Every job out there has its own set of challenges to deal with, and it’s no different for the phlebotomist. While being a phlebotomist can be a rewarding career choice, there are several problems one will encounter on a weekly basis, if not daily.
Of course, there are the good days when things seem to go smoothly and you have no problems, but there are the days when things are not as good.
In fact, I can remember saying to myself or to my colleagues more than once that I am having a good day. But then, tomorrow comes and early in the morning as we start our day, I find something that makes it rather challenging.
Also, remember as a phlebotomy technician your work environment can be somewhat different depending on where you work. The demands placed on you can vary slightly if you work at a hospital, clinic, or private laboratory.
In any case, here are some of the challenges that a phlebotomist may face and how to overcome them.
1. Dealing with Nervous or Uncooperative Patients
It is common to have a nervous person every now and then when drawing blood. It can be the elderly, children or anyone for that matter. Needles or the sight of blood can really make some people panic.
Drawing blood from a patient who is nervous takes more time than normal as well. If there are other people waiting on you that can make your day even more hectic and people more irritated. Here are some ways to handle these situations:
- Start with a friendly greeting and explain the procedure in simple terms to ease patient anxiety.
- Acknowledge a patient’s fear without judgment. Saying something like, “I understand needles can be scary, but I’ll make this as quick and easy as possible,” can go a long way.
- Distraction can work wonders. Engaging in light conversation or asking them to focus on breathing can help.
- For highly anxious patients, topical numbing creams or cold sprays can reduce the discomfort of the needle and improve the experience.
2. Physical Strain
A lot of medical jobs result in physical strain. Leaning over patients, standing on your feet for hours, and doing repetitive tasks can take a toll on the body. These physical demands can lead to long-term discomfort if not addressed. Here are some things to consider:
- Use proper body mechanics when bending or stretching to draw blood.
- Adjust the patient’s chair or bed to a comfortable height to reduce strain.
- Invest in high-quality, supportive, and slip-resistant shoes designed for healthcare professionals. Look for options with arch support and cushioning to reduce foot fatigue.
- Incorporate short breaks during shifts to stretch and relax muscles. Regular stretching can prevent repetitive strain injuries in the hands, wrists, and back.
- If possible, request a mix of duties or alternating tasks to avoid repetitive motion injuries from performing the same procedure all day.
3. Infection Risks
Working with blood and bodily fluids comes with inherent risks, but strict adherence to safety protocols can minimize them. Always follow your facility’s guidelines and protocols when working with blood and bodily fluids. It’s important to protect yourself and your patients.
Here are some steps to follow:
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, masks, and face shields.
- Dispose of needles immediately in designated sharps containers to avoid accidental sticks.
- Stay up-to-date on infection control protocols, including how to handle accidental exposure to infectious materials. Regular refresher courses on safety measures can reinforce best practices.
- Consider getting vaccinated against common occupational risks, such as hepatitis B, to reduce vulnerability.
4. Managing Emotional Stress
Dealing with sick patients or high-pressure environments can take an emotional toll on you, but you can develop strategies to cope. Taking care of your emotional self is important for a healthy body and mind. When you come to work each day, you want to be emotionally free.
Here are some things you can do to help with managing stress brought about by work:
- Set Boundaries: Learn to separate work stress from personal life to avoid burnout.
- Practice Self-Care: Prioritize activities that help you recharge, whether it’s exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
- Colleagues: Lean on your coworkers for advice and camaraderie. Sharing experiences can help lighten the emotional load.
- Professional Help: If things become overwhelming and you need it, consider speaking to a therapist or counselor.
Also, many healthcare facilities now offer mindfulness or stress-management workshops. Consider being at those if possible as learning techniques to stay present and calm can be a valuable tool in stress situations.
5. Addressing Workload and Time Pressure
Sometimes