Phlebotomist/Certified Phlebotomist - Full Time

Location: 320 West 18th Street, Laboratory, Hopkinsville, Kentucky

Full-time regular position

About the role

The Phlebotomist promotes good public relations for the department and Jennie Stuart Medical Center while maintaining patient/customer confidentiality. Phlebotomists are responsible for phlebotomy procedures, including collection of blood samples, blood cultures, and clerical duties of the department. They also perform drug screens, sample processing, and recognize problems requiring referral to Section Supervisors or Medical Technologists/Technicians.

Responsibilities

• Maintains positive morale and working relationships with coworkers.
• Demonstrates professional behavior; accepts and profits from constructive criticism.
• Utilizes effective interpersonal skills to interact with patients, families, coworkers, medical staff, and visitors.
• Promotes good public relations while maintaining patient confidentiality.
• Recognizes how the phlebotomist’s role relates to the overall function of the laboratory and hospital.
• Abides by hospital and departmental dress code; arrives promptly for designated shifts.
• Maintains a clean and safe working environment.
• Assesses situations, considers alternatives, and chooses appropriate actions.
• Demonstrates confidence in learning new routines and methods.
• Assumes responsibility for continuing education as required by certifying agencies.
• Sets priorities and follows JSMC policies and procedures, especially regarding biohazard procedures.
• Performs duties independently with minimal supervision.
• Uses PPE (lab jackets, gloves, etc.) to support safety in the workplace.
• Demonstrates competence in all required procedures according to policy.
• Ensures supplies are available and notifies personnel when low.
• Maintains phlebotomy tray/cart in a sanitary and properly supplied condition.
• Greets patients courteously using AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You).
• Uses two patient identifiers (name and date of birth) when collecting specimens.
• Washes hands (or uses foam) before and after each patient contact.
• Uses proper technique in obtaining blood samples and labels samples immediately in the patient’s presence.
• Disposes of used needles in suitable containers; does not recap needles and uses safety devices appropriately.
• Orders tests in HIS correctly and follows up on ambiguous orders.
• Receives drop-offs, checks paperwork, and signs samples into the laboratory.
• Uses downtime for clerical work, assisting technical staff, performing general duties, and managing supplies.
• Seeks assistance after two unsuccessful phlebotomy attempts.
• Completes routine blood sample collection within 5 minutes and difficult cases within 15 minutes.
• Follows through on tests or procedures left from previous shifts to ensure continuity of care.
• Responds to changes in work schedule and prioritizes work for maximum efficiency.
• Adjusts schedule for STAT orders, admissions, and timed specimens.
• Knows various needles, anticoagulants, special handling, and test preparations.
• Assists in orientation of new staff and training of students as necessary.
• Reports changes in patient condition to appropriate personnel.
• Completes mandatory in-service requirements before deadlines.
• Attends staff meetings and contributes to unit strategic plans and performance improvement.
• Limits personal telephone calls.
• Transports samples as required.

When Assigned as Charge Phlebotomist

• Serves as the first point of contact for the phlebotomy department in the supervisor’s absence.
• Oversees workflow to ensure timely and efficient sample collection.
• Resolves issues interrupting workflow and documents occurrence management.
• Reports issues beyond scope of care to the charge tech or laboratory management.
• Ensures all uncollected reports are reviewed as scheduled.
• Performs temperature/refrigerator checks as scheduled.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent; completion of a recognized phlebotomy, medical office, or related program preferred.
• Minimum of one year of work experience as a phlebotomist or medical assistant preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer relation skills.
• Attention to detail and concentration.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

Physical Demands

• Sitting: Frequently
• Walking: Frequently
• Standing: Frequently
• Bending: Occasionally
• Climbing: Occasionally
• Kneeling: Occasionally
• Twisting: Occasionally
• Lifting 25-50 lbs: Occasionally
• Lifting over 50 lbs: Occasionally
• Pushing: Frequently
• Must be able to see clearly (corrective eyewear acceptable).
• Must be able to hear clearly with or without assistance.
• Must be able to grasp frequently with one or both hands.
• Fine manipulation frequently with one or both hands.

Schedule

Variable with on-call responsibilities.