PHLEBOTOMIST III

LOCATION: John H. Stroger, Jr Hospital

UNION: SEIU LOCAL 73

Job Title Department

Phlebotomist III Phlebotomy/Messengers

This position is exempt from Career Service under the CCH Personnel Rules.

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Phlebotomist Ill draws blood from patients and performs related phlebotomy services as required. Demonstrates skill and tact in connection with various assignments within the hospital or clinic or under a variety of circumstances, including emergency or other situations involving patients who may be experiencing pain or discomfort. Ensures the proper identification of patient, accurately labels and packages specimens, and delivers same to appropriate drop off site or testing area according to prescribed standard operating procedures. Demonstrates skill and proficiency in collecting, recording and maintaining control of samples and exercising tact and discretion in explaining procedures to patients and obtaining their cooperation. Performs bleeding and coagulation times on patients. Operates laboratory equipment according to established procedures. Assists in covering the telephones, or relieving other staff as necessary.

Typical Duties

• Procuress blood specimens in a skilled professional manner by collecting samples from patients using standard techniques and equipment.
• Exercises skill and tact in dealing with patients under a variety of conditions, including emergencies and situations involving patients undergoing pain or discomfort.
• Explains procedures to patient in order to ensure the patient's cooperation and assistance.
• Applies tourniquet, locates accessible vein, swabs puncture area with antiseptic, and inserts needle to withdraw blood into collection device.
• Applies bandages to puncture site, ensures bleeding has stopped and releases patient once procedure is successfully concluded.
• Performs bleeding and coagulation times as necessary.
• Notifies nursing or medical staff of any sign that patient is having an adverse reaction, such as dizziness or other distress.
• Assembles and maintains equipment, such as tourniquet, needles, blood collection devices, gauze, cotton and alcohol, etc.
• Ensures accuracy in labeling, sorting and maintaining records and samples of specin1ens. Confirms patient's name, ID number, bed location, etc., and refers to Physician's orders as needed. Advises supervisor or other staff of discrepancies.
• Ensures that all specimens are delivered or brought to drop off site or testing area in a timely manner; works effectively within designated schedules and responds effectively to emergencies as required.
• Executes written or verbal instructions and seeks assistance where necessary to confirm work orders and ensure the effective continuity of service.
• Assists in the demonstration of proper blood drawing procedures to others, such as Medical Laboratory Technicians or medical and nursing students, as needed.
• Assists with store keeping and inventory in related areas and notifies supervisor of supply needs accordingly.
• Observes proper safety precautions and disposes of waste appropriately.
• Assists in dispatching, scheduling or relieving other staff in order to assist with telephone and unit coverage.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED certificate (MUST PROVIDE PROOF AT TIME OF INTERVIEW)
• Successful completion of an acceptable training program in venipuncture/phlebotomy techniques through an accredited vocational school, college, or military training program (MUST PROVIDE OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS AT TIME OF INTERVIEW) OR one (1) year of fulltime work experience as a Phlebotomist in a hospital or healthcare setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful completion of an acceptable training program in venipuncture/phlebotomy techniques through an accredited vocational school, college, or military training program
• Two (2) or more years of fulltime work experience as a Phlebotomist in a hospital or health care setting

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Proficiency in procedures involving the application of tourniquet to arm, locating accessible vein, swabbing puncture area with antiseptic, and inserting needle to withdraw blood.
• Skill and proficiency in the use of laboratory equipment and related informational systems.
• Skill and proficiency in collecting blood specimens from patients under a variety of circumstances, including emergency situations, by using standard techniques and equipment.
• Skill in performing bleeding and coagulation times as necessary.
• Skill in the use and application of various equipment, such as tourniquet, needles, blood collections devices, gauze, cotton and alcohol, etc.
• Skill in dealing with children and adults under various conditions, which may include emergencies and patients in pain or discomfort.
• Ability to demonstrate and explain proper blood drawing techniques to -others.
• Ability to relate to patient and communicate with skill and tact
• Ability to explain procedures to patient in order to obtain his or her cooperation and assistance.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in determining when to notify nursing or medical staff of adverse patient reaction such as dizziness or other distress.
• Ability to ensure accuracy in labeling, sorting and maintaining records and samples of specimens, including the confirmation of patient's name, ID number, bed location, etc.
• Ability to ensure that all specimens are delivered or brought to drop off site or testing area in a timely manner.
• Ability to work effectively within designated schedules and in response to emergencies or under other adverse conditions.
• Ability to carry out written or verbal instructions and seeks assistance where necessary to confirm work orders and ensure the effective continuity of service.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Ability to provide orientation or general direction to other staff, i.e. Phlebotomist II by participating in telephone coverage and assisting with dispatching or scheduling others as circumstances require.
• Ability to assist with store keeping and inventory in related areas and assess and report supply needs.
• Ability to exercise proper safety precautions and dispose of waste appropriately.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient related materials in compliance with HIPPA requirements.

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, "Typical Duties" are essential job functions.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE READ

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service

To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

* Meet the minimum qualifications for the position .

* Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, "Are you a Military Veteran?"

* Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list an Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable

OR

A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver's License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER'S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

BENEFITS PACKAGE

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.

Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.

*Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

*CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH AND HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.