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This position has closed. Northwestern Medicine removed this listing from their careers page on Oct 1, 2026. The interview prep below is still useful, and there are similar open roles at the bottom of this page.

Client Office Phlebotomist-Full-time Days SD

Northwestern Medicine · Chicago, IL · Full time · Health Care Provider

Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 30, 2026

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you mislabeled or nearly mislabeled a specimen.

What they are checking: Whether they will speak honestly about a near miss, which is what makes them safe.

Tell me about a time you had to tell a patient their sample needed redrawing.

What they are checking: Whether they can deliver bad news they caused, plainly and without hiding it.

What do you like about phlebotomy that people outside it would not guess?

What they are checking: Whether they chose this work or landed in it.

What would you do

A patient is frightened of needles and close to tears. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can calm someone, which is half of this job.

The waiting room is full and a draw is taking longer than expected. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether the queue pressure changes their technique, which it should not.

How do you handle a pediatric or an elderly patient differently?

What they are checking: Age-specific practice, which the posting names directly.

About the work

Walk me through a draw on a patient with difficult veins.

What they are checking: Real technique, and whether they know when to stop and ask someone else.

How many attempts do you make before you get help?

What they are checking: Whether they have a limit, which protects the patient from being used as practice.

Walk me through checking a physician order before you collect.

What they are checking: Whether they verify the order, which is where the wrong test gets run.

How do you confirm you have the right patient and the right label?

What they are checking: Specimen identification, which is the single most serious error in this role.

What is AIDET, and how do you actually use it with a patient?

What they are checking: Whether the model means something to them or is a word from the posting.

What clerical and order entry work have you done alongside collections?

What they are checking: The posting includes reception and order entry. This checks both halves are real.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Northwestern Medicine.

This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, phlebotomy position located at a client site in the Wicker Park neighborhood in Chicago. Must be able to work Monday through Friday 8am - 4:30pm and may be required to work weekends. The  Phlebotomist  reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. The Phlebotomist provides expert phlebotomy services and must demonstrate excellent customer service and communication skills. The phlebotomist must have the ability to function as part of a highly effective team that consistently puts “Patients First”. The Phlebotomist is responsible for venipuncture collection and specimen processing. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to order entry in multiple systems, verification of test result receipt, patient information retrieval and lab reception/clerical duties and functions. Responsibilities: • ​​Performs phlebotomy and other lab specimen collections per age related standards and in accordance with departmental policies, protocols and procedures. • Demonstrates AIDET model and optimizes patient safety to reduce the likelihood of medical/health care errors. • Receives and reviews physician orders; ensures that all necessary information is included for appropriate lab services. Enters accurate orders for lab tests in accordance with department policies, protocols and procedures. • patient communication model and provides appropriate post-phlebotomy patient care. • Processes specimens in a timely manner to ensure stability and integrity of samples including: labeling, centrifuging, aliquoting, freezing and packaging specimens for transport in accordance with established protocols and policies. • Reviews/Records refrigerator temperature(s) and QC/QA records. Areas of concern are recorded through the Corrective Action Log and reported to maintenance for repair. Findings are reported to supervisor or manager. • Understands the operation and maintenance of equipment pertinent to the job. Follows up with all outstanding orders on manifest log, and communicates all timed, completed or uncompleted draws/charges/results as appropriate • Communicates and notifies Laboratory and/or Physician of problems with specimen procurement for optimal care • Maintains a safe work environment, holds self-accountable for safe work practices; including adhering to biohazard waste procedures and ensuring proper storage and timely pickup of biohazardous waste. • Performs lab-related clerical duties include but not limited to order entry, verification of test result receipt, patient information retrieval as well as utilization of email, medical record systems, handheld and desktop devices, ordering and maintaining supply inventory, filing and sanitizing equipment as necessary • Uses department’s resources efficiently; participates in efforts to reduce costs and streamline work processes. • Adheres to continuing education expectations; completes and signs-off on competency assessments • Demonstrates the value of teamwork on a consistent basis; interacts with and assists others in a professional manner • Applies critical thinking, sound decision making and judgment to investigate and resolve challenging situations • Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices. • Performs other duties as assigned Required: • High School diploma or equivalent. • Phlebotomy certification through a nationally recognized organization or training from a phlebotomy school or medical institution or one or more years of phlebotomy experience in a healthcare setting or CMA certification. Preferred : • Experience performing phlebotomy on a broad range of patient’s types. • Experience with processing lab specimens, transferring specimens, and handling a centrifuge. • Familiar with medical EMR systems. • Knowledge of medical terminology. Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status. Background Check Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. Benefits We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more. Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.

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