Phlebotomist 1

CORE JOB SUMMARY The UHealth Laboratories Department at the University of Miami has an exciting opportunity for a full‑time Phlebotomist in the U Tower Hospital. The Phlebotomist 1 draws and collects blood samples from patients, verifies records, and prepares specimens for laboratory analysis. They conduct interviews, take vital signs, and test blood samples. The Phlebotomist 1 relates to and interacts well with patients by taking into consideration their age‑specific, physical, and psychosocial needs. The incumbent also uses the laboratory and hospital systems to accession data and perform other appropriate system functions. Hospital Phlebotomist 1st Shift, 4am to 12:30pm CORE JOB FUNCTIONS Performs patient phlebotomy by prescribed technique outlined in the phlebotomy procedure manual. Processes hematology and oncology patients as priority. Works on pre‑accession specimens and matches and organizes orders and labels for the day. Follows patient identification process. Answers questions and resolves problems pertaining to test requisitions, specimen requirements, test additions, priority changes, and patient results. Maintains adequate inventory levels as per protocol and rotates previous stock. Maintains required files and log systems in a neat and accurate manner. Assists supervisor in recording statistics and generates reports. Processes cancellations, credits, and additions of test procedures. Adheres to University and unit‑level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets. This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all‑inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary. CORE QUALIFICATIONS Education: High School diploma or equivalent Certification and Licensing: HIV certification BLS by AHA Experience: Minimum 1 year of relevant experience Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes: Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail. Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines. Ability to process and 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. DEPARTMENT ADDENDUM Department Specific Functions Verify patient identity using wristbands, verbal confirmation, and electronic records before drawing blood. Explain blood draw procedures to patients to ensure comfort and cooperation. Prepare phlebotomy equipment including needles, tubes, tourniquets, gloves, and disinfectants. Perform venipuncture and capillary punctures on patients of all ages, including those in critical care. Label specimens accurately with patient details, date, and time to ensure proper tracking. Transport specimens to the lab promptly, maintaining 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 various hospital units, often requiring urgent travel. Enter collection data into hospital systems or lab software for tracking and reporting. Prepare specimens for testing prior to delivering to technical. Monitor patients post‑draw for reactions like dizziness or fainting and provide assistance. Follow strict infection control protocols including hand hygiene and PPE use. Dispose of biohazard materials (e.g., needles, gloves) in compliance with hospital safety standards. Restock phlebotomy carts and supply stations regularly. Assist with difficult draws, such as geriatric or combative patients. Collaborate with nurses and lab staff to prioritize urgent collections and troubleshoot issues. Document failed attempts or patient refusals in the medical record. Participate in quality control checks and audits to maintain compliance. Train new phlebotomists or interns when assigned by supervisors. Department Specific Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes Knowledge Anatomy and physiology : Knowledge of the human circulatory system to find and access veins efficiently. Medical terminology : Familiarity with medical jargon to understand test orders and communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals. Safety protocols and infection control : Deep knowledge of safety procedures, including PPE, biohazard waste disposal, and prevention of bloodborne pathogen exposure. Specimen handling and processing : Knowledge of handling, labeling, storing, and transporting various blood and other fluid samples. First‑aid procedures : Preparedness to handle complications such as fainting, hematomas, or other adverse reactions. Skills Manual dexterity : Excellent hand‑eye coordination and steady hand for venipuncture and capillary punctures. Communication : Strong verbal and active listening skills for explaining procedures, reassuring anxious patients, and gathering accurate information. Patient interaction : Adept at building rapport and interacting with a wide variety of patients, including nervous, children, and the elderly. Attention to detail : Accurate patient identification, correct sample collection, meticulous labeling to prevent errors. Organizational and time management : Efficient task management and prioritization in a busy healthcare setting. Problem‑solving : Adapt to challenges such as hard‑to‑find veins, malfunctioning tubes, or distressed patients. Computer skills : Use of Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) for printing labels and entering patient data. Compassion and empathy : Kindness and understanding toward anxious or in‑pain patients to create a calm environment. Professionalism : Maintaining professional demeanor, appearance, and ethical conduct, including protecting patient confidentiality under HIPAA. Confidence : Confidence to put patients at ease and perform procedures effectively. Ethical conduct : Uphold ethical standards, treatment with dignity and respect, and adherence to all safety and confidentiality protocols. Adaptability and flexibility : Adjust to changing protocols, new technologies, and fast‑paced work environment. Reliability and dependability : Presence, punctuality, and meticulousness essential for patient care. The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more. The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Job Status: Full time Employee Type: Staff #J-18808-Ljbffr