Apheresis/Donor Center Phlebotomist

Company Description

Compass Government Solutions is a Woman Owned Small Business serving those who have served our nation and is committed to excellence in our daily practices. At Compass Government Solutions (CGS), our employees are our most valuable piece of the puzzle.

Job Description

Compass Government Solutions is seeking an Apheresis/Donor Center Phlebotomist to provide services at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, MD. An Apheresis/Donor Center Phlebotomist performs apheresis procedures to collect specific blood components (like platelets or plasma) from donors. 

Schedule:
Monday - Friday (Excluding Holidays and Government Closings)

• Primary Operating Hours for WRNMMC and The Pentagon: 5 AM - 3:30 PM
• Mobile Blood Drives at Naval Academy are scheduled later with core hours from 11 AM to 9 PM

Phlebotomists will be assigned to the Donor Center (ASBBC-NCR) will service the following locations:
1) WRNMMC
2) the Pentagon, or
3) Mobile Blood Drives throughout the National Capital Region and beyond 40 miles to other military and federal installations,( i.e. Dover AFB, DE; Carlisle Barracks, PA; NSF Dahlgren, VA; NAS Patuxent River, MD; Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD; and Fort Indiantown Gap, PA.)

Phlebotomists will be expected to train and work in all three areas of operation as requested. The government will provide transportation or Phlebotomists may drive their own vehicle at no cost to the government.

Job Duties:

• Will report to the Director of the ASBBC. As required, participate in customer service initiatives and medical readiness activities, designed to enhance health services.
• Properly identifying and label specimens.
• Maintaining sanitary standards to prevent the transmission of disease.
• Selecting and implementing the proper, age-appropriate collection techniques.
• Ensuring that samples are properly prepared for laboratory analysis.
• Sending specimens to the correct testing locations.
• Updating patient/donor records.
• Adhere to SOP guidelines and all established federal, DoD, Navy, WRNMMC and department safety (biological, chemical and infection control) and occupational health guidelines and requirements.
• Ensure compliance with standard of care and practice in accordance with all established policies, procedures, and guidelines used in the medical treatment MTF and IAW JC guidelines. Provides care within ethical and legal boundaries.
• Complete orientation and competency verification programs in accordance with unit guidelines.
• When assigned, will serve and participate in committees, functions and other meetings. Provide relevant and timely information and assists with decision- making and process improvement.
• Also, may serve as preceptor for Medical Laboratory Technician preceptorship programs.
• As required, participate in customer service initiatives and medical readiness activities, designed to enhance health services.

Additional Duties for the Donor Center Mobile Drive Team:

• Perform blood donor health screening and donor qualification procedures in accordance with all regulating and accrediting agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), the Navy Blood Program (NBP) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). These procedures include vital signs assessment (pulse, blood pressure and temperature), determination of hemoglobin and/or hematocrit levels.
• Perform venipuncture site selection and venipuncture in a highly skilled manner and in accordance with ASBBC SOPs and all regulating and accrediting agencies.
• Recognize adverse donor reactions and reacts swiftly in dealing with a wide range of reactions ranging from mild to severe, including hematomas, infiltration, nausea, vomiting, fainting, numbness, hyperventilation, hypovolemia, and arterial bleeding.
• Perform and monitor preventive maintenance procedures for all equipment utilized on mobile blood drives to include the blood collection mixers, trip and weight scales and any new instrumentation/procedures instituted.
• Recognize occurrence of unusual events and assists in developing new solutions to problems.
• Assist in evaluating new procedures that may be commercially available or developed in-house.
• Perform proper donor identification, collection procedures and unit/pilot tube identification
• Perform donor interviews in accordance with ASBBC Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and all regulating and accrediting agencies. These interviews are designed to protect both the donor and the blood supply and includes a complex history and health assessment.
• Completely and accurately document all procedures performed within the ASBBC. Documents results in the Enterprise Blood Management Systems.
• Actively instruct newly assigned technologists and technicians on new methods, instrumentation, and procedures.
• Assist with supply inventory and tracking.
• May be assigned to perform other related duties within the ASBBC.
• Observe strict compliance with “universal precautions” during patient, donor, specimen and blood product contact. All necessary Personal Protective Equipment is provided by the ASBBC and/or WRNMMC.
• Physically assist with the packing, setup, and breakdown of mobile blood drive equipment and supplies; must be able to move/lift a modest amount of weight (no more than 40 lbs.) as requested.
• Demonstrate knowledge of regulatory licensing Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Program (CLIP), Navy Blood Program Office (NBPO) and Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and accrediting agency American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) and College of American Pathologists (CAP) requirements that govern apheresis and blood banking operations in order to ensure work practices, documentation and reporting are consistent with all governing standards and regulations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of donor reactions sufficient to immediately respond to or obtain assistance to protect the safety, health, and well-being of donors. Knowledge of emergency procedures for actual or potential life-threatening situations and ability to evaluate patient condition and/or behavior to initiate prompt and appropriate action in accordance with BLS protocols.

