Phlebotomist

This position is contingent upon award

The Phlebotomist supports high-quality, Veteran-centered care by performing specimen collection and processing for a VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic. Responsibilities include venipuncture and capillary collections, specimen handling/processing, courier preparation, point-of-care testing (as authorized), and accurate documentation in the electronic systems. The role emphasizes patient identification, safety, infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and excellent Veteran experience.

• Verify patient identity using two identifiers; obtain informed consent/assent per policy and explain procedures to Veterans in a trauma-informed manner.
• Perform venipuncture and capillary collections for adults, including special collections (e.g., timed, fasting, cold-protected) per requisition.
• Select appropriate tubes/containers; follow order-of-draw to minimize hemolysis and cross-contamination.
• Label specimens at bedside/point of collection with required identifiers; ensure complete, legible requisitions and orders.
• Centrifuge, aliquot, and store specimens under proper conditions (temperature, light protection, stability) per test requirements.
• Prepare specimens for transport (pack-out) following chain-of-custody, biohazard, and packaging requirements; coordinate courier pick-up and tracking.
• Perform and document CLIA-waived POCT (e.g., glucose, urine dipstick, rapid tests) as authorized; run quality controls and maintain logs.
• Maintain phlebotomy carts, supplies, and equipment; perform daily/periodic maintenance checks and troubleshoot issues; escalate as needed.
• Ensure crash cart awareness and emergency response readiness within scope of role (e.g., calling for assistance, obtaining help).
• Adhere to infection prevention and bloodborne pathogen standards (hand hygiene, PPE, sharps safety, exposure response).
• Follow CLIA, CAP/Joint Commission, VA directives, and clinic policies on specimen integrity, documentation, and retention.
• Participate in quality improvement (e.g., reducing recollects/hemolysis, improving turnaround times) and respond to audit/tracer findings.
• Report safety events/near misses and assist with root-cause review; maintain temperature, QC, and maintenance logs.
• Provide courteous, culturally competent service; use de-escalation and service recovery techniques when needed.
• Educate Veterans on collection procedures and pre-test requirements (e.g., fasting, hydration, medication timing).
• Coordinate with PACT teams, providers, and external laboratories to ensure timely, closed-loop results.
• Accurately document collections, orders, and results in the VA EHR and/or Laboratory Information System (LIS) per policy.
• Verify and reconcile orders; resolve missing/incorrect data through appropriate communication and documentation channels.
• Protect PHI in all workflows and uphold privacy and information security standards.
• Completes required organizational compliance education, including assigned requirements that are client-specified, for Joint Commission Healthcare Staffing Services certification or other regulatory bodies.

This list is non-exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake additional duties
that are not specifically listed above.