The Mental Health Technician (MHT)/Phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood samples from patients and utilizing specialized skills to interact calmly with individuals experiencing anxiety or distress related to blood draws, ensuring patient comfort and safety. When not performing phlebotomy duties, the MHT observes and assists mental health or substance abuse patients and supports admission activities. They maintain a safe environment in Adult or Adolescent Admissions and assist with general nursing tasks necessary for patient assessment.
Shift details: Per diem as needed
Essential Duties:
- Serve patients by selecting appropriate methods for blood collection, preparing specimens, and performing screening procedures.
- Provide diagnostic notes to healthcare professionals and hospitals.
- Verify patient identity and explain sampling procedures.
- Perform venipunctures and finger sticks to obtain blood specimens.
- Maintain specimen integrity using aseptic techniques and observing isolation protocols.
- Analyze blood specimens with testing equipment when necessary.
- Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment used in blood drawing and testing.
- Order laboratory supplies as needed.
- Conduct Q15s and 1:1 observations per hospital standards, ensuring no gaps in patient monitoring.
- Follow directions from RNs or LVNs and float to units as needed.
- Maintain professional boundaries with patients and staff.
- Observe and respond to behavioral changes, working on de-escalation before escalating to a code, and notify RNs as appropriate.
- Respond to all codes, ensuring observations are maintained.
- Assist patients with hygiene and help maintain unit cleanliness.
- Follow daily schedules and keep patients on track.
- Communicate respectfully with patients, recognizing the impact of tone and language.
- Use proper phone etiquette and address customer questions professionally.
- Perform soft safety searches of patients and inform RNs of contraband.
- Assist with vital signs and inventory patient belongings, alerting RNs to medications found.
- Escort patients as needed for tests or activities.
- Treat patients with dignity and respect, understanding their rights and ensuring safety and wellbeing.
Qualifications:
- High School diploma or equivalent.
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician Certificate issued by Massachusetts.
- Prior phlebotomy experience; psychiatric healthcare experience is a plus.
- Must obtain or possess CPR certification and CPI training within 30 days of hire.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to obtain blood from difficult or uncooperative patients.
- Recognize when to seek assistance with blood draws.
- Maintain concentration amidst distractions, meet deadlines, and work flexible hours.
- Remain self-controlled in volatile situations.
- Strong communication skills, including reading, writing, and speaking.
- Customer service skills and respectful social interactions.
- Ability to work independently in a physically demanding environment.
- Interpret reference materials and prioritize tasks effectively.
Physical and Environmental Requirements:
- Ability to perform physical activities such as stooping, kneeling, reaching, and lifting up to 100 pounds.
- Good hearing and visual acuity, with or without correction.
- Work mainly indoors, with possible temperature variations.
Benefits:
- Competitive compensation, 401K, comprehensive health plans, generous PTO, tuition reimbursement, and additional perks.
About Us:
Westborough Behavioral Healthcare Hospital provides psychiatric and dual diagnosis treatments for various populations in inpatient and outpatient settings, operating 24/7 with multiple shifts available.