Phlebotomist

Phlebotomist

The UHealth Laboratories Department at the University of Miami has an exciting opportunity for a Full Time Phlebotomist in the UTower Hospital.

The Phlebotomist 1 draws and collects blood samples from patients, verifies records, and prepares specimens for laboratory analysis. An employee in this position conducts interviews, takes vital signs, and tests 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.

Core Job Functions

Core Qualifications

Education:

High School diploma or equivalent

Certification and Licensing:
Certification in relevant specialty or field

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 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:
  Phlebotomists must have a solid understanding of the human circulatory system to find and access veins efficiently.
• Medical terminology:
  They need to be familiar with medical jargon to understand test orders and communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals.
• Safety protocols and infection control: A deep knowledge of safety procedures, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), biohazard waste disposal, and preventing blood borne pathogen exposure, is critical for protecting both patients and staff.
• Specimen handling and processing:
  Phlebotomists must know the specific requirements for handling, labeling, storing, and transporting…