Starting Phlebotomy

[Alexandra888]

Hi! I'm starting phlebotomy soon but I'm a little nervous about dealing with fainting/vomiting patients. Most of my life I've been extremely emetaphobic, but in the last year or two I've really started to overcome it. I want to eventually go into nursing (this is just my first step) so I will have to deal with a lot of vomiting in the future, I know that. But I am a little bit nervous and I want to know what to expect going into phlebotomy. How often do you encounter fainters/vomiters while doing phlebotomy?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Congratulations on taking your first steps into a health care career.

I can understand your concern but I think you may be overestimating the problems you will encounter. I honestly cannot recall a single patient who reacted to venipuncture by vomiting. The most common reaction is "ouch" - LOL - followed by people that get "dizzy" or "lightheaded". As you go through training, you'll learn how to approach patients in order to put them at ease and lessen the potential for reactions. They'll always be seated or reclining, so there's very little chance of injury from fainting. Unless you're working in a blood center or lab, there will be a nurse or "nurse-ish" (MA, CNA) person close by who can help with any other symptoms.

It's going to be all right.

[Alexandra888]

Thank you so much! That makes me feel a little bit more confident :)

[ottersloveoysters]

I draw blood regularly and have never had anyone vomit. I have had people become light-headed and nearly faint. If someone tells me they have fainted in the past and are nervous, I will lay them down before I draw their blood. The majority of the time patients are seated, though. I always make sure they are in a chair with arms. (Why do patients always want to sit on the stool with wheels?) I have had to get some juice/snacks for patients who really felt woozy after a draw.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

I have had this situation. Just grab the garbage can and throw an ice pack on the back of the neck.