Phlebotomist

University of Miami•Miami, FL

13d

About The Position

The Phlebotomist 1 draws and collects blood samples from patients, verifies records, and prepares specimens for laboratory analysis. The role includes conducting interviews, taking vital signs, testing blood samples, and interacting with patients in consideration of their age-specific, physical, and psychosocial needs. The Phlebotomist uses laboratory and hospital systems to accession data and perform other appropriate system functions. The position performs venipuncture and capillary punctures across hospital units and patient populations, including critical care. It requires accurate patient identification, specimen labeling and handling, prompt transport, documentation, and adherence to infection-control and safety procedures. The Phlebotomist responds to STAT and timed collection requests, collaborates with nurses and laboratory staff, and monitors patients for post-draw reactions. Additional duties may include restocking supplies, participating in quality checks, and training new phlebotomists or interns when assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Phlebotomist Certification.
HIV certification.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification by the American Heart Association.
Minimum 1 year of relevant experience.
Ability to complete assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
Ability to analyze, organize, and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
Ability to 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.
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, including the circulatory system.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Knowledge of safety protocols and infection control, including PPE use, biohazard waste disposal, and prevention of bloodborne pathogen exposure.
Knowledge of specimen handling and processing requirements, including labeling, storage, and transport.
Knowledge of first-aid procedures for complications such as fainting and hematomas.
Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for venipuncture and capillary punctures.
Strong verbal communication and active listening skills.
Ability to interact effectively with patients, including anxious patients, children, and older adults.
Organizational and time-management skills to manage tasks and prioritize patients.
Problem-solving skills to adapt to collection and patient-care challenges.
Computer skills, including the ability to use laboratory information systems.
Professionalism, compassion, empathy, confidence, ethical conduct, adaptability, flexibility, reliability, and dependability.

Responsibilities

Perform patient phlebotomy according to the prescribed technique in the phlebotomy procedure manual.
Process hematology and oncology patients as a priority.
Work on pre-accession specimens and match and organize orders and labels for the day.
Follow the patient identification process, verifying identity through wristbands, verbal confirmation, and electronic records before blood collection.
Explain blood draw procedures to patients and support their comfort and cooperation.
Prepare phlebotomy equipment, including needles, tubes, tourniquets, gloves, and disinfectants.
Perform venipuncture and capillary punctures on patients of all ages, including critical-care patients.
Label specimens accurately with patient details, date, and time; prepare specimens for testing and transport them promptly to the laboratory while following 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 hospital units.
Enter collection data into hospital systems or laboratory software for tracking and reporting.
Monitor patients after draws for reactions such as dizziness or fainting and provide assistance.
Follow infection-control protocols, including hand hygiene and PPE use, and dispose of biohazard materials according to hospital safety standards.
Restock phlebotomy carts and supply stations and maintain adequate inventory, rotating previous stock as required.
Assist with difficult draws, including those involving geriatric or combative patients.
Answer questions and resolve issues involving test requisitions, specimen requirements, test additions, priority changes, and patient results.
Collaborate with nurses and laboratory staff to prioritize urgent collections and troubleshoot issues.
Document failed attempts or patient refusals in the medical record.
Maintain required files and log systems accurately and neatly; assist the supervisor with recording statistics and generating reports.
Process cancellations, credits, and additions of test procedures.
Participate in quality-control checks and audits to maintain compliance.
Train new phlebotomists or interns when assigned by supervisors.
Adhere to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguard University assets.