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Discussion

Question

Hi Everyone!

I'm relatively new to this forum. I started out as a CNA and then

got a fantastic opportunity at a local hospital doing Phlebotomy. I love

the interacation with the patients, my goal is start LPN school in August.

The problem is, I'm not totally comfortable yet as a phlebotomist. I feel

terrible when I "miss", and I've been doing it for about a month now and

still am not proficient. I know nursing is going to be 100 times more

stressful and more than 1 particular thing to do when it comes to patient

care. My question is how do I know if I should continue on this field if

I'm not really good at phlebotomy yet? (I took at 24 course at a local

tech school and had a few draws while doing being a CNA).

Any advice?

  • Quote

    • Featured Replies

    Time and practice, my dear! Don't give up.

  • Quote
    • Author

    Thanks TazziRN,

    I keep telling myself my heart is in the right place. I really care about

    the patients I see everyday; I also watch and try to learn from the

    nurses I see and they all just seem so sure of themselves; They never

    look nervous about anything and all i'm trying to do is draw some blood!

    I only hope that someday I'll have the confidence that they do.

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    I have to agree with TazziRN, it'll just take time and practice

    go with your motivation

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    • Guides

    Phlebotomy is a very small part of what an LPN might do... There are RNs in my hospital who routinely call the ER to come start IVs for them ,"she's a hard stick", when we get there they haven't even tried for Pete's sake. They just think they're no good so they don't try to get better.

    You can master anything with practice and confidence. Don't give up on yourself! After 26 years as an RN I still miss sometimes, there really are hard sticks out there. :welcome:

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    I can understand your frustration re: your phlebotomy skills, but remember!!! you are still new at this... And I know of no nurse who would be practicing for one month and expect to know everything, and do it all correctly every time...

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    Some nurses never do IV sticks.,or blood draws,Its not part of my job description. Youll be fine.Good luck.

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    Here's my suggestion:

    Make sure that your technique is on (proper aseptic technique, etc) and practice practice practice. It took me months to get it (we don't have too many sticks where I work. Maybe 2-3/month if you're lucky enough to be working when they are needed). But, I knew I was doing all the technical things right... and eventually I got it... and then I got good because I kept working at it. As a phelbotomist I bet you'll have it under control in no time.

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    There is a nurse who is a hero of mine who fainted her first stick. She yoda'd right up volunteered for day surgery and is much better at ivs than I am now. One of the many secrets to nursing is not to show your fear but not being stupid brave either. Do what you gotta but fake confidence so that your pt does not have to be more afraid than they already are. Confidence is one of those traits that if you fake it long enough you find one day that it is real. There are some pieces of human garbage masquerading as nurses out there if you sincerely want to help people then you will probably be a great nurse. You can learn a skill far easier than an attitude.

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    I had to smile when i read your post, I'm a clinical research nurse and a large part of my day is taking blood samples.

    Today so far I've tried to get blood from 5 people and not one success...............................................................:angryfire :angryfire

    So don't worry you're most likily better than you think you are and just focusing too much on it.

    Calm and breath and I'll take my own advice too.

    Any one feel sorry for my next patient........................:o

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    • Author

    "Confidence is one of those traits that if you fake it long enough you find one day that it is real."

    Thank you Laughing Weasel - One of the best comments I've read. I'm

    gonna remember this the next time I start to feel nervous. Thanks to

    everyone for the tips and encouragement!

  • Quote

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