Phlebotomist

Phlebotomist

This Phlebotomist role focuses on performing high-quality blood draws and specimen collection while supporting smooth laboratory operations. The position involves independently managing the full patient workflow from specimen collection through processing and order entry, troubleshooting issues, contributing to training, and recommending improvements to work processes in a fast-paced diagnostic environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform blood draws and venipuncture procedures independently, including on pediatric patients, using straight needles and butterfly needles as appropriate.
• Clearly and courteously explain venipuncture and other specimen collection procedures, such as urine or fecal collection, to patients to ensure understanding and comfort.
• Collect and store specimens according to established procedures, maintaining specimen integrity throughout the process.
• Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes and verify all test requisitions or computer labels against scripts to ensure 100% accuracy.
• Label, centrifuge, split, and freeze specimens as required by specific test orders and protocols.
• Package specimens for transport and store samples at the required temperature in appropriate collection containers or tubes, following all protocols to preserve specimen quality.
• Record maintenance data, perform decontamination tasks, and maintain a clean and safe work area in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Update patient information accurately and perform data entry, including order entry, to support complete and correct laboratory records.
• Answer telephone calls and read laboratory results when appropriate to respond to inquiries and support patient and provider needs.
• Understand and fully interpret physicians orders to ensure correct specimen collection and processing.
• Comply with OSHA and DEP regulations and attend annual department trainings to stay current with safety and compliance requirements.
• Support overall workflow efficiency by troubleshooting issues, assisting with training needs, and making recommendations to improve processes.
• Manage the patient experience from start to finish, including specimen collection, processing, and order entry, often as the sole laboratory representative at the site.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED completion.
• At least 6 months of experience performing venipunctures in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to draw and process specimens independently.
• Proven experience performing blood draws on pediatric patients; experience with geriatric patients is a plus.
• Strong phlebotomy skills, including venipuncture using straight and butterfly needles.
• Hands-on experience with blood draws, specimen handling, sample preparation, and sample storage.
• Ability to manage patient specimens from collection through processing and transport according to established laboratory protocols.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite for basic documentation and data entry tasks.
• Accurate data entry skills for order entry and updating patient information.
• Ability to read and understand physicians orders and match them correctly to laboratory requisitions and specimen tubes.
• Knowledge of and adherence to OSHA and DEP regulations related to laboratory safety and specimen handling.
• Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with patients and healthcare staff.
• Comfort working as the sole laboratory representative at a site, managing the full workflow independently.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Phlebotomy certification is not required but any formal phlebotomy training or certification is beneficial.
• Experience in laboratory, blood bank, biobank, or other biological sample environments.
• Familiarity with specimen management systems and laboratory information systems, including platforms such as Cerner.
• Experience handling a variety of biological samples and patient specimens in compliance with established protocols.
• Ability to participate in and benefit from annual department trainings to maintain and enhance skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining specimen integrity throughout collection, processing, and storage.
• Interest in a long-term opportunity with potential for temporary-to-hire transition as a permanent Phlebotomist.

Work Environment

This position is based in a diagnostic and drug development setting that emphasizes accuracy, safety, and patient care. The typical schedule runs Monday through Wednesday from…