Phlebotomist at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System – Boone, North Carolina

• Watauga Medical Center is seeking a skilled and compassionate Phlebotomist to join our healthcare team. As a Phlebotomist, you will be responsible for collecting blood specimens from patients for laboratory testing, ensuring accuracy, patient comfort, and adherence to safety protocols. The ideal candidate will possess excellent phlebotomy skills, strong communication abilities, and a commitment to providing high-quality patient care. Key Responsibilities:

• Perform venipuncture and capillary puncture to collect blood specimens from patients of all ages, following established protocols and safety guidelines.
• Verify patient identity, obtain necessary consent, and provide clear instructions to patients regarding specimen collection procedures and any preparation requirements.
• Label specimens accurately, complete requisition forms, and ensure proper documentation of patient information and specimen details to maintain traceability and integrity throughout the testing process.
• Prepare collection sites and select appropriate equipment and supplies, including needles, syringes, and collection tubes, based on patient age, vein condition, and test requirements.
• Monitor patients for signs of discomfort, anxiety, or adverse reactions during the phlebotomy procedure, and respond promptly and appropriately to address their needs and ensure their comfort and safety.
• Process and handle specimens according to laboratory protocols, including centrifugation, separation, and storage, to preserve specimen quality and ensure accurate test results.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of phlebotomy equipment, workstations, and specimen processing areas, and adhere to infection control and biohazard safety protocols at all times.
• Collaborate with laboratory staff, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals to prioritize specimen collection requests, address urgent or special testing requirements, and ensure timely delivery of specimens to the laboratory.
• Provide exceptional customer service to patients and visitors, addressing inquiries, providing information, and resolving issues related to specimen collection and testing processes.
• Participate in training sessions, continuing education programs, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance phlebotomy skills, maintain competency, and stay updated on industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

Compensation is commensurate with education and experience. Hiring compensation ranges from $15.50-$22.47 per hour.

• High school graduate and formal training or on the job training sufficient to qualify for certification as a Phlebotomist

• Experience during the training process with a minimum of 100 successful venipunctures and 50 capillary collections
• Previous experience as a phlebotomist preferred

• Successful completion of accredited phlebotomy program, documented on the job training with a minimum of 100 successful venipunctures and 50 capillary collections

• Phlebotomist certification through an accredited testing agency is preferred but not required

• Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association is required at the time of hire

• National certification preferred but not required

• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public, patients, family, staff, and physician and acts within the chain of command, utilizing positive verbal and non-verbal skills
• Competent in processing specimens safely and effectively within legal limits certifications and practice policies and procedures
• Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to patients, family, staff, and physicians
• Ability to use laboratory computer programs and able to type at least 25 WPM

• Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls, and/or transfers up to and greater than 50 pounds
• Manual dexterity and mobility
• Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting/standing/walking
• Bending, squatting, twisting, and turning
• Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less

• Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases
• Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals, and specimens and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
• Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergencies
• Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 8 hours per shift
• Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day
• Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces > 1-hour day
• Frequently per shift lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls > 50 lbs.
• Frequently per hour: bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches
• Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity
• Frequently per hour: exposed to soft voices > 3 feet away
• Frequently per hour: exposed to close eye work
• Frequently exposed to Ionizing/nonionizing radiation exposure, including x-ray and microwave
• Frequently exposed to chemicals and reagents used in the processing of laboratory specimens

About UNC Health Appalachian

UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.“

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen.

For accommodations or additional information, contact recruitment@apprhs.org.