If Nursing doesn't work out,is Medical Lab Technologist ok for a "Prissy" girl ??

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Im really into the health field so im doing a little research in that area incase Nursing doesn't work out.There is a demand for Medical Lab Technologists in my state and the pay isn't that bad.It makes no sense to pursue something that is not in demand.I know a school that has a BS program that is not too expensive.The thing is,im not sure how I would handle working with bodily fluids and sitting in a lab all day when I prefer to "look pretty" lol.I know I would deal with not so pretty stuff as a Nurse,but atleast I'll still get to wear makeup and won't be stuck in a lab for 8 hours a day.This may sound like a silly question,but I had to ask .Does anyone know anything about the field? Do you have to wear a protective head cap aswell ? Im the girly girl type.Does this career sound suitable for me ?

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Specializes in cardiothoracic surgery.

Oh my, honestly I think you need to get out of the health professions all together.

Can't wait to hear Ruby Vee's response.

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Medical Lab Technologist?

The pay isn't bad because most positions want at least a Bachelors degree now.

The thing is,im not sure how I would handle working with bodily fluids and sitting in a lab all day when I prefer to "look pretty" lol.

You won't be doing much sitting. With the cutbacks on Phlebotomists, you may even be doing your own blood draws and then running back to the lab to get them processed with the word "STAT" being yelled at you.

You will also be stirring, spooning, pipetting, looping and smearing all types of body fluids. However, I don't believe they are using the mouth to pipette technique anymore. Oh the memories! That ranks right up there with the DeLee suction trap.

Your makeup might also get alittle smeared with the goggles, masks and gowns will need to be worn. I also wouldn't wear any clothes that I couldn't boil, burn or walk away from in the lab.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Im really into the health field so im doing a little research in that area incase Nursing doesn't work out.There is a demand for Medical Lab Technologists in my state and the pay isn't that bad.It makes no sense to pursue something that is not in demand.I know a school that has a BS program that is not too expensive.The thing is,im not sure how I would handle working with bodily fluids and sitting in a lab all day when I prefer to "look pretty" lol.I know I would deal with not so pretty stuff as a Nurse,but atleast I'll still get to wear makeup and won't be stuck in a lab for 8 hours a day.This may sound like a silly question,but I had to ask .Does anyone know anything about the field? Do you have to wear a protective head cap aswell ? Im the girly girl type.Does this career sound suitable for me ?

Health Care is not for you, then, if your main objective is to be a fashion plate. Whether you are a nurse or lab technologist, patients need you. If you are repulsed by processing sputum results in order for a frightened person to know whether they have TB or not, or afraid to look at stool to see if it has parasites, then, this is not the field for you. Lab techs work short the same as nurses sometimes, and have to process hundreds of contaminated specimens on a daily basis, so, there is no room for a person whose primary focus is to be a Vogue model.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

It doesn't really sound like a compatible career for you if you are that concerned about appearance and not getting dirty. Even in a lab setting I would think that you would come across specimens that you wouldn't want to touch. What about sales or real estate?

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You can't escape bodily fluids in the health care field... period.

There are other careers out there in demand. How about something in computers (eg. Computer Engineering, Information System, etc.)? They're probably more apt to hire you because you're a woman in a male dominated field.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

I've worked in labs. MLT is a minimum of a bachelors degree plus certification. Make-up is often kept to a minimum (if any is permitted) due to the contamination potential (i.e. flakes of mascara). You would be required to wear a full length lab coat, eye goggles and perhaps a hair net. No high heeled or open (front or back) shoes either, safety issue. You would have to handle specimens as others have stated from saliva, blood, urine,feces, pathology (organs or tissue removed), sputum, phlegm, and infectious drains (such as bronchial lavage or cultured puss from a wound).

If you describe yourself as prissy, the lab is very likely not a wise career option for you.

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Specializes in ER.

I would stay clear of medical lab tech. I work in a family practice clinic, and spend lots of time hanging out with the lab folks (I love them so!). However, even I am not sure I could process a 24 hour stool sample for fecal fat. Imagine poop in a bucket, heated over a hot plate, and stirred until all the fat rises to the top. Yup... I couldn't do it. If you are sure you want something in the medical field, how about office nurse in a plastic surgeon's office? You might do some scrubbing in for surgery assist, but for the most part could dress all fancy (and actually be encouraged/expected to).

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Why is it that I somehow hope the OP is just someone who is playing around, and that this question cannot be serious...

I just cannot imagine that this is a serious question.

Make up and Nursing do not exactly mesh well. I am in nursing school, and we are not allowed to wear makeup, at all.

How about a Paralegal?? You can wear make up, you do not have to worry about bodily fluids, and you can dress as prissy as you'd like.(if this is a serious question.)

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Specializes in Trauma, Burn, Crticial Care.

It's a good program with many opportunities! Go for it! When I was an undergrad I had a friend who went through it while we were at Michigan and she loved it.

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Specializes in LTC.

I consider myself a girly girl and to be honest I am very prissy. I am also a nurse *****gasp*****. I wear make up. My hair is always neat. My nails are manicured( no bright colors or fake nails though). My scrubs are neatly pressed. Do I look too sexy ? no. Do I look decent ? yes. With that said.... I consider my self a good nurse. I provide adl care to my patients. Clean poop every shift. Have been splashed with all kinds of bodily fluids. I give good quality care to my patients. I say that to say you can be prissy, pretty, ugly, or whatever. The only thing that matters is that you are a prudent and competent nurse. I just happened to be a prudent pretty nurse and I'm ok with that.

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Specializes in LTC.

Oh to answer the op question... I don't believe nursing is for you. WE do have the prissy thing in common... but when it comes down to my patients I can get down and dirty in a heartbeat. and have...

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