Phlebotomist, Inpatient

UT Southwestern Medical Center•Dallas, TX

14h

About The Position

The Phlebotomist is responsible for safely and accurately drawing blood samples from patients for testing and research, and submitting properly labeled blood, urine, or tissue samples to the laboratory for analysis. The role collects specimens through venipuncture and, on a limited basis, capillary puncture; instructs patients on urine collection; and processes, labels, tracks, and dispatches specimens according to established procedures and requirements. The position uses Epic Beaker and the laboratory information system to enter and verify orders, document patient and specimen information, and maintain positive patient identification and specimen integrity. The role supports quality assurance and improvement activities, patient safety and regulatory requirements, supply inventory and stocking, and effective daily phlebotomy workflows. It provides compassionate customer service to patients of all ages and backgrounds, communicates professionally with patients and clinical staff, and may train or provide team leadership to other phlebotomists as needed. The position requires constant walking, the ability to lift up to 10 pounds, and work in a laboratory setting where exposure to body fluids and infectious diseases may occur. Salary is commensurate with education, skills, and relevant experience.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) course accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC).
Ability to lift up to 10 pounds.
Ability to perform work requiring constant walking.
Ability to exercise considerable judgment in applying, evaluating, and implementing procedures, techniques, and practices to address work problems.
Ability to communicate and work with patients, nurses, physicians, and allied health practitioners regarding specimen collection.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a phlebotomy program at an accredited college or university.
Previous phlebotomy experience.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC).

Responsibilities

Obtain blood specimens by venipuncture and limited capillary puncture while minimizing patient trauma; perform blood cultures and special collections according to procedures.
Instruct patients on proper urine-sample collection and research specimen requirements for esoteric or new tests before collection.
Maintain timely and accurate specimen collection, positive patient identification, confidentiality, and specimen integrity throughout collection, handling, transportation, and storage.
Use Epic Beaker and the laboratory information system to enter or look up orders, verify ordered tests and codes, enter patient demographics and instructions, and document specimen information accurately.
Label specimens and paperwork according to established procedures and perform the required final check.
Monitor pending lists, including the unreceived specimen log, support quality assurance and improvement activities, and identify or implement process improvements as appropriate.
Process laboratory samples, including centrifuging and preparing aliquots when needed; dispatch specimens to the main laboratory or designated testing facility and arrange retrieval for add-on testing when necessary.
Ensure tests are accounted for in the ordering system and contact a physician's office or nurse for order clarification or verification when needed.
Follow patient safety goals and applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements; report unsafe practices through the chain of command and use event-reporting tools to identify quality concerns.
Perform assigned supply inventory; order and monitor supplies, remove expired items, keep phlebotomy carts stocked, and maintain a clean, organized work area with appropriate waste disposal.
Review monthly schedules and assignments with the Supervisor or Coordinator; manage daily workflow, tracker status, assignments, and priority requests, and act as a liaison or problem solver for phlebotomy issues.
Provide training to other phlebotomists as needed and may provide team leadership in the Lead Phlebotomist's absence.
Report to work on assigned days and times and follow leave procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
Preventive healthcare covered at 100% with no copay
Paid Time Off, available day one
Retirement programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
Paid Parental Leave Benefit
Wellness programs
Tuition reimbursement
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer
On-site childcare
Merit increases
Paid holidays