One of the best parts about becoming a phlebotomy technician is that the training does not take long. The training is only a few months and then you get your certificate. Additionally, there are many job opportunities for phlebotomists in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and the Red Cross. However, though it is easy to train and get a job, your success in the industry depends on a number of qualities. Some of them include:
Hand-Eye Coordination
Hand-eye coordination is very important when drawing blood from patients or blood donors. You need to focus and draw blood right the first time. When this doesn’t happen, you may cause the patient a lot of anxiety. Poor skills also end up subjecting the client to more pain. Finally, with poor coordination, you may end up injuring yourself with the same needle you used on the patient. This can be very risky, especially where blood is contaminated. Consider enrolling in a good facility that offers prepare to care Cleveland Tn phlebotomy training, to learn how to draw blood safely even from deep and small veins.
Compassion
Most people are afraid of needles and tend to be very uneasy when someone is drawing their blood. Therefore, as a phlebotomist you should be very empathetic, speaking kindly to patients and reassuring them that everything will be okay. A few kind words can calm the patient and make them more comfortable. However, if you treat them with disrespect or act cold hearted, you only increase their anxiety and it becomes harder to draw blood safely.
Detail Oriented
When and after drawing the blood, a phlebotomy technician must follow the correct procedures to ensure that the samples get to the lab with no mix ups. This involves identifying the patient correctly, following the right venipuncture procedures, using the correct labels and accurate database entry. A small mix up in the process can lead to misdiagnosis and thus keenness is highly encouraged.
Team Player
A phlebotomist works with other medical staff to ensure that each patient gets the right treatment. You need to communicate effectively with lab technicians, doctors and other medical professionals. When called upon to complete a role, you have to be very cooperative since your performance affects the care other professionals give the patient.
Patience
Some of the patients you will encounter may not be very easy to work with. Some may require more time to compose themselves whereas others may get irritated as you draw blood. Thus, in addition to being compassionate, you have to be patient. Remain calm and listen keenly to their demands. Some may be going through a rough time and thus try to be understanding. If you are unable to solve the situation in a few minutes, you can always call in your supervisor.
A phlebotomy technician plays a critical role in the treatment process and the above skills can help you in playing that role perfectly. If you perform well and love the field, you can study more and advance your career to a supervisor, hematology technologist, lab technician, nurse, or even a doctor.
Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.
