Phlebotomist

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To ensure the safe, accurate, and compassionate collection and handling of patient specimens, including blood, urine, sputum, tissue, and swabs, by performing skilled venipunctures in accordance with laboratory policy, clinical standards, and patient identification protocols.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Promote the mission, vision, and values of FoundCare.
• Accurately verify patient identity using two (2) patient identifiers.
• Collect and prepare lab specimens in accordance with the policy and procedures in the Clinical Laboratory Manual.
• Select appropriate needle size and gauge based on patient age, condition, and vein accessibility.
• Apply knowledge of patient anatomy to identify and select suitable veins for venipuncture.
• Accurately label all specimens in patient’s presence.
• Maintain standard precaution at all times.
• Maintain lab safety, infection control protocol and biohazard waste management procedures.
• Meet current documentation standards and policies within electronic medical record.
• Provide emergency care to patients when necessary, using basic life support and automated defibrillator equipment, maintaining basic CPR certification.
• Ensure compliance with all healthcare regulations, including HIPAA and OSHA.
• Operate clinical laboratory portals including Quest and LabCorp for specimen processing and result management.
• Responsible for resolving daily lab inquiries and performing administrative tasks to support lab operations.
• Provide compassionate support and comfort to patients during lab visits and explain procedures to be performed.
• Collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to facilitate a positive patient experience.
• Interact with respect in situations where patient and/or family display anger or distress. Collaborate with RN or Supervisor as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated proficiency in venipuncture technique, specimen collection procedures, and proper handling and labelling of laboratory samples across patient age groups and clinical conditions.
• Proficiency in use of the computer, including documentation in EHR software.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize as it relates to patient care and acuity.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information.
• Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ability to review, understand, and apply concepts presented in training programs and/or professional literature.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, orally, in writing, and electronically.
• Ability to interact and work with diverse populations.
• Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, providers, or others, professionally. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-demand clinical environment, maintaining accuracy and composure under pressure.
• Ability to endure short, intermittent, and/or long periods of sitting and/or standing in performance of job duties.
• Full range of body motion required. Position requires reaching, bending, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and sight.
• Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases and utilizing standard precautions to prevent transmission of diseases acquired by contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes. 
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing 25 pounds or less.
• Accomplish job duties using various types of equipment/supplies, e.g. pens, pencils, calculators, computer keyboard, telephone, etc.
• Ability to travel to other FoundCare locations and perform job duties.
• Ability to travel to other locations to attend meetings, workshops, and seminars, plus travel to other FoundCare departments and FoundCare conference rooms.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maintain a professional appearance consistent with FoundCare’s dress code standards.
• Demonstrate reliability and punctuality in all scheduled duties and commitments. 
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Represent FoundCare in a positive and professional manner at all times.
• Comply with all organizational policies and standards of care.
• Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Mandatory attendance at all staff training and in-services.
• Complete all required competencies and maintain skill level.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of an accredited Phlebotomy program.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Preferred: Bilingual – English and Haitian Creole/Spanish
• This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.