Phlebotomist

University of Miami; United States; On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Tuition remission

Competitive salary

Job summary

The University of Miami is seeking a Phlebotomist 1 to draw blood, verify patient records and prepare specimens for laboratory analysis in a fast-paced hospital setting.

You will perform venipunctures across departments, ensure proper labeling and handling of specimens, communicate with patients of all ages, and support the lab team with data entry and quality checks.

This is a full-time, on-site role with ongoing training and a strong emphasis on patient safety and comfort.

Qualifications

• Knowledge Anatomy and physiology: solid understanding of circulatory system.
• Safety protocols and infection control: PPE, biohazard disposal, preventing exposure.
• Specimen handling and processing: labeling, storing, transporting samples.

Responsibilities

• Verify patient identity using wristbands and records.
• Perform venipuncture and capillary punctures across age groups.
• Label specimens with patient details, date and time.
• Transport specimens to lab promptly and maintain proper temperatures.
• Enter collection data into LIS or lab software.
• Assist with quality control checks and audits.
• Train new phlebotomists or interns as assigned.

Skills

Learning Agility

Teamwork

Technical Proficiency

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Certification or license

Job description

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

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

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 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 handling and processing: Phlebotomists must know the specific requirements for handling, labeling, storing, and transporting various blood and other fluid samples to prevent contamination and ensure accurate test results. First-aid procedures: Phlebotomists should be prepared to handle complications such as fainting, hematomas, or other adverse reactions that can occur during a blood draw. Skills Manual dexterity: Phlebotomists must possess excellent hand-eye coordination and a steady hand to perform venipuncture and capillary punctures precisely and with minimal discomfort to the patient. Communication: Strong verbal and active listening skills are essential for explaining procedures, reassuring anxious patients, and gathering accurate patient information. Patient interaction: Phlebotomists must be adept at building rapport and interacting with a wide variety of patients, including those who are nervous, children, and the elderly. Attention to detail: This skill is critical for accurately identifying patients, collecting the correct samples, and meticulously labeling vials to prevent errors that can compromise test results. Organizational and time management: In a busy healthcare setting, phlebotomists must manage their tasks efficiently and prioritize patients to maintain a smooth workflow. Problem-solving: They must be able to adapt to challenges such as hard-to-find veins, a malfunctioning tube, or a distressed patient. Computer skills: Many facilities use Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) for tasks like printing labels and entering patient data. Attitudes Compassion and empathy: Phlebotomists must show kindness and understanding, especially toward patients who are anxious or in pain, to create a calm and supportive environment. Professionalism: Maintaining a professional demeanor, appearance, and ethical conduct builds trust with patients and colleagues. This includes protecting patient confidentiality under regulations like HIPAA. Confidence: A confident phlebotomist can help put patients at ease and perform procedures more effectively. Ethical conduct: They must uphold ethical standards, such as treating patients with dignity and respect, and adhere to all safety and confidentiality protocols. Adaptability and flexibility: The ability to adjust to changing protocols, new technologies, and a fast‑paced work environment is vital for success. Reliability and dependability: Being present, on time, and meticulous with duties is crucial for a role that directly impacts patient care.

The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida's only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine.

As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We're the challenge you've been looking for.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.

Job Status: Full time Employee Type: Staff

The mission of the University of Miami is to transform lives through education, research, innovation, and service. A vibrant and diverse academic and healthcare community, the University of Miami and the University of Miami Health System ("UHealth") have rapidly progressed to become one of the nation’s top research universities and academic medical centers in the nation. The University comprises 12 schools and colleges serving undergraduate and graduate students in more than 350 majors and programs. Visit welcome.miami.edu/about-um to learn more about our points of pride. The University ranks No. 55 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Colleges list and ranked No. 49 in the 2022 Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is ranked the #1 eye hospital in the USA and offers some of the nation's premiere eye doctors to treat every eye condition for adults. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer, part of the Miller School of Medicine, received the prestigious National Cancer Institute designation in 2019. The University of Miami and UHealth have also ranked among the Forbes Best Employers and Best Employers for Women on several occasions, most recently in 2022. With more than 17,000 faculty and staff, the University strives for excellence, and is driven by a powerful mission to transform and impact the lives of its students, patients, members of the community, and people across the globe. The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.