Phlebotomist

University of Miami; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Miami's UHealth Laboratories Department is seeking a Full Time Phlebotomist to join the UTower Hospital team. The Phlebotomist 1 will draw blood, verify records, prepare specimens, and interact with patients of all ages, considering their needs.

Responsibilities include patient phlebotomy, prioritizing hematology and oncology specimens, labeling and transporting samples, maintaining logs, and supporting quality control and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent, plus relevant experience or certification.
• Minimum 1 year of phlebotomy experience.
• Phlebotomist certification and BLS per AHAs standards.
• Ability to follow infection control protocols and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Performs patient phlebotomy by established techniques and protocols.
• Prioritizes hematology and oncology specimens and prepares/labels samples.
• Ensures proper patient identification and accurate data entry in hospital systems.
• Maintains logs, routes specimens, and supports quality control and safety.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Patient interaction

Medical terminology

Infection control

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Laboratory software

Job description

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

CORE JOB SUMMARY

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

1. Performs patient phlebotomy by prescribed technique outlined in the phlebotomy procedure manual.
2. Processes hematology and oncology patients as priority.
3. Works on pre-accession specimens and matches and organizes orders and labels for the day.
4. Follows patient identification process.
5. Answers questions and resolves problems pertaining to test requisitions, specimen requirements, test additions, priority changes, and patient results.
6. Maintains adequate inventory levels as per protocol and rotates previous stock.
7. Maintains required files and log systems in a neat and accurate manner.
8. Assists supervisor in recording statistics and generates reports.
9. Processes cancellations, credits, and additions of test procedures.
10. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent/relevant experience, certification or license

Experience

• Minimum 1 year of relevant experience required

Certification and Licensing

• Phlebotomist
• HIV
• BLS by AHA

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Learning Agility: Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols, and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a team environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
• Communication: Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.

DEPARTMENT ADDENDUM

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 bloodborne pathogen exposure, is critical for protecting both patients and staff.
• Specimen h