Phlebotomist

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

• 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.

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.