The Phlebotomist I performs phlebotomy and other specialized specimen collection procedures for patients both in in-patient and out-patient settings. Responsibilities include the processing, organizing, labeling and transporting of specimens as well as the input and extraction of data with the Laboratory Information System. Provides for patient care while performing duties, independently handling patient care and technical issues as they arise within the scope of their job. Also performs clerical tasks such as answering the phones and faxing lab reports as needed.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Follows established procedure for collecting and processing biological specimens. Handles STAT samples expediently. Performs special collections/procedures as directed and according to competency and policies/procedures

• Performs a variety of Laboratory Information System functions. Files requisitions, reports and other pathology materials appropriately

• Organizes workload and sets priorities. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs and documents daily check off duties and restocks supplies in the work area as assigned

• Performs interactive patient ID. Identifies patient and labels specimen correctly 100% of the time using two patient identifiers. Accurately processes, organizes, orders, labels and transports specimens for laboratory testing

• Recognizes and initiates action to resolve requisition and specimen labeling discrepancies. Recognizes problems, investigates the cause, takes remedial action or escalates to leader and notifies management for follow-up

• Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system

• Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in departmental projects activities, and seeks continuing education opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

• Course in phlebotomy/venipuncture preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

• 3 months of phlebotomy work or training experience required which must include data entry and specimen handling

• Neonatal/pediatric phlebotomy experience preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - PREFERRED

• CPT - Phlebotomy Technician Certification -- ASCP OR
• CPT - Phlebotomy Technician Certification -- ACA OR
• CPT - Phlebotomy Technician Certification -- AMT OR
• CPT - Phlebotomy Technician Certification -- NCCT

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going evaluations consisting of one or more of the following: skills, competency assessments and/or performance reviews

• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers

• Strong organizational skills to handle a heavy workload and maintain accuracy

• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents

• Demonstrates a working knowledge of specimen requirements for testing such as serum, plasma or whole blood, tissue and body fluids

• Demonstrates knowledge of different specimen collection containers and media

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform
• Scrubs
• Business professional
• Other (department approved)

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call*

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area

Since its founding in 1919, Houston Methodist Hospital has earned worldwide recognition. Houston Methodist Hospital is affiliated with the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation's leading centers for medical education and research.  In 2020, U.S. News & World Report named Houston Methodist Hospital to its top ranked Honor Roll for the fourth time and second consecutive year. 2020 also marked the ninth year in a row Houston Methodist Hospital has been named the No. 1 hospital in Texas. Houston Methodist Hospital directs millions of research dollars into patient care and offers the latest innovations in medical, surgical and diagnostic techniques. With 952 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and over 8,000 employees, Houston Methodist offers complete care for patients from around the world.

 

The same high-quality care for which Houston Methodist is known is available at several Emergency Care Centers in Houston and the surrounding areas.  These Emergency Care Centers house exam rooms, full digital radiography suite, low radiation dose 16-slice CT scan, ultrasound and a full on-site stat chemistry lab.