Phlebotomist - Outpatient

The University of Kansas Health System•Olathe, KS

About The Position

The Phlebotomist works within the clinical laboratory and interprets laboratory orders from health system providers and outside providers. The role identifies the correct tube type for each test, performs positive patient identification before blood draws, and verifies specimen labeling afterward. In ambulatory settings, labeled tubes are presented to patients for confirmation; in inpatient settings, labeled tubes are matched to the patient's wristband. The Phlebotomist follows regulatory, accreditation, safety, and hospital standards, policies, and procedures. The role applies knowledge of pre-analytical variables—including patient identification, tube type, specimen condition, and integrity—and participates in quality assurance and improvement activities. Duties include releasing orders in the Hospital Information System (HIS), receiving specimens in the Laboratory Information System (LIS), and processing specimens through centrifugation, aliquoting, and separation when needed. As a representative of the clinical laboratory, the Phlebotomist is expected to be professional, respectful, and courteous, and to follow AIDET customer service guidelines. In ambulatory settings, the role prepares specimens for transport by scanning bar-coded samples onto an LIS packing list. The position also troubleshoots difficult orders and missing specimens, performs data entry, manages requisitions, and answers telephone inquiries. The work requires patient focus and multitasking in a fast-paced environment. The schedule is four shifts per week: Tuesday and Thursday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Each day includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch. The position may provide coverage at alternate locations as requested to address critical staffing needs.

Requirements

High school graduate.
One of the following: less than 1 year 6 months of experience in an internal phlebotomy training program; 1 or more years of experience in specimen collection and processing; or completion of an external phlebotomy program.
Fluent English, including the ability to understand, read, write, and speak English.

Nice To Haves

Advanced-level skill in adult and pediatric phlebotomy.
Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP).
Valid driver's license is recommended.

Responsibilities

Perform blood draws by venipuncture according to standard protocols, ensuring patient safety and quality specimen collection.
Collect specimens using appropriate techniques and provide patients or care providers with collection instructions and materials.
Provide immediate patient care when a patient exhibits signs of a post-venipuncture reaction, typically vasovagal.
Assess patient presentation and escort adolescents, young adults, or patients who report prior reactions to a draw room with a recliner.
Perform data entry in applicable information systems in accordance with departmental and organizational policies.
Ensure appropriate specimen containers, centrifugation, and transport conditions; assess specimens for add-on testing.
Release ambulatory patient orders in HIS.
Receive samples in LIS, print and affix barcode labels, and enter outside orders in LIS when the outside order is scanned into HIS.
Consult the Phlebotomy Coordinator, Supervisor, or Lab Leadership when assistance is needed.
Assist nursing staff when requested.
Process specimens, including aliquoting urine and separating blood samples when required for testing.
Apply knowledge of pre-analytical variables, including container type, time, temperature, centrifugation, and labeling.
Respond to telephone inquiries, address caller needs, and troubleshoot issues.
Instruct, orient, and mentor students, employees, patients, and other health care providers as applicable.
Maintain an adequate inventory of supplies.
Perform other assigned duties, which may include nasopharyngeal, oral, or nasal swab collections using appropriate PPE.
Provide coverage at alternate locations when requested by management to meet critical staffing needs.
Perform the professional, clinical, and technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.