A doctor needs to be present to draw blood?

[psu_213]

I go to my doctor's office for routine blood draws--it's drawn by the LPN. One day recently I went there to have blood drawn. After a few minutes wait, the LPN said to me "sorry for the wait--I'm just waiting for Dr. Jones to show up. I can't draw it until there is a doctor in the building."

Is this the usual policy at doctors' offices? Were they afraid that she might nick my aorta while drawing blood from my AC (and, yes, I say this in jest)? Is there a doctor present at every lab site that draws blood?

[prmenrs, RN]

I'm thinking like Esme--some pt fainted, ?had a seizure, hit their head, etc, etc. Won't likely happen again for the next 999 pts, but, "just in case". Like the guy that fainted and hit his head while his wife was getting her epidural. Yes, that really happened, and it was a very bad outcome.

[multi10]

I once had blood drawn from a phlebotomist who had very, very long nails with jewels and polish on them. She could hardly palpate my veins and the whole process of putting gloves on with nails like that was time-consuming. She had to stick me several times although I have veins that pop-up as soon as the tourniquet is applied.

I complained and suggested that nails like that are not only unhygenic, they thwart the task of drawing blood. I was told that it is a sensitive subject and that this facility had no policy on this.

[St_Claire, ADN, RN]

I once had blood drawn from a phlebotomist who had very, very long nails with jewels and polish on them. She could hardly palpate my veins and the whole process of putting gloves on with nails like that was time-consuming. She had to stick me several times although I have veins that pop-up as soon as the tourniquet is applied.

I complained and suggested that nails like that are not only unhygenic, they thwart the task of drawing blood. I was told that it is a sensitive subject and that this facility had no policy on this.

I call those fungi fingers.

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

I didn't realize a nurse's aide could draw blood, other than a finger stick glucose check?

Yup. And I work at a hospital that allows aides to straight cath and insert foleys.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

There are many tasks that are not required to be done by a nurse but require training and a nurses supervision.

[multi10]

St_Claire So what does that mean, fungi fingers?

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

I'm surprised she was allowed to work as a phlebotomist! I just finished my phlebotomy certification and the big no-no is long nails. The hospital where I did my externship specifically banned long nails. Heck, you can only wear "sensible color" on your nails. Definitely no bling (I think it looks ridiculous, anyway!) Super long nails are a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus....yuck!!!

To address OP's question: maybe the "LPN" was still a student and wasn't allowed to do draws unsupervised? I wasn't allowed to do any draws on my own until I had my 125 draw quota completed. Then they allowed me to go into patient rooms on my own, provided another phlebotomist was in the hall or the room next door. When we did morning rounds, I was on my own but could always call out for the tech in the next room if I needed assistance. Luckily, never had to do so

[multi10]

Sopranokris:

For all I know, the phlebotomist with the long, long nails, covered with jewels and polish, may still be working there. What I'm learning is that different hospitals in different parts of the country allow some things that others ban. I don't think it's just country, region, state, city or locality. Some hospitals hire based on their needs at the time.

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

Yup. And I work at a hospital that allows aides to straight cath and insert foleys.

Sign me up! I absolutely hate putting a foley in a woman and we do a lot of foleys on my unit. (Burn.)

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

It may be the person is working under the doctor's license.

This was an LPN. Her license is on the line. I suppose the doc could argue that s/he is financially liable if anything happens...

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

I was told that it is a sensitive subject and that this facility had no policy on this.

What is the matter with some when fake nails now qualifies as a "sensitive subject?" Is she confusing "sensitive" with "controversial?" Even that would be stretch. Everywhere I have worked they are not allowed--no debate on the subject (sensitivities or not).

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

Heck, you can only wear "sensible color" on your nails.

Maybe this phlebotomist confused "sensitive" and "sensible." Perhaps this is the reason for her otherwise ridiculous statement.