Phlebotomist

RIH Rhode Island Hospital; Rhode Island; On-site; USD 44,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University Health is seeking a Phlebotomy Specialist to obtain blood and other specimens, transport samples, and support clerical tasks. The role requires performing venipuncture and capillary punctures with attention to patient safety and proper documentation.

The position emphasizes accurate data entry, adherence to universal precautions, and coordination with nursing staff. Strong interpersonal skills are essential to reassure patients of all ages in a busy hospital environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Phlebotomy certificate through NACES or completion of a phlebotomy certificate program including internship with 100 successful venipunctures.
• In lieu of internship, 6 months phlebotomy experience may be considered.
• In lieu of phlebotomy certification, 5+ years direct phlebotomy experience may be considered.
• Ability to perform venipuncture and capillary puncture on adults, children and infants.
• Interpersonal skills to explain procedures and ease patient anxiety.
• Knowledge to provide care considering aging, development, and cultural patterns.
• Clerical skills to prepare and maintain records; keyboard data entry.
• Familiarity with blood collection equipment and anticoagulants; awareness of interference.
• A Phlebotomy certificate is required.

Responsibilities

• Schedule venipunctures or capillary punctures according to priority and test type.
• Use computer-generated collection labels and reference the Pathology Handbook for proper procedures.
• Observe hospital policy and universal precautions during collection.
• Verify patient identity and perform proper preparation before collection.
• Collect blood samples via venipuncture or capillary methods.
• May collect other specimens (e.g., throat cultures).
• May split or centrifuge samples as needed.
• Notify nursing staff or supervisor of any deviations or adverse conditions.
• Label, wrap, and document specimens for transport; maintain procurement records.
• Enter patient data into the department computer system; perform related clerical tasks.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Venipuncture

Interpersonal skills

Clerical skills

Data entry

Color discrimination

Education

High school diploma or GED

Phlebotomy certificate / internship

Job description

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Pathology Manager, Phlebotomy Supervisor or guidance of the Lead Phlebotomist, performs responsibilities associated with obtaining blood and various other patient specimens. Transports specimens and completes basic records. Performs related clerical support activities to interview and instruct patients, enters data into computerized database, and maintains related records and reports. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Schedules venipunctures or capillary blood punctures according to priority and type of test, such as time studies. Utilizes computer generated collection labels and references Pathology Handbook as necessary to ensure collection of specimens is in accordance with established procedures, i.e. specimens are collected in proper containers and meet special collection requirements as appropriate. Duties are preformed according to hospital policy and observance of universal precautions. Verifies and identifies patient following established procedures and proper patient preparation prior to specimen collection, such as fasting and special diet. Obtain blood samples from patient according to venipuncture or capillary puncture techniques. May collect other types of specimens (throat cultures, etc. May require splitting or centrifuging samples. Alerts nursing staff or supervisor to any deviations from puncture or adverse patient condition. Performs coagulation tests on patients such as bleeding times.Labels, wraps (including appropriate documentation) and prepares samples/specimens for transportation. Maintains records on sample/specimen procurement. Performs related clerical activities such as, sorts and files records, receiving patient into clinic/treatment area and as necessary interviews patient to obtain insurance, biographical and medical information to complete registration records. Provides patient with forms (e.g. hospital or regulatory required forms) for tests, gives instructions regarding any special preparation necessary prior to test or appointment. May contact patient to return and repeat tests. May contact outside agencies/physician’s office to obtain additional patient information to complete patient records. Enters patient’s data into the department computer system. May identify billing errors and make adjustments to reconcile error(s).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

BASIC KNOWLEDGE: High school diploma or GED required. Phlebotomy certificate through National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences and/or completion of a Phlebotomy certificate program to include formal internship demonstrating 100 successful venipunctures. In lieu of internship, 6 months of phlebotomy experience may be considered. In lieu of phlebotomy certification, 5 plus years direct phlebotomy experience may be considered. Ability to perform venipuncture techniques and capillary puncture on adults, children and infants. Interpersonal skills to obtain and provide information to patients and to explain procedures effectively in order to allay fears and anxiety. Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process. Clerical skills to prepare and maintain records and reports, including keyboard skills to enter access information. Familiarity with blood collector equipment, anticoagulants, special precautions and interference. Ability to distinguish chromatic colors. A Phlebotomy certificate required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Works with in-patient care environment with considerable walking between units and where some physical effort may be required to deal with patients who are uncooperative. Some exposure to odors when handling specimens. Exposure to communicable diseases while administering to patients, however chance of injury is minimized by the adherence to established infection control procedures. Manual dexterity to perform venipunctures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None.

Pay Range: $21.26-$22.22

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location: Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type: M-F8:am-F5:00pm Work Shift: Day Driving Required: No Union: International Brotherhood Teamsters

As Rhode Island's largest health system and private employer, Brown University Health is the state's premier provider of health services and includes the only Level I Trauma Center for southeastern New England. Today, more than 20,000 people work at Brown University Health and bring their unique skills, experiences, and compassion to their jobs every day. Formed in 1994, Brown University Health is a not-for-profit health system based in Providence, RI comprising three teaching hospitals of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University: Rhode Island Hospital and its Hasbro Children's; The Miriam Hospital; and Bradley Hospital, the nation’s first psychiatric hospital for children; Newport Hospital, Saint Anne's Hospital and Morton Hospital, community hospitals offering a broad range of health services; Gateway Healthcare, the state’s largest provider of community behavioral health care; and Brown Health Medical Group, the largest multi-specialty practice in Rhode Island.

Brown University Health is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity of cultural background, race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and perspectives - we are actively committed to a diverse workforce that represents the patients and community that we serve. We are invested in creating a respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment that supports the holistic well-being of our employees and their families. Join us and help build a healthier future for our patients - and for yourself. Company Location Belonging and Engagement Nursing Our Mission