A clear, concise job description is a key element in the hiring process and can make it much simpler and easier to narrow the field down to a qualified interview pool. Preparing a good job description requires a little time and effort, but will save you hours of weeding through unqualified, or lackluster applicants. Including specific details regarding qualifications, job duties and the department the individual will be working for ensure that job hunters have a very clear picture of the position before they apply. To aid you in writing an excellent job sketch, we have included a detailed Phlebotomist job description sample below.
Phlebotomist Job Summary
You will be responsible for drawing blood samples from a variety of patients and coordinating with the laboratory to process these samples to check for certain health issue. You will determine the best method for obtaining blood samples and provide compassionate care with a kind bedside manner to all patients. Your job will include communicating with physician’s offices and processing standard as well as specialized diagnostic orders.
Phlebotomist Job Responsibilities and Duties:
- Read, interpret and verify test requisitions using physician orders and records from nursing logs
- Identify, verify and label patient information on all forms and supplies, especially when working with multiple patients in at a time
- Determine the preferred method for drawing blood by assessing the needs and physical condition of each patient individually
- Maintain sample integrity by following proper sanitation techniques, department processes and isolation techniques
- Track and transport specimens through detailed labeling, sorting, organizing and coordinating with the processing laboratory
- Determine best practices for unusual test orders and communicate with nursing staff physician, pathologist and laboratory to ensure clarity and effective results
- Maintain a working knowledge of new techniques through continuing education programs, reading specialized publications and utilizing professional organizations
- Uphold a professional, yet compassionate, demeanor while caring for patients of all ages and in many degrees of physical health
- Enrich phlebotomy department reputation by giving high-quality service to patients and taking on new tasks with a willing approach
Phlebotomist Skills and Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Phlebotomist’s certificate indicating completion of both educational and clinical studies
- Clinical knowledge of blood sample methods for patients of all ages and conditions
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Attention to detail and the ability to organize, verify details and resolve discrepancies
- Caring, professional demeanor and the ability to empathize and offer compassion to patients
- Understanding of and dedication to sanitation and infection-control procedures
Clinic Sketch
Greenville Health Clinic is a diverse collection of physicians in a variety of specialties. Our centralized phlebotomy and laboratory department allow us to provide on-site care for patients, with quick test result turnaround times. Our staff has been providing phlebotomy services for over 20 years and we pride ourselves on open communication with physicians, staff and lab employees with precise results. Our team understands that patient care is paramount and we are proud to offer state-of-the-art service with compassion.
Writing a Job Description Best Practices
- The above Phlebotomist job description sample is a great reference for writing your own job sketch, but you may need to add customized content or create other postings in the future. In those instances, use the following list of dos, don’ts and best practices to ensure that your postings are effective, enticing and easy to read.
- Do look for ways to set this job apart from others in the field. Vague generalities about daily tasks won’t catch the eye of the best people. Use specific details as much as possible and be sure to work in particulars regarding the benefits of working for your particular company.
- Do include specific salary and benefit information, if company policy allows. Check with management before posting any figures to be sure your information is correct. While some worry that job seekers will only be interested in the salary, not including this information can limit the number of responses you receive. It can also help by weeding out those whose qualifications are either below or above the pay range.
- Do proofread before you publicize. Use a simple spelling and grammar check prior to calling it complete and read through the document several times to catch any additional errors or omissions in the text.
- Don’t use overly-long lists or text. Keep the entirety of the description under 700 words and aim for five to ten bullets per list for readability.
Phlebotomist Job Responsibilities
The longest portion of your phlebotomist job description needs to be the job responsibilities section. This is where you list out between six and eight duties your new phlebotomist will perform if hired by your company. It is important to focus on daily tasks rather than monthly responsibilities. You want to provide jobseekers with a clear sense of what they need to do regularly. You would not want to take up space on a job description focusing on superfluous information.
A useful tip for crafting your job listing is to format the phlebotomist job responsibilities with bullet points. This makes them much easier for candidates to read through. With a paragraph, candidates lose sight of what is important by getting bogged down in the details. When jobseekers first look at the job listing, you do not want them to become overwhelmed. You want a job listing that is inviting and encourages qualified individuals to send in their resumes.
While every organization is different, here are a few responsibilities that you could potentially find on a phlebotomist job description:
- Draw blood from patients using butterfly venipuncture methods
- Label specimen tubes for later use in the lab
- Dispose of all contaminated sharps, adhering by state and federal guidelines
- Conduct standard medical tests, such as checking glucose levels and testing blood alcohol content
Phlebotomist Job Specifications
The bullet points you use in the job qualifications and skills section of your phlebotomist job description need to be short. However, succinctness does not mean this section is any less important that other parts of the job listing. You need to make sure you are only listing qualifications that are essential to do this job correctly. You want to avoid listing skills that are useful in certain situations but are ultimately meaningless in this particular setting.
Listing the phlebotomist job specifications is a big part of how you weed out underqualified individuals. A huge headache many hiring managers contend with is reading through a ton of applications from people who have no chance of getting the position. It is tough to avoid this problem entirely, but with a detailed, informative phlebotomist job description, you have a better chance of only receiving resumes from people who know what they are doing.
Below is a list of relevant skills for phlebotomists. Feel free to use any of the qualifications listed, or write your own list with qualifications your company specifically requires.
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver’s license
- Previous phlebotomy experience or training
- Excellent customer service skills
- Familiarity using safety and protective equipment