Additional Duties assigned in Apheresis at WRNMMC and Pentagon site:

• Perform advanced technical procedures used in the collection and manufacture of blood and blood components within the Apheresis Section of the ASBBC and may assist Blood Mobile Operations of the ASBBC.
• Perform autologous, therapeutic, allogeneic and apheresis blood component collections in accordance with ASBBC Standard Operating Procedures and all regulating and accrediting agencies. Assists and/or performs other therapeutic procedures such as plasma exchanges and white cell depletion procedures.
• Operate and monitor the performance of highly specialized medical equipment, requiring knowledge and skill used in apheresis blood component collections; Independently sets-up and operates complex equipment (Terumo Trima, Sysmex pocHi-100i, Cobe Spectra and Baxter CS-3000) and rapidly responds to alarms and warnings generated by these instruments during the collection process to ensure patient safety and blood component quality.
• Perform and monitor preventive maintenance procedures for all equipment utilized in the Apheresis section including the apheresis instruments, IVAC’s, trip and weight scales and any new instrumentation/ procedures instituted as needed.
• Actively instruct newly assigned technologists and technicians on new methods, instrumentation, and procedures within the Apheresis Section.
• Assist with Apheresis supply inventory and tracking. Ensures adequate donor apheresis supplies and required records and documentation are maintained.
• Demonstrate professional knowledge of apheresis technology principles, concepts and methodology applicable to a wide range of duties, and a high level of skill in applying that knowledge to perform and assist in solving problems with the procedures and protocols.
• Demonstrate or knowledge of troubleshooting techniques sufficient to resolve minor problems and the ability to institute alternatives during instrumentation or computer failures.
• Demonstrate knowledge of operating and performing maintenance on highly specialized medical equipment and supplies used in the Apheresis Section.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of computer operations and proficiency in the use of basic word processing, data entry and automated medical records.
• Shall be knowledgeable of equipment and supply terminology and skill sufficient to identify and use necessary equipment and supplies properly and to communicate proper use with nurses, medical staff, patients, and family members.
• Must possess professional knowledge of a wide range and variety of diseases and types of injuries pertaining to the brain, central nervous system, spinal cord, peripheral nervous systems. Supplementary skills to recognize emergency conditions that require immediate referral or involvement of qualified medical personnel and perform designated treatment.
• Must possess a working knowledge of military culture, customs, and procedures including military profiles and retention of Active Duty personnel.
• Provide outstanding customer service to WRNMMC patients, potential blood donors and hospital staff members. Fully and directly supports the WRNMMC Customer Advocacy Program, providing an easy interface for donors and staff with questions about ASBBC’s policies, procedures, performance.
• Must pass Color Vision Test. 

Experience.

• Minimum of 3 years’ phlebotomy experience (most preferred) OR:
• Either a minimum of 12 months whole blood phlebotomy experience within the preceding 24 months or (3) have completed an apheresis training program.

Degree/Education:

• Graduation from an accredited training program resulting in certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), Health and Human Services or American Medical Certification (most preferred), or
• A degree or certificate of graduation from an approved/accredited training program.; or
• 12 months of experience as an apheresis technician within the past 24 months

Certifications:

• Basic Life Support.
• Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).
• Health and Human Services of American Medical Certification.
• A degree or certificate of graduation from an approved/accredited training program

Additional Information

Benefits:

At Compass Government Solutions, we value our team and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth:

• Competitive Salary – Recognizing your skills and experience.
• Accrued Paid Time Off & Paid Federal Holidays – Balance work and life with time to recharge.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans – Flexible coverage to meet your needs.
• Capital Services' CSI Benefits Packages – Our signature benefit offering enhanced coverage, mental health support, and specialized resources tailored to our employees’ unique needs.
• 401(k) Plan – Planning for your future has never been easier.
• Life & Disability Insurance – Protection and peace of mind for you and your family.

Eoe Aa M/F/Vet/Disability

Compass Government Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.