Venipuncture Tech Specialist - Als

PURPOSE OF POSITION
Uses technical expertise and training to maintain the overall quality and timeliness of the services rendered. Assists in directing personnel and resources in the most efficient manner and assumes responsibility for ensuring ongoing quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing (where indicated) within departmental standards. Collaborates with other Technical Specialists in all clinical testing areas to ensure the most current specimen collection information is available to the phlebotomy team. Exercises professional judgment in order to recognize, prioritize and facilitate workload in an efficient manner. The Technical Specialist assumes responsibility and accountability for the staff performing the collection of blood specimens in the outpatient lab and the outlying draw stations, as well as the transport services provided by the ALS courier staff.
RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS
Specimen Collection

• Verifies that procedures are current and contain the necessary information for collection of blood specimens by the Venipuncture team members.
• Able to perform all functions/responsibilities of a Venipuncture team member

Department Operations

• Responsible for composing all section procedure manuals and revising those manuals when necessary
• Maintains equipment and ensures vehicles are in good working order
• Provides technical information to laboratory "customers" as well as staff and appropriately directs questions to the ALS Pre-Analytic Supervisor as indicated
• Communicates technical changes and updates to staff in a timely fashion as indicated
• Conducts training, coordinates delegated training, and assists the ALS Pre-Analytic Supervisor in on-going training efforts with new and existing personnel
• Recognizes deviations from expected results and completes investigation and follow-up
• Follows the lab and departmental policies and procedures
• Organizes work during heavy workload period and directs staff to areas needing assistance
• Performs competency assessments of the ALS courier team

Quality Assurance

• Reviews Corrective Action logs and follows-up with staff and/or Supervisor as needed

• Participates in process improvement projects and Lab QA meetings

Continuing Education

• Refers to the procedure manual for technical information to aid in decision making
• Reviews procedures annually relative to the scope of practice
• Participates in technical workshops, seminars and other continuing education when possible
• Documents continuing education and forwards to the Supervisor for placement in the employee's file

Equipment Maintenance

• Assures equipment preventative maintenance is performed according to department guidelines and manufacturer specifications in order to insure proper equipment operation

• Consistently follows prescribed maintenance procedures
• Identifies and investigates instrument problems according to instrument trouble-shooting guidelines
• Maintains all records pertaining to preventative and emergency maintenance according to department protocols

Supplies

• Coordinates distribution of stock with the courier team
• Communicates supply issues to the ALS office staff
• Collaborates with purchasing for any needed maintenance for the courier vehicles

Safety

• Follows Standard Precautions at all times

• Reads and follows Hospital safety and infection control guidelines
• Reads and follows Laboratory safety and infection control guidelines
• Participates in fire drills as required
• Completes any Laboratory safety education as assigned
• Uses the Tools & Tones for High Reliability in order to promote a culture of safety

Professionalism and Communication

• Accepts responsibilities and maintains an attitude conducive to a cooperative and productive work environment

• Adheres to all policies described in the Aultman Hospital Code of Conduct and Employee Handbook
• Follows all policies of the Pathology Department as described in the Lab Policy Manual.
• Communicates with all persons in a polite and professional manner
• Adheres to the hospital dress code and maintains a professional appearance
• Arrives at work on time and begins work promptly
• Returns promptly from lunch and breaks, following established guidelines
• Uses spare time for work-related activities
• Performs other necessary duties and tasks as assigned by the Supervisor or Director

Personnel

• Follows-up on courier related errors with the staff involved, forwarding information to the Supervisor for additional follow-up as indicated
• Ensures that staff follow the hospital/department safety and infection control procedures
• Assists the Supervisor in directing the efficient use of personnel based on their technical abilities and workload needs by making and/or altering work assignments
• Schedules personnel for daily assignments and makes changes as needed to cover vacations, call-offs and other issues that may arise
• Exercises delegated authority from the Supervisor to:
  • Direct personnel to work in areas needing assistance
  • Alter personnel work assignments to provide adequate departmental coverage
  • Respond to negative employee conduct or performance. These instances must be reviewed by the Supervisor for follow up and/or appropriate disciplinary action
  • Communicate concerns of employees to the Supervisor
• Upholds and practices the highest level of professional integrity in all daily work functions, including confidentiality of patient records

Job Requirements

• Must be an experienced phlebotomist
• Must be able to multi-task
• Must be able to communicate effectively with peers, management and other healthcare personnel

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Department Hours: 24 hours/day, 365 days/year
• Work hours are assigned by the Assistant Manager and can be on any shift depending upon the staffing needs of the department
• May require occasional Saturday rotation
• Requires occasional paid overtime before or after normal working hours, if approved
• Works in a well-lighted and ventilated laboratory

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS ADDENDUM
PURPOSE: To identify specific functions job requirements and work environment factors that could affect job performance.
O = Occasionally = 0- 33% of the work shift or 0- 32 repetitions.
F = Frequently = 34-66% of the work shift or 32-200+ repetitions.
C = Constantly = 67-100% of the work shift or 200+ repetitions.
N = Not essential job requirement.
F Standing
F Walking
N Lifting (70 pounds)
N Carrying (70 pounds)
C Pushing (70 pounds)
N Climbing with (70 pounds)
O Stooping/Bending
O Twisting/Turning
N Kneeling/Squatting
N Crawling
O Reaching Up/Reaching Forward
Additional information concerning physical requirements for the position:
None