Phlebotomist

Phlebotomist

The Phlebotomist is responsible for collecting blood and other specimens from patients for laboratory testing while providing excellent customer service and ensuring patient safety. In a Critical Access Hospital setting, the Phlebotomist may serve patients across multiple departments including inpatient, outpatient, emergency room, swing bed, and outreach clinics. The position requires adherence to hospital policies, laboratory procedures, infection prevention standards, and regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Care

• Performs venipuncture and capillary blood collection on patients of all ages, including neonates, pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations.
• Properly identifies patients using approved patient identification procedures.
• Explains specimen collection procedures to patients and addresses concerns professionally.
• Demonstrates compassion and respect while maintaining patient confidentiality.
• Supports hospital quality initiatives and patient satisfaction goals through timely and accurate specimen collection.

Specimen Collection and Processing

• Collects, labels, processes, and transports specimens according to established laboratory protocols.
• Ensures specimen integrity and accuracy of patient information.
• Performs specimen centrifugation, aliquoting, and preparation for testing or referral laboratory shipment.
• Monitors specimen storage conditions and maintains chain of custody when applicable.
• Assists with reference laboratory send-out testing and documentation.
• Assists with collection and processing of specimens for outreach clinics and reference laboratory services.

Laboratory Support

• Assists laboratory personnel with clerical and support functions as assigned.
• Maintains adequate inventory of phlebotomy and specimen collection supplies.
• Cleans and stocks collection areas and laboratory workspaces.
• Assists with quality assurance activities and documentation.

Safety and Compliance

• Adheres to OSHA, CLIA, HIPAA, infection prevention, and hospital safety standards.
• Utilizes proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Reports safety concerns, incidents, and specimen collection issues promptly.
• Participates in mandatory education and competency assessments.

Customer Service

• Provides courteous service to patients, visitors, providers, and staff.
• Responds promptly to specimen collection requests from nursing units, clinics, and emergency services.
• Maintains positive working relationships with all hospital departments.

Additional Responsibilities

• May travel to outreach clinics for specimen collection and/or specimen drop off.
• May assist with point-of-care testing according to competency and hospital policy.
• Participates in hospital committees, quality improvement initiatives, and patient satisfaction efforts as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of an approved phlebotomy training program preferred.

Experience

• Previous phlebotomy experience preferred.
• Healthcare experience in a rural hospital or clinic setting preferred.

Certification

• One of the following preferred:
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of venipuncture techniques and specimen handling requirements.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Basic computer and electronic medical record (EMR) skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to work effectively with patients of all ages.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Manual dexterity sufficient for specimen collection and computer use.
• Ability to work varying shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call schedules as needed.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials.
• Exposure to patients with acute and chronic illnesses.
• Fast-paced healthcare environment requiring flexibility and attention to detail.