Phlebotomy Coordinator

Position Summary / Career Interest:

The University of Kansas Health System Phlebotomy Coordinator is a position within the clinical laboratory that provides daily support to Phlebotomists with regard to laboratory policies, procedures, and operations. The Phlebotomy Coordinator will be expected to model exemplary behavior supportive of our team-based patient-focused culture. The Phlebotomy Coordinator will strive to improve the patient continuity of care by closely monitoring daily activities including planning, coordinating staff, and managing call-ins to ensure adequate coverage for patient collections at multiple locations. A more complete list is included under Job Responsibilities. The Phlebotomy Coordinator will be required to document problems and provide information for quality improvement. This position will have operational oversight of all duties assigned to the phlebotomists and assist Leadership with communication regarding department updates and changes. The Coordinator will be required to effectively and respectfully handle interpersonal conflicts among staff in a timely manner and recognize when to escalate an issue to the Supervisor/Manager. The Phlebotomy Coordinator must be highly organized and efficient in record keeping for staff competency, training and scheduling. This position requires the ability to multitask in an environment that allows changes and interruptions while maintaining composure and focus. The person in this position must be able to respectfully and professionally communicate patient and staff issues in a factual manner that promotes resolution of the problem. In an outpatient service center, this person will act as the laboratory representative and liaison between the clinic and the laboratory. Must maintain up to date knowledge and proficiency with both the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and the Hospital Information System (HIS).

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the Phlebotomist position in the assigned unit or department.
• Oversees daily activities of phlebotomists in department with focus on patient care, satisfaction and support for staff.  Collaborates with nursing staff and physicians to provide best service to patients.
• Coordinates workflow to ensure timely collection of specimens, processing, and batching for transport to lab. Perform complex problem solving including, but not limited to:
  •      Translating Quest orders in O2
  •      Resolving past due/non expired orders
  •      Resolving and documentation of mislabeled samples – resulted and non-resulted.
  •      O2 order interface troubleshooting
  •      Blood bank orders on patients with insurance carve out to Quest
• Serves as technical expert for all collection procedures and assist with difficult draws.
• Orients and trains new hires and oversee phlebotomy training for CLS/nursing students and other hospital employees.
• Performs 6 month and annual competency for Phlebotomy staff.
• Oversees proper collection of research or esoteric lab test kits and other special procedures.
• Manages and coordinates sick and tardy calls from staff.
• Assists manager, assistant director, supervisor in implementing schedule changes.
• Participates in TJC, CAP, CMS, State, survey readiness activities.
• Reviews selected policies and procedures as required; recommend policy changes and assists with communication of policy changes to performing staff.
• Participates in all relevant quality assurance and quality improvement (QA/QI) activities.
• Assists with supply inventory and ordering. Must maintain up to date knowledge and proficiency with both the Laboratory Information System and the
  Hospital Information System.
• Assists manager, assistant director, supervisor with activities to support HIS and LIS software changes including training new hires, refresh current staff in addition to testing and training new or improved functionality.
• Provides leadership in troubleshooting computer system problems and implementing downtime procedures.
• Functions as on-site Lead for off-campus outpatient phlebotomy service centers and laboratory liaison for the clinic manager
• Attends and participates in department and other relevant meetings
• May be required to serve on Laboratory Risk and Safety Committee as adjunct member
• Participates in continuing education
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Education and Experience

• High School Graduate
• 2 or more years experience with advanced level of skill in adult and pediatric phlebotomy

Preferred Education and Experience

• Associates Degree life sciences, chemistry or math
• Bachelor of Science life sciences, chemistry or math
• 2 or more years experience in Phlebotomy Departments at KUH
• Previous supervisory or lead tech experience preferred

Required Licensure and Certification

• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) - National Healthcareer Association (NHA) within 180 Days

Preferred Licensure and Certification

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) - American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP)
• Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) - American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP)

We are an equal employment opportunity employer without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status or genetic information.