Anyone a Phlebotomist?

Gennaver, MSN · Jun 17, 2005

HI guys, :)
Today I just drop my summer classes so I can start a phlebotomy program. I was wondering if anyone is a phlebotomist could tell about what the program would be like? What is your job like? Do you have alot of patient interaction? I really need a job and this program is 6wks and another 6wks internship:) The program started today but the admission rep told me to come see her tomorrow so I can start right away. After this program then I will go back to start on my pre-reqs in the Fall.
Thanks :)

Hello Resse cup,

I highly suggest that you register to take the NACP (think) test upon completion of your program! They are THE national certifiying body and as a phlebotomist with their certification it will give your resume and your application for employment much more weight than just a phlebotomist certificate.

I am from near Chicago and many of our area hospitals have in house certifying programs for their nurse assistants to become phlebotomists...yeah, they are classes that last less than a week. So, if you take the NACPS test to certify they will ensure that your certification of phlebotomy is regulated and means more than without it. Good luck.

I became a phlebotomist in 1998 and worked mostly as a certified nursing assistant, (around here they do phlebotomy and more).

Then I went and worked at a lab and really wished that I had taken the NACPS test immediately upon completion of my Phlebotomy course. I never did. You have to request an application to register for their test.

You can check out their website, (National Association of Clinical Pathologist something or other) you will find it, sorry I can't remember the exact name. They are the certifying body for labs.

Yes there is patient interaction, but, usually they aren't happy to see us, usually I make sure that I am ready before the patient knows I am coming, (or before they come into the lab) that way the less time they have to worry about it, the less anxiety they have about the needle coming in. So, you will see patients that are about to be stuck with a needle, of course they will be nervous.

Oh, I remember that in our class we had to stick each other, starting the second class. Twice a class, twice a week for 15 weeks. Yeouch, there were two students I will never forget and I got to the point were I avoided them like the plague-yeowch!

Good luck,

Gen

oregonrene · Jun 17, 2005

I believe this is the credentialing agency Gennaver was referring to:

http://www.ascp.org/

hemoglobin · Sep 4, 2006

:monkeydance: Hello, i am in the same boat. I am about to engage in a phlebotomy class. If any one in the profession could give some feedback on the work of a phlebotomist, i would appreciate! :wink2:

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Sep 4, 2006

Hemoglobin,

I was a donor phlebotomist/apheresis technician during nursing school and it was a good way to make some healthcare connections, get some experience, and utilize the hospital's tuition reimbursement plan. I would not have been happy making a career out of it, but it was good as a stepping stone into nursing.

lisabeth · Sep 4, 2006

I am wondering, did anyone that worked as a phlembomist have a phobia about drawing blood before you got into it? If so, how hard was it to get over?

I know it is something I will have to get over, and I know I can, but I am just wondering how hard it was before you were able to put that needle into the vein and how long it took before you were able to be comfortable doing it.

Thanks guys.

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Sep 4, 2006

I am wondering, did anyone that worked as a phlembomist have a phobia about drawing blood before you got into it? If so, how hard was it to get over?
I know it is something I will have to get over, and I know I can, but I am just wondering how hard it was before you were able to put that needle into the vein and how long it took before you were able to be comfortable doing it.
Thanks guys.

Shortly before I became a phlebotomist, I had completed EMT-Intermediate training, which teaches IV/phlebotomy skills among other things. I've never had a problem with the sight of blood, but I have to admit that I was a little nervous about performing a procedure involving pain and/or potential harm.

To add to the nervousness, I do different tasks with different hands, so figuring out whether I was a right-handed or left-handed 'sticker' made it more difficult at first.

My EMS instructor saw how nervous I was, pulled me aside, and told me that nerves come from a good place in your heart, because you don't want to hurt anyone. Somehow this calmed me down quite a bit and I was able to overcome it.

One suggestion is to think of the good that will come from what you do, rather than the bad. If you're good at phlebotomy, the patient will be relieved. Through your skills, the physicians can order tests which will diagnose the patient's problems.

Best of luck in your endeavors. When it comes to phlebotomy, patience is key. Those veins don't always pop up right away.

hemoglobin · Sep 4, 2006

EricEnfermero, thanks:paw: . I am choosing Phlebotomist because it is the fastest training you can get to work in a hospital, and by so far doesn't cost an arm and a leg! Do you have any scary story to relate? :jester:

suebird3 · Sep 4, 2006

hi! i am an phlebotomist, also; took the course about a year before i went on to finish my rn schooling. the training will come in handy when you have to draw from lines. my course was a semester for classwork, then 5 weeks of clinicals. the instructor had us praacticing on each other the 2nd day of class!

suebird

lisabeth · Sep 4, 2006

Causing pain is exactly what scares me, especially on a child. I did have one nurse tell me that just knowing that, she would let me practice on her any day. I know when the time comes and I know it is a "do it or get out" situation, I will make myself do it. Doing any of these things for the good of the patient is exactly what makes it worth it.

Thanks for your reply.

Shortly before I became a phlebotomist, I had completed EMT-Intermediate training, which teaches IV/phlebotomy skills among other things. I've never had a problem with the sight of blood, but I have to admit that I was a little nervous about performing a procedure involving pain and/or potential harm.
To add to the nervousness, I do different tasks with different hands, so figuring out whether I was a right-handed or left-handed 'sticker' made it more difficult at first.
My EMS instructor saw how nervous I was, pulled me aside, and told me that nerves come from a good place in your heart, because you don't want to hurt anyone. Somehow this calmed me down quite a bit and I was able to overcome it.
One suggestion is to think of the good that will come from what you do, rather than the bad. If you're good at phlebotomy, the patient will be relieved. Through your skills, the physicians can order tests which will diagnose the patient's problems.
Best of luck in your endeavors. When it comes to phlebotomy, patience is key. Those veins don't always pop up right away.

lisabeth · Sep 4, 2006

well, if someone hurst you, i guess they know their turn will be coming around real soon. i cant say i look forward to someone practicing on me. i hate pain.

hi! i am an phlebotomist, also; took the course about a year before i went on to finish my rn schooling. the training will come in handy when you have to draw from lines. my course was a semester for classwork, then 5 weeks of clinicals. the instructor had us praacticing on each other the 2nd day of class!
suebird

Cecilia85 · Mar 25, 2009

are you sure its the NACPS test????