MHT/Phlebotomist

The Mental Health Technician (MHT) / Phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood samples from patients, while also utilizing specialized skills to calmly interact with individuals who may be experiencing anxiety or distress related to the blood draw process, ensuring patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure.  When not performing phlebotomist duties, observes and assists assigned mental health patients or substance abuse patients and helps with admission activities. MHTs are responsible for the overall maintenance of a safe environment in either Adult or Adolescent Admissions and to ensure safety of patients and staff. MHTs participate in the activities outlined below and carrying out general nursing assistance necessary to assess adolescent, adult, or older adult patients admitting to the hospital.

Shift details: Per diem as needed Mornings 6am - 2:30 pm

Essential Duties:

• Serves patients by identifying the best method for retrieving blood samples and other specimens, preparing specimens for laboratory testing, and performing screening procedures.
• Supplying diagnostic notes to physicians, other healthcare professionals, and hospitals.
• Verifies patient identification and explains sampling procedures to patients.
• Obtains blood specimens by performing venipunctures and finger sticks.
• Maintains specimen integrity by using aseptic technique, following department procedures, and observing isolation procedures.
• Analyzing blood specimens using the correct testing equipment, when necessary.
• Cleaning, maintaining, and calibrating laboratory equipment used in the drawing and testing of blood specimens.
• Ordering laboratory supplies, as needed.
• Conduct Q15s and 1:1 in accordance with hospital standards. Ask for assistance when other tasks take priority. Ensure there are no gaps in observations.
• Take direction from RN or LVN. Float to any unit as needed. Do not push back.
• Maintain boundaries with patients and employees.
• Observe patient for change in behavior. Work on de-escalation prior to a code. Notify RN to evaluate and assess changes in patient behavior.
• Respond to all codes (If you are making rounds or on a 1:1 ensure someone has signed the Q15s before departing. If you are the only one available for observations, continue to make your observations).
• Assist patients with good hygiene.
• Help maintain unit cleanliness.
• Know the daily schedule and keep patients on track for all events.
• Speak to patients respectfully, recognize that how you speak may escalate to a code.
• Use appropriate phone etiquette for quality calls and address all customer questions and concerns.
• Conduct soft safety search of patient. Wand, check shoes, pockets, etc. Inform RN if contraband is found.
• Assist the RN in taking vital signs if enough MHTs are available to meet Q15 and 1:1 requirement.
• Inventory patient belongings and alert RN if medications are found.
• Escort patient if sent out MOT.
• Escort patients to eat or other activities.
• Treats patients with dignity and respect.
• Understand patient rights.
• Responsible for patient safety and wellbeing.

Salary: $43,680.00 - $62,400.00

Requirements

Education and/or Licensure – High School degree (or equivalent). Certified Phlebotomy Technician Certificate issued by the state of Massachusetts.

Experience – Prior experience as a phlebotomist technician. Prior psychiatric healthcare experience helpful.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Obtain adequate blood samples from patients whose veins are difficult to locate, or from patients who may be hostile or unstable.
• Discern when to request assistance in drawing blood.
• Must be able to concentrate on work amidst distractions such as noise, conversations, and foot traffic; must be able to consistently meet deadlines; must be flexible in work hours in order to meet patient and organization operating needs.
• Must maintain self-control in volatile or hostile customer services interactions.
• High school level reading and writing skills; acceptable oral and written communication skills along with legible handwriting.
• Customer service skills in face-to-face interactions with dealing courteously with patients, the public, and other staff within the organization.
• Use of appropriate social skills, including demonstration and respect for patients and staff; empathy toward patients; skills in teaching or assisting with activities of daily living helpful.
• Must be able to work independently, in a result restricted physical environment for extended periods of time.
• Skill to independently i