirements may include the ability to be stationary at a workstation for a prolonged period, in addition to being able to squat or be mobile for a reasonable length of time and distance. Communication requirements include the ability to comprehend the spoken English language in addition to being able to communicate and read the English language. Use of PPE required and exposure to blood/body fluids and infectious materials.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:
Phlebotomy Duties (Advanced Level)
- Perform venipuncture and capillary on a full range of patient types, including pediatric, geriatric, and hard-to-draw individuals
- Act as lead phlebotomist for special collections including times draws, stat/urgent orders, difficult patient cases
- Maintain Ellis Medicine’s high standards for patient identification, safety and specimen accuracy
Specimen Processing
- Accurately process specimens for in-house or reference lab testing, ensuring integrity, labeling and proper handling in compliance with CAP/CLIA and NYS DOH regulations
- Assist with troubleshooting specimen discrepancies or test order issues, initiate follow up with clinical department as needed
- Ensure proper use of Ellis’s electronic systems (Soarian, Cerner) for tracking and documentation
- Must have the ability to accurately read and interpret physician laboratory orders, this is a critical responsibility in clinical and laboratory settings
- Ensure that laboratory testing is performed correctly, efficiently, and in accordance with the provider’s diagnostic and treatment plan
- Review and verification of written and electronic physician orders for laboratory testing, ensuring all required information is present and legible (e.g., test name, frequency, specimen type, diagnosis codes, and provider signature)
Leadership and Training
- Mentor and support onboarding of Phlebotomist I and II team members
- Conduct competency assessments and skill validations for new staff
- Serve as primary shift lead in absence of supervisor, handle escalations and workflow interruptions
- The Phlebotomist will facilitate or delegate a Didactic Phlebotomy Training course for all Ellis employees who require Phlebotomy training
- The Phlebotomist may oversee the work of trainees at the request of the supervisor or manager
- The Phlebotomist will coordinate and conduct scheduled training sessions with new Phlebotomy and Specimen Processing hires
- The Phlebotomist will assist the Supervisor with maintaining the Orientation Check List for new employees
- The Phlebotomist will act as a preceptor for all students and new phlebotomy hires
Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
- Monitor daily phlebotomy workflows for accuracy and efficiency
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives. Internal audits, and training updates
- Ensure all collections and documentation meets HIPPA, OSHA and Ellis Medicine policies
- Stores records, regulatory documents, and laboratory requisitions to comply with NYSDOH and The Joint Commission regulations
- Performs” real time” Quality Assurance; correct and track all errors identified on lab requisitions generated within the organization a well as outside providers, correcting errors, changing test orders to ensure compliance and accuracy
- Responsible for facilitating communication between the Laboratory and clients/providers pertaining to all upgrades and or additions to computer files to ensure proper reporting procedures
- Provides information to Hospital Billing for compliance and payment for lab services.
- Investigates errors / problematic specimens and works to find a resolve
Safety
- Perform verification of inpatient and outpatient laboratory specimens by using Proper Patient ID
- Adheres to infection control, safety, fire and disaster policies and procedures
- Reports all bruising, or injury inflicted during phlebotomy procedures to Nursing
- Adheres to all PPE procedures
- Routinely performs supply checks and rotates inventory to avoid using expired product
- Adheres to infection control, safety, fire and disaster policies and procedures
- Follows all policies for operating company leased vehicles
- Adheres to hand hygiene policies
Operations
- Deliver logged in specimens to various sections of the Laboratory
- Signs for all specimens that are delivered to the Laboratory and follows specific protocol for each specimen type.
- Works directly with various departments and Medical Technologists for requested add on testing
- Perform specimen preparation to include centrifuging, decanting, and labeling
- Monitors Phlebotomy Task List for Stat and Timed lab draws
- Perform specimen preparation/processing to include batching specimens, centrifuging, splitting, and freezing specimens required by test order.
- Performs efficiently in the Ellis Laboratory campus Triage and Fast Track Stations
- Provide phlebotomy coverage to the Emergency Department and Emergent Care (ICU – Critical Care)
- Perform verification of inpatient laboratory specimens
- Process Laboratory Reference Miscellaneous testing specimens
- Communicate clearly with nursing units, clinical staff, and lab personnel to ensure timely service delivery
- Contribute to process improvements aimed at turnaround time, patient satisfaction, and cost containment
Patient Care
- Provides care within his/her job duties and responsibilities
- Performs AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation and Thank You) with every patient encounter
- Listen and respect the needs of the patient during their blood draw
- Adheres to all Phlebotomy/Venipuncture policies and procedures
- The Phlebotomist will facilitate or delegate a Didactic Phlebotomy Training course for all Ellis employees who require Phlebotomy training
- The Phlebotomist may oversee the work of trainees at the request of the supervisor or manager
- The Phlebotomist will coordinate and conduct scheduled training sessions with new Phlebotomy and Specimen Processing hires
- The Phlebotomist will assist the Supervisor with maintaining the Orientation Check List for new employees
Clerical
- Responsible for answering calls from a high- volume multi-line phone system
- Performs short registration using Hospital Information Systems (HIS)
- Responsible for completing all data entry requirements accurately - patient registration, entry of test order from requisition or pulling order from database and managing standing orders
- Performs laboratory specimen processing as needed by utilizing Soarian Financials and Cerner LIS by registering patient specimens, placing an order, labeling specimen and delivering them to the appropriate department
Customer Service
- Provides customer service to all patients, hospital employees and clients/providers
- Monitor laboratory “call back” list, reporting all STAT results to clients
- Assists Clients with all issues or concerns to improve the service of the laboratory
- Works directly with Distribution to complete supply orders for clients
- Manages all requests for specimen pick up by coordinating with Courier services
- Respects patient privacy, maintains confidentiality and displays non-judgmental behavior
- Maintains open lines of communication professionally and respectfully
- Answers phones with proper phone etiquette and communicate effectively with providers, families, and colleagues
- Must demonstrate superior customer focus, ability to communicate openly and transparently with peers, patients, and supervisors
- Orders and maintain inventory of lab supplies using the MS4 ordering system
- Works directly with Distribution to complete supply orders for clients
- Manages all requests for specimen pick up by working directly with Courier services
- Report Distribution
- Assists Clients with all issues or concerns to improve the service of the laboratory
- The phlebotomist will identify, document and alert appropriate medical staff involving incorrect or inappropriate specimens or orders
- The Phlebotomist will provide directions for daily operation to run efficiently.
Ownership
- Phlebotomist must accept constructive feedback from co-workers and supervisors and responds by working to improve behaviors or performance if appropriate
- Supports and accepts hospital polices, decisions and changes
- Reads all department and organizational communication in a timely manner
- Completes all mandatory hospital and department- based competencies within the required time frame
- The phlebotomist must be capable of making decision based on established procedures and exercise good judgement.
- Makes recommendations to management on process improvement, new processes, tools and techniques, or development of new clinical services
Additional Notes:
- Minimal and local travel will be expected.
- If promoted must have no disciplinary infractions in the last 12 months or must have performance evaluation, must attend 95% or better of all scheduled shifts
Ellis Medicine is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, prior arrest, or conviction record, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decisions, or domestic violence victim status.
Salary Range: $20.21-29.31 /hour Pay is based on experience, skills, and education. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be paid within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on location.