Phlebotomist 1

University of Miami•Miami, FL

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Phlebotomist 1 draws and collects blood samples from patients, verifies records, and prepares specimens for laboratory analysis. An employee in this position conducts interviews, takes vital signs, and tests blood samples. The Phlebotomist 1 relates to and interacts well with patients by taking into consideration their age-specific, physical, and psychosocial needs. The incumbent also uses the laboratory and hospital systems to accession data and perform other appropriate system functions. This role involves verifying patient identity using wristbands, verbal confirmation, and electronic records before drawing blood. The phlebotomist explains blood draw procedures to patients to ensure comfort and cooperation, and prepares phlebotomy equipment including needles, tubes, tourniquets, gloves, and disinfectants. They perform venipuncture and capillary punctures on patients of all ages, including those in critical care, and label specimens accurately with patient details, date, and time to ensure proper tracking. Specimens are transported to the lab promptly, maintaining temperature and safety protocols. The position requires continuous walking between hospital floors and departments to reach patient rooms, ICUs, ERs, and surgical units, and responding to STAT and timed draw requests across various hospital units, often requiring urgent travel. Collection data is entered into hospital systems or lab software for tracking and reporting, and specimens are prepared for testing prior to delivering to technical staff. Phlebotomists monitor patients post-draw for reactions like dizziness or fainting and provide assistance, and follow strict infection control protocols including hand hygiene and PPE use. They dispose of biohazard materials (e.g., needles, gloves) in compliance with hospital safety standards, restock phlebotomy carts and supply stations regularly, and assist with difficult draws, such as geriatric or combative patients. Collaboration with nurses and lab staff is essential to prioritize urgent collections and troubleshoot issues. Failed attempts or patient refusals are documented in the medical record, and participation in quality control checks and audits is required to maintain compliance. Training new phlebotomists or interns may also be assigned by supervisors.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent
Phlebotomist Certification
HIV certification
Minimum 1 year of relevant experience
Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.
Commitment to the University’s core values.
Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.
Compassion and empathy: Phlebotomists must show kindness and understanding, especially toward patients who are anxious or in pain, to create a calm and supportive environment.
Professionalism: Maintaining a professional demeanor, appearance, and ethical conduct builds trust with patients and colleagues. This includes protecting patient confidentiality under regulations like HIPAA.
Confidence: A confident phlebotomist can help put patients at ease and perform procedures more effectively.
Ethical conduct: They must uphold ethical standards, such as treating patients with dignity and respect, and adhere to all safety and confidentiality protocols.
Adaptability and flexibility: The ability to adjust to changing protocols, new technologies, and a fast-paced work environment is vital for success.
Reliability and dependability: Being present, on time, and meticulous with duties is crucial for a role that directly impacts patient care.

Responsibilities

Performs patient phlebotomy by prescribed technique outlined in the phlebotomy procedure manual.
Processes hematology and oncology patients as priority.
Works on pre-accession specimens and matches and organizes orders and labels for the day.
Follows patient identification process.
Answers questions and resolves problems pertaining to test requisitions, specimen requirements, test additions, priority changes, and patient results.
Maintains adequate inventory levels as per protocol and rotates previous stock.
Maintains required files and log systems in a neat and accurate manner.
Assists supervisor in recording statistics and generates reports.
Processes cancellations, credits, and additions of test procedures.
Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
Verify patient identity using wristbands, verbal confirmation, and electronic records before drawing blood.
Explain blood draw procedures to patients to ensure comfort and cooperation.
Prepare phlebotomy equipment including needles, tubes, tourniquets, gloves, and disinfectants.
Perform venipuncture and capillary punctures on patients of all ages, including those in critical care.
Label specimens accurately with patient details, date, and time to ensure proper tracking.
Transport specimens to the lab promptly, maintaining temperature and safety protocols.
Continuously walk between hospital floors and departments to reach patient rooms, ICUs, ERs, and surgical units.
Respond to STAT and timed draw requests across various hospital units, often requiring urgent travel.
Enter collection data into hospital systems or lab software for tracking and reporting.
Prepare specimens for testing prior to delivering to technical.
Monitor patients post-draw for reactions like dizziness or fainting and provide assistance.
Follow strict infection control protocols including hand hygiene and PPE use.
Dispose of biohazard materials (e.g., needles, gloves) in compliance with hospital safety standards.
Restock phlebotomy carts and supply stations regularly.
Assist with difficult draws, such as geriatric or combative patients.
Collaborate with nurses and lab staff to prioritize urgent collections and troubleshoot issues.
Document failed attempts or patient refusals in the medical record.
Participate in quality control checks and audits to maintain compliance.
Train new phlebotomists or interns when assigned by supervisors.