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Form of workWe are searching for a Path Patient Care Tech - someone who works well in a fast-paced setting. In this position, you will perform phlebotomy, order entry, specimen processing and clerical tasks in the Central Receiving and Processing section of the Pathology Department. Also trains new staff, manages defects and processes specimens for reference laboratory referral.
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Job Duties & Responsibilities
Performs phlebotomy procedures. Adheres to hospital and departmental patient identification policies by ensuring that the two patient identifiers match on the patient's armband, the labels and requisition prior to performing phlebotomy. Interacts with patients and parents to perform phlebotomy procedures following protocols for age-appropriate care. Uses appropriate equipment/ supplies, holding techniques, and language and knows maximum blood draw volumes for age and weight of patient. Performs venipuncture, fingerstick, and heel-stick phlebotomy procedures including; blood cultures, newborn screens, xylose and glucose tolerances, etc. As written in the Central Receiving and Processing manual. Follows standard work processes and one-piece flow by transporting (either physically or via the tube station) patient samples to the laboratory immediately after collection; before collecting the next patient. In the NICU unit collects no more than 3 patients before sending samples to the laboratory via the pneumatic tube; Packages and transports specimens through the pneumatic tube system using the STAT transaction protocol.
Orders, labels, and processes specimens for testing in laboratory. Prioritizes specimens using 'first-in-first-out' except when instructed to do otherwise for OR STATs or LTS (laboratory triage system) Transport specimens to their testing station by following the walk patters designated in the material handler policies, investigates incidents of lost specimens and/or other problems with the pneumatic tube system and communicates with Facilities Operations and Nursing to resolve problems. Order and process specimens using one piece flow standard work process. Ensure to check that the two approved patient identifiers match prior to order entry and again prior to pouring the sample into a sample cup and labeling the primary tube. Processes shared specimens and delivers to appropriate section of the laboratory per policy. Centrifuges, aliquots, and labels specimens according to the written procedures. Verifies patient demographic information in LIS and on OPTIO label, including account number, date of service, and patient type, using the EPM and Oasis systems. Verifies patient demographic information in LIS and on OPTIO label, including account number, date of service, and patient type, using the EPM and Oasis systems. Performs specimen order entry and verification following Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and section procedure manuals. Follow downtime policies and procedures computer or printer down time to think critically and make decision to transition to manual system; can direct the processors through the manual label procedure and recovery process.
Processes and packages specimens for shipping to the Main Campus and other reference labs. Organizes and labels specimens and requisition according to the guidelines written in the send out procedure manual to meet requirements of reference labs. Centrifuges and processes specimens using the written procedure "Centrifuging Specimens" in the Clinical Chemistry manual and according to written instructions in the Referred Testing procedure manual. Performs simple laboratory procedures such as preparing protein-free filtrates for pyruvic acid tests, pipetting acids into urine containers and verifying Ph on urine specimens accurately according to written procedures. Prepares samples for mailing or distribution to other reference labs, using the appropriate preservatives such as dry ice, acids, and other special handling techniques. Organizes, prioritizes, processes, and packages all specimens within the established turnaround times to ensure meeting the earliest scheduled pick-up times.
Communicates and interacts with patients, families and staff. Greets parents and patients promptly and courteously; values customers and gives customer full attention. Clarifies procedures and asks questions to determine needs; listens carefully and attends to tone of voice and body language; provide appropriate information. Answers the telephone in a courteous, friendly manner; transfers calls, issues results, searches for tests performed, takes orders for test requests and uses the phone system effectively with no more than one (1) documented complaint in a rolling calendar year. Demonstrates commitment to customer needs by taking responsibility for any customer issues/complaints and helping to provide a timely solution. Utilizes the phone system to manage phone calls in the Call Center and Defect processing lines ensures to log into the phone when assigned to the call center; utilizes the aux modes when needed.
Processes problem samples in the defect line. Independently investigates and resolves discrepancies with patient demographics and OPTIO labels by contacting personnel in other departments, nurses, Admissions staff, using the EPM. Processes orders where the tests are not found in the online catalog. Performs order entry for Institutional specimens, Pharmacy Solutions and other non-patient samples in the LIS per policy using the correct account to ensure accurate billing. Performs addition, deletion, and cancellation procedures and communicates each of these regarding specimen changes to the appropriate personnel. Uses the hospital information system (IS) to retrieve patient data and updates information correctly into the LIS. Processes mislabeled/unlabeled specimens per policy and communicates with the Administrator on call and the nurse/clinician per policy. Calls the nurse/clinician to clarify orders as necessary. Resolve issues and/or escalate to the appropriate leadership as needed.
Facilitates operations. Demonstrates theoretical and practical knowledge of the procedures and equipment; maintains skills and demonstrates competency via performance, documentation, and observation by supervisory staff. Performs clerical duties such as medical audits, ADT computer functions, mail report distribution, and using the appropriate computer systems according to procedures. Checks the time clocks against the time in the LIS daily for accuracy. Adjust as needed. Directs workflow by making necessary changes to the workstation assignments as needed; ensures all workstations are covered and notify Leadership when staffing is insufficient to manage workload; directs workflow and staff breaks to ensure work is processed within the established turn-around time. Completes standard work audits every shift to ensure standard operating processes are adhered to.
Performs other job-related functions. Performs and participates in proficiency testing programs to validate competency as required. Investigates complaints and troubleshoots instrumentation and process problems; recommends and assists in the implementation of new procedures. Participates in staff meetings and gives recommendations for improvements. Performs other duties and functions when required in accordance with the Hospital, department and section needs and as assigned by Manager. Performs mandated reading assignments and signing off on procedure manuals, books and memorandums as assigned in a timely manner; signs attendance rosters. Attends mandatory safety meetings and participates in quarterly fire drills. Attends continuing education and weekly in-service programs/meetings, seminars, and reviews and shares professional publications with others with no more than one (1) documented incident of not attending as scheduled. Trains new employees and evaluates competency of other Pathology Patient Care Liaison staff in the performance of phlebotomy, order entry, and clerical and computer functions, centrifugation, labeling, and other procedures; completes documentation of progress reports and evaluations.
Skills & Requirements
Being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including any booster dose(s) of the COVID-19 vaccine recommended by the Centers for Disease Control when eligible, is required for all employees at Texas Children's unless approved for a medical or religious exemption.
Required H.S. Diploma or equivalent
Preferred PBT-ASCP - Cert-Phlebotomy Technician
Required 1 year Phlebotomy/specimen processing experience
