Phlebotomy Tech Career at WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center

Role Overview

Are you a detail-oriented individual with a passion for healthcare? WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Phlebotomy Tech to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for collecting blood and other specimens from patients, ensuring accurate labeling, and maintaining a safe and comfortable environment. Your expertise in venipuncture and specimen handling will contribute directly to patient care and diagnostic accuracy.

A Day in the Life of a Phlebotomy Tech

As a Phlebotomy Tech, your day will be filled with diverse tasks that require both technical skill and interpersonal abilities. Here’s a glimpse into your daily routine:

• Patient Interaction: Greet patients with a warm and friendly demeanor, explaining the blood collection process and addressing any concerns they may have.
• Specimen Collection: Perform venipunctures and skin punctures to collect blood specimens from patients of all ages, including neonates, children, adults, and geriatric patients.
• Specimen Handling: Ensure proper labeling of all specimens in the presence of the patient to maintain accuracy and prevent errors.
• Equipment Operation: Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, such as centrifuges, computer systems, labeling printers, and scanners.
• Clerical Duties: Perform clerical tasks, including filing paperwork, distributing reports, processing orders, and faxing documents.
• Drug Screen Collection: Collect drug screens (internal and external) using the Chain of Custody Process, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Safety and Compliance: Adhere to all safety and infection control policies and procedures to maintain a safe working environment.
• Communication: Communicate effectively with patients, clients, and staff to provide excellent customer service and support.

Why Parkersburg, West Virginia?

Parkersburg, West Virginia, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to outdoor adventures. Nestled along the Ohio River, this city provides a welcoming community, affordable living, and a rich history. Here are some reasons why you might love living and working in Parkersburg:

• Affordable Living: Enjoy a lower cost of living compared to many other cities, making it easier to save money and achieve your financial goals.
• Outdoor Recreation: Explore the beautiful natural surroundings, with opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and boating in nearby parks and forests.
• Community Spirit: Experience a strong sense of community, with friendly neighbors and local events that bring people together.
• Historical Significance: Discover the city's rich history, with museums, historical sites, and charming architecture that reflect its past.
• Convenient Location: Benefit from easy access to major cities like Charleston and Pittsburgh, allowing for convenient travel and entertainment options.

Career Path for a Phlebotomy Tech

The role of a Phlebotomy Tech can serve as a stepping stone to various career paths within the healthcare field. Here are some potential career advancements you can pursue:

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT): With additional education and certification, you can advance to an MLT role, performing a wider range of laboratory tests and analyses.
• Medical Technologist (MT): Further education and certification can lead to a career as an MT, where you'll oversee laboratory operations and perform complex diagnostic tests.
• Phlebotomy Supervisor: With experience and leadership skills, you can become a Phlebotomy Supervisor, overseeing a team of phlebotomists and ensuring efficient operations.
• Healthcare Administration: With a degree in healthcare administration, you can transition into management roles, overseeing healthcare operations and improving patient care.
• Nursing: With additional education and licensure, you can pursue a career in nursing, providing direct patient care and expanding your medical knowledge.

Salary and Benefits

WVU Medicine offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to its employees. The estimated salary range for a Phlebotomy Tech in Parkersburg, West Virginia, is $29,000 to $39,000 per year. In addition to salary, WVU Medicine provides a robust benefits package, including:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement Plan: Retirement plan with employer matching contributions to help you save for the future.
• Life Insurance: Basic life insurance coverage for added security.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability insurance to protect your income.
• Employee Assistance Program: Employee assistance program (EAP) for confidential counseling and support.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Tuition reimbursement for continuing education and professional development.
• Employee Discounts: Employee discounts on WVU Medicine services and other local businesses.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. Here are some key aspects of our culture:

• Teamwork: We foster a collaborative environment where team members work together to achieve common goals.
• Patient-Centered Care: We prioritize patient care and strive to provide the best possible experience for every patient.
• Innovation: We encourage innovation and continuous improvement to enhance our services and processes.
• Professional Growth: We provide opportunities for professional growth and development to help our employees reach their full potential.
• Diversity and Inclusion: We embrace diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment for employees from all backgrounds.

How to Apply

If you are ready to join the WVU Medicine team as a Phlebotomy Tech, we encourage you to apply today! To apply for this position and be considered, click the Apply button located on the job posting and complete the application in full. Be sure to highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications that make you a great fit for this role.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the minimum qualifications for this position? The minimum qualifications include a High School Diploma or equivalent. Phlebotomy Certification (CPT) and six (6) months of phlebotomy experience are preferred.
2. What are the physical requirements for this job? This job requires strength and stamina, including lifting, moving, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, and carrying materials and equipment weighing 40+lbs.
3. What kind of specimens will I be collecting? You will be responsible for collecting blood and blood culture specimens, as well as non-blood specimens such as urine, sputum, semen samples, and throat swabs.
4. What kind of equipment will I be using? You will be operating basic laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, computer systems, labeling printers, and scanners.
5. Is there opportunity for advancement in this role? Yes, this role can lead to various career paths within the healthcare field, such as Medical Laboratory Technician, Medical Technologist, or Phlebotomy Supervisor.
6. What is the work environment like? The work environment may require unsupervised access to restricted areas that contain medications, supplies, and patient confidential information. Travel between facilities may be required.
7. What skills are essential for this role? Essential skills include proficiency in venipuncture, specimen collection, laboratory equipment operation, communication, and clerical duties.
8. How does WVU Medicine support employee growth? WVU Medicine offers tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment to help employees grow and advance in their careers.
9. What is the Chain of Custody Process? The Chain of Custody Process is a standardized procedure for collecting and handling drug screen specimens to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.
10. What is the typical work schedule for this position? The work schedule may vary based on departmental needs and may include various shifts. The scheduled weekly hours are 40.