Phlebotomy Tips

The best phlebotomy tips are those that help you keep stress, workplace problems, and disasters to a minimum.

In the healthcare field you must always expect the unexpected.

1. Keep a set of spare, clean scrubs in your work locker or in your car. You never know when an arterial blood draw is going to run amuck and walking around with blood on you is a big no-no. Even if you always draw blood perfectly, you never know which patient is going to vomit at the sight of their blood. When dealing with patients all day the one thing you can expect is the unexpected.
2. Never be afraid to ask about new equipment and request a demonstration. Even something as innocent looking as a new type of needle kit can trip you up at the bedside and make you appear unprofessional. Worse yet, you could cause the patient unnecessary pain or injury.  Manufacturers are constantly upgrading and inventing new equipment to make venipuncture safer for you and the patient.  Always ask about anything unfamiliar before you go on an assignment.
3. Put on a great disposition before you get to work. Just like you put on your uniform, make sure your mind is free of clutter and ready to meet clients with a smile. Try listening to your favorite music on the way to work, or your favorite church service. Whatever is uplifting for you. Healthcare can be sad, depressing, and stressful. To be successful in this career you must find ways to take care of yourself, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
4. Doctors and nurses can be friendly, nice, and respectful of your job duties. But even when they are not, you must maintain a calm and caring demeanor. Remember that everyone is human and that you do not know what is going on with their patients or in their lives. The way you handle yourself is what is important to you and your career. More often than not, if you retaliate with bad manners, you have made an enemy for as long as you work together. If you maintain your composure, you may get an apology later on (although don’t expect it), and make a friend.
5. Never walk into a patient’s room and prepare to do an invasive procedure without explaining why you are there first. Even if you have been to that room before, and even if you are in a hurry. The patient has rights, and one of those rights is to not be touched without their permission. Otherwise it is called assault.
6. Another patient right that is most often forgotten is the right to privacy. Close the door, pull the curtain, whatever you need to do so that others cannot hear your explanation of the procedure, or see it being performed. If there are visitors in the room it is acceptable to ask them to leave unless the patient verbally asks that they be allowed to stay.
7. The most difficult thing to do as a healthcare worker is to leave your work at the facility. Give yourself plenty of time to do the things you enjoy. If you find that you are enjoying life less and become disinterested in anything besides work, this is a danger signal. Healthcare workers have a high burnout rate, and many wind up on antidepressants. Talk to your doctor or a counselor if you feel this happening.  Don’t wait until it affects your work performance and your personal relationships. Most healthcare facilities have programs in place for employee stress management. Inquire through your phlebotomy supervisor, or the Human Resources department.

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