Lead Phlebotomist - Outpatient

At Houston Methodist, the Lead Phlebotomist position functions as the lead person for Phlebotomists within Laboratory Services. In this capacity, this position performs lead job duties and/or regularly leads projects or performs specialized responsibilities as a regular part of normal job responsibilities and serves as the liaison between management, staff and physicians for routine matters, resolving questions and issues. The Lead Phlebotomist position serves to support staff in ensuring the delivery of exceptional patient care and adherence to standards of practice for optimal patient safety, quality outcomes, and customer service. Duties for this position may be varied and may include many of the following: organize work schedules, create work assignments, review timecards for accuracy, conduct quality assurance audits of staff performance, develop and implement quality improvement activities, train and mentor staff, provide feedback on staff performance and developmental needs, collect/analyze/report on data, prepare reports on performance and metrics, and other responsibilities of a similar nature and level. The Lead Phlebotomist position also functions at a Phlebotomist II level, performing phlebotomy and other specialized specimen collection procedures for patients.

Requirements:

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a 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. Role models to team members effective communication and customer service skills, assisting in their development of such skills.

• Orients, guides and mentors team members, students and support staff, to help build confidence and competency in skills, knowledge and abilities. Assists in interviewing and hiring of new staff.

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 standard operating policies/procedures.

• Performs a variety of Laboratory Information System functions. Uses the patient information system to thoroughly and accurately register patients and/or order tests per the requisition as needed. Files requisitions, reports and other pathology materials appropriately.

• Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues and notifies management of issue and resolution. Serves as liaison between team members, management and physicians, resolving routine matters.

• Monitors and adjusts activities to ensure optimum patient throughput and patient experience. Conducts leader rounding to ensure patient satisfaction goals are met.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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 root cause, takes remedial action, and notifies management for follow-up.

• Provides feedback to management on team member performance and conduct. Ensures team members follow AIDET protocols.

• Develops, evaluates, and documents policies, processes and procedures.

• Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness. Assists with implementation and education of departmental based safety initiatives, standards of practice and protocols.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. Provides leadership to staff on efficient utilization of time according to budgetary guidelines. Reviews team member's timecards for accuracy and management approval.

• Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently. Participates in inventory management by taking action to ensure supply levels are adequate.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve quality or service.

• 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.

Qualifications:

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

• Five years of related experience required which must include data entry and specimen handling

• Neonatal/pediatric phlebotomy experience

• Previous experience leading a team preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - PREFERRED

• PBT(ASCP) - Phlebotomy Technician (ASCP) AND
• CPT - Phlebotomy Technician Certification -- by Board of Certification (ACA), (AMT), (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

• 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

• 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

• Independently adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing work flow

• Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action

• Strong training, leadership, and mentoring skills

• 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 No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) Yes

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* No

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

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No