Phlebotomist 1st Shift

About the role

Under general supervision of the Laboratory Operations Manager, Supervisor or Phlebotomy Coordinator and within established hospital and department policies and procedures, performs a variety of clerical/receptionist duties to receive, direct, and process patient specimens in the laboratory; performs age-appropriate phlebotomy procedures from patients in sub-acute, long term care health care facilities, & adult day care centers.

Responsibilities

• Collect blood specimens from patients of all ages using approved techniques for venipuncture and capillary puncture, following infection control and safety protocols.
• Verify patient identity using at least two patient identifiers before specimen collection.
• Ensure proper labeling of all specimens at the bedside or point of collection.
• Prepare, label, and deliver specimens to the appropriate laboratory departments within required time frames, maintaining sample integrity according to protocol (e.g., temperature control, anticoagulant usage).
• Access and review electronic lab orders; enter collection data and notes accurately into the hospital’s electronic medical record (EMR).
• Provide compassionate, professional care while interacting with patients, including those who may be anxious, non-verbal, or cognitively impaired. Communicate procedures clearly and respectfully.
• Follow all hospital, departmental, and regulatory policies related to infection prevention, HIPAA, OSHA standards, and safety practices in handling biohazardous materials.
• Monitor and restock collection trays, carts, and storage areas with necessary supplies.
• Notify supervisors of equipment malfunctions or inventory needs.
• Work closely with nursing staff, laboratory personnel, and physicians to coordinate timely specimen collection.
• Participate in shift handoffs, team meetings, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Respond promptly to STAT, timed, and critical collection requests, including those from emergency, ICU, surgical, and inpatient units.
• Perform specialized collections (e.g., blood cultures, glucose tolerance tests) and adapt techniques for challenging venous access or special needs patients.

Qualifications

• Education/Training: High school graduate Successful completion of approved phlebotomy program
• Licenses/Certification: Must have phlebotomy certification or be certification eligible. Certification is required within one year of hire.

Skills

• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience as a phlebotomist in a hospital laboratory setting.
• Excellent customer service and phlebotomy skills; ability to follow directions with minimal supervision.
• Excellent command of oral and written English; positive interpersonal communication skills and good organizational skills; demonstrates good judgment in handling situations not covered by written or verbal communication.
• Experienced in use of electronic positive patient identification system.
• Experienced with pre-analytical specimen collection requirements.

Preferred Qualifications And Skills

• Experienced with electronic positive patient identification system.
• Experienced with pre-analytical specimen collection requirements.
• Experienced in use of electronic positive patient identification system.
• Experienced with pre-analytical specimen collection requirements.

Essential Job Functions

• Collect blood specimens from patients of all ages using approved techniques for venipuncture and capillary puncture, following infection control and safety protocols.
• Verify patient identity using at least two patient identifiers before specimen collection.
• Ensure proper labeling of all specimens at the bedside or point of collection.
• Prepare, label, and deliver specimens to the appropriate laboratory departments within required time frames, maintaining sample integrity according to protocol (e.g., temperature control, anticoagulant usage).
• Access and review electronic lab orders; enter collection data and notes accurately into the hospital’s electronic medical record (EMR).
• Provide compassionate, professional care while interacting with patients, including those who may be anxious, non-verbal, or cognitively impaired. Communicate procedures clearly and respectfully.
• Follow all hospital, departmental, and regulatory policies related to infection prevention, HIPAA, OSHA standards, and safety practices in handling biohazardous materials.
• Monitor and restock collection trays, carts, and storage areas with necessary supplies.
• Notify supervisors of equipment malfunctions or inventory needs.
• Work closely with nursing staff, laboratory personnel, and physicians to coordinate timely specimen collection.
• Participate in shift handoffs, team meetings, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Respond promptly to STAT, timed, and critical collection requests, including those from emergency, ICU, surgical, and inpatient units.
• Perform specialized collections (e.g., blood cultures, glucose tolerance tests) and adapt techniques for challenging venous access or special needs patients.