I have been doing phlebotomy for several years and I want to share with you what I have done to become better at what I do. Phlebotomy is more than just drawing blood from a person. It involves the hard skills-drawing blood and the soft skills-dealing with people.
So how do you become a better phlebotomist? Becoming a better phlebotomist is both a short term and a long term goal. It entails improving one’s skills at drawing blood, continuing education and learning, and working on one’s interpersonal skills, which is vital to becoming good with people on a blood test level.
The process of getting there is an interesting one. It will definitely take some time to develop these skills and become a boss at what you do.
How To Improve Your Blood Drawing Skills?
Drawing blood is a skill that must be learned as you draw blood over and over again. The general process and procedures can be taught but becoming good at drawing blood is learned.
The process of doing it over and over again will itself teach you. As you take on this new skill, you will learn from your mistakes and from others who will assist you.
Here are 2 things you should not shy from:
- Don’t be hesitant to ask for someone to assist you. Asking someone with more experience to come to help you is a sign of maturity. It means you know how good you are at this and when your ability to do this needs some help. Also, it’s a time to see what the other person does and learn from it. Chances are you are not going to ask them a second time.
- Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and go ahead with the procedure. For example, drawing blood from a child for your first time may be frightening. If you ask the experienced person to do it every time, you probably won’t ever learn. So, challenge yourself.
You are going to need to be confident too, as you do phlebotomy. Your confidence will make the person you are drawing blood from believe in you and trust your more.
Here are some things to do to help increase your confidence:
- Be knowledgeable about the areas where you can draw blood from. That would include the antecubital fossa, the forearm and hand veins. Know which veins you can use and where they are located.
- Be knowledgeable about the requisition forms and about each test. If a person asks a question you have an answer.
- Be knowledgeable about your materials. Know where each material is located and how to use them.
- Know about your surroundings and your working area.
And, finally, check out youtube videos or vlogs on drawing blood. Check out blogs and forums for tips and tricks. These will help immensely.
Continue To Learn And Educate Yourself
Keep reading and learning about phlebotomy. As new information comes, keep abreast of them.
Get the newest edition of the book you used when you did your phlebotomy program and any others. Phlebotomy Essentials is a good one. Check it out here on Amazon. I used it when I did the program.
Keep up to date with any new developments, technologies, and or practices.
Find and read credible newsletters and articles on the subject.
Stay on top of your certification.
What Are Some Interpersonal Skills You Need?
Being skilled at drawing blood is a great accomplishment but practicing phlebotomy is more than just drawing blood. Your skills at dealing with people is also crucial to your success.
Many times you will need these skills as you work with those who fear the process and need some guidance.
Here are 8 skills to improve your game: these are more or less related to drawing blood from people.
- Be a good listener. It’s important for you to listen to the person you are drawing blood from. Sometimes, they will ask for a specific needle gauge. They will also tell you where to draw blood or what works for them or share their experience.
- Be a good communicator. Be well versed about your work and what you do so that you can explain concepts to persons when they ask questions. Also, your ability to respond when they share experiences with you.
- Show compassion. Not every person is happy about doing a blood test. Showing compassion and empathy will help put those who are nervous at ease.
- Be courageous. This will particularly be needed when you are drawing blood from children.
- Be kind and helpful. Assist the elderly and others needing help.
- Be positive. Coming and starting work with a positive attitude will get you through the day faster. Your coworkers and patients will enjoy working with you.
- Observational. You will need this one as you draw blood and work with people. Paying attention to each person and noticing their demeanor will give you signs. For example, signs of weakness or possibly fainting.
- Responsible. Follow established practices and procedures. Take good care of persons while under your watch.
Here are 6 other skills to improve your interaction and relationship with your coworkers.
- Awareness: be aware of yourself and others as you work.
- Team player: you are part of a bigger group of healthcare workers. Getting your job done and getting along well with others is essential.
- Assertiveness: know your place and feel free to express yourself. Be in control of yourself as well.
- Problem solving: being able to resolve conflicts with patients or colleagues is essential.
- Decision making: the ability to think clearly, act responsibly and make a good call is a winner.
- Collaborating and working well together with others.
If you can get good at drawing blood, keep on top of new developments in phlebotomy, and master these interpersonal skills, you will become a phlebotomy boss! 😀
