HELP! - Phlebotomy tips needed!!

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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I recently started working in healthcare as an MA and have not had the best luck with phlebotomy. I know 50% of my missed sticks are due to the stress and nerves that I build up over drawing blood but I'm curious as to whether people believe that being a good phlebotomist is like being able to draw, sing or even juggle!

I know the technique and the procedure of venipuncture I was just hoping for some tips to perfect my skills besides practice, practice. Honestly right now the only veins I feel confident with are the ones that are completely visible or the ones just below the skin that you can't see but that aren't too deep.

Any tips for catching those deep veins on heavier patients or even thin patients sometimes have really deep veins?

I'm hoping I'll improve with more practice I just wanted to see if anyone had any tips or advice

Thanks!!!

Try:

2 tourniquets (don't leave them on too long of course, follow protocol)

Hang the patient's arm down over the side of the bed - use gravity

Warm the patient's arm with a warm blanket or wet wash cloth (depending on what's available in your setting)

Find an experienced phlebotomist and ask to follow them and watch what they do, ask how they troubleshoot, learn their techniques

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