The Phlebotomist is responsible for collecting blood specimens from residents in a nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or long-term care setting. This position ensures accurate and timely specimen collection, proper patient identification, safe specimen handling, and compliance with infection prevention standards. The Phlebotomist works closely with nursing staff, laboratory personnel, and other healthcare team members to support resident care and timely diagnostic testing while maintaining resident dignity, comfort, privacy, and safety.
- Collect blood specimens from residents through venipuncture and capillary puncture as ordered by authorized healthcare providers.
- Verify resident identity using facility-approved identification procedures before collecting specimens.
- Review laboratory orders and confirm the required tests and collection instructions.
- Coordinate blood draws with nursing staff to minimize disruption to resident care and daily routines.
- Collect specimens from residents with varying medical conditions, mobility limitations, cognitive impairments, or difficult venous access.
- Explain collection procedures to residents in a calm, respectful, and reassuring manner.
- Position residents safely and provide appropriate assistance before, during, and after specimen collection.
- Observe residents for dizziness, fainting, bleeding, or other adverse reactions and promptly notify nursing staff of concerns.
- Label specimens accurately at the point of collection according to laboratory and facility procedures.
- Ensure specimens are properly processed, stored, documented, and transported within required time frames.
- Communicate collection difficulties, unsuccessful attempts, specimen rejection risks, and outstanding laboratory orders to the appropriate nursing personnel.
- Follow standard precautions, hand hygiene practices, and infection prevention protocols.
- Use personal protective equipment appropriately and dispose of needles and other sharps in approved containers.
- Maintain clean, organized, and properly stocked phlebotomy supplies and equipment.
- Protect resident confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and facility privacy policies.
- Complete collection logs, laboratory requisitions, and other required documentation accurately and promptly.
- Report incidents, safety concerns, and changes in resident condition observed during specimen collection to the appropriate nursing staff.
- Participate in facility orientation, competency evaluations, and required training.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Completion of an approved phlebotomy training program preferred or required by the employer.
- Previous phlebotomy experience preferred.
- Experience in a nursing home, skilled nursing facility, hospital, or other healthcare setting preferred.
- Experience working with older adults and residents with dementia or other cognitive impairments is beneficial.
Certification and Other Requirements
- Current phlebotomy certification preferred or required by facility policy and applicable state requirements.
- Demonstrated competency in venipuncture, capillary collection, specimen handling, and infection prevention.
- Current CPR/BLS certification if required by the employer.
- Successful completion of applicable background checks and facility-required onboarding.
- Knowledge of blood collection procedures and laboratory specimen requirements.
- Ability to accurately identify residents and label specimens.
- Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, nurses, and laboratory personnel.
- Patience, empathy, and professionalism when working with residents who may be anxious, confused, or resistant to procedures.
- Ability to recognize and report potential complications during blood collection.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to follow written instructions, laboratory protocols, and facility policies.
- Commitment to resident rights, dignity, privacy, and quality care.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach as required.
- Ability to perform fine motor tasks associated with blood collection.
- Ability to move throughout resident rooms and clinical areas.
- Ability to wear personal protective equipment and safely handle specimens and collection supplies.
- Ability to meet the physical requirements established by the facility.
The Phlebotomist works in a nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or long-term care environment and may collect specimens in resident rooms, treatment areas, or designated clinical spaces. The position involves exposure to blood and potentially infectious materials and requires adherence to established infection prevention and workplace safety practices.
The Phlebotomist must comply with facility policies, resident rights requirements, HIPAA, applicable OSHA standards, infection prevention procedures, and laboratory collection protocols. The employee must perform duties within established competencies and authorized responsibilities and report concerns promptly to the nursing supervisor.
