Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist

Insight Hospital and Medical Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Chicago is seeking a Lab Assistant/phlebotomist to support laboratory operations and facilitate patient specimen collection. This role includes responsibilities such as blood collection, specimen handling, and compliance with safety protocols. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, phlebotomy training, and good communication skills to ensure patient comfort. This position emphasizes teamwork and adherence to legal standards, reflecting the provider's commitment to quality care and diversity.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of a phlebotomy training program or certification is required.
• Background in medical laboratory and/or knowledge of medical terminology is required.

Responsibilities

• Collect blood samples using appropriate venipuncture techniques.
• Interact directly with patients, explaining procedures and answering questions.
• Label and organize specimens accurately to maintain integrity.
• Maintain and clean equipment, following infection control protocols.
• Monitor stock levels of phlebotomy supplies and coordinate restocking.
• Adhere to legal and ethical standards regarding patient confidentiality.
• Prioritize safety measures and follow strict infection control protocols.
• Participate in continuing education to enhance skills and knowledge.

Skills

Blood Collection

Patient Interaction

Specimen Handling

Equipment Maintenance

Compliance and Documentation

Safety Procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Phlebotomy training program or certification

Tools

Laboratory software

Job description

WE ARE INSIGHT: Envisioning and implementing a holistic approach to neurological treatment is our goal, and our unique research and powerful solutions illuminate the path toward greater innovations for the future of health care. Patients and families seeking effective surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and neurological treatment can trust in our highly skilled and renowned surgical team. As we provide comprehensive services at our state-of-the-art inpatient and outpatient facility, we remain driven by our basic oath to help patients heal while providing a genuine, human touch.

Position Summary

The Lab Assistant/phlebotomist- Outreach Operations position plays a critical role in supporting laboratory operations, patient specimen collection, and outreach account workflows. This position is responsible for specimen collection, processing, order entry, and result distribution for both in-house and external outreach accounts.

This role supports a newly implemented outreach workflow designed to increase laboratory revenue, improve turnaround times, and enhance client and provider satisfaction. The individual will serve as a key liaison between laboratory, outreach clients, and providers to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant laboratory services.

Position Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of a phlebotomy training program or certification from an accredited institution is required. Or, Twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months of related experience is required.
• Background in medical laboratory and/or knowledge of medical terminology is required.

Responsibilities

• Blood Collection: The primary duty of a phlebotomist is to collect blood samples from patients using appropriate venipuncture techniques. They select the appropriate site for blood collection, typically the arm, and prepare the area by cleansing it with antiseptic solutions. They then locate suitable veins, insert the needle, and draw the required amount of blood while ensuring patient comfort and safety.
• Patient Interaction: Phlebotomists interact directly with patients, explaining the procedure, answering questions, and alleviating any fears or concerns they may have. They must have good communication and interpersonal skills to establish a rapport with patients of different age groups and backgrounds.
• Specimen Handling: After collecting blood samples, phlebotomists label and organize the specimens accurately to maintain their integrity and prevent mix-ups. They ensure that all necessary information, such as patient identification, time of collection, and other relevant details, is properly recorded on the specimen containers and requisition forms.
• Equipment Maintenance: Phlebotomists are responsible for maintaining and cleaning their equipment, including needles, collection tubes, and other supplies. They must follow strict infection control protocols and dispose of used needles and contaminated materials appropriately to prevent the spread of infections.
• Monitor and maintain stock levels of phlebotomy supplies and coordinate with the laboratory or inventory department for restocking.
• Compliance and Documentation: Phlebotomists adhere to legal and ethical standards, including patient confidentiality and privacy regulations. They maintain accurate records of all procedures performed, patient information, and any complications or incidents that may occur during blood collection.
• Safety Procedures: Phlebotomists prioritize safety measures to protect both themselves and the patients. They follow strict infection control protocols, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and dispose of biohazardous waste in accordance with safety guidelines.
• Continuous Education: To stay updated with the latest techniques and practices, phlebotomists often participate in continuing education programs, workshops, and seminars. This helps them enhance their skills, learn about new technologies, and maintain professional competence. Receive, collect, and process specimens from external outreach accounts.
• Enter and manage laboratory orders in software for outreach samples
• Track specimen receipt, processing, and result completion for outreach clients
• Fax finalized laboratory results and scan reports into the outpatient portal
• Answer incoming phone calls from outreach accounts and external providers
• Provide timely result communication and follow-up to clients and providers
• Support outreach workflow coordination to ensure timely turnaround times and high client satisfaction.

These duties are to be performed in a highly confidential manner, following the mission, values, and behaviors of Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Employees are further expected to provide a high quality of care, service, and kindness toward all patients, staff, physicians, volunteers, and guests.

Insight Employees are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs.

Insight is an equal opportunity employer and values workplace diversity!