Phlebotomist

This position is contingent upon awardThe 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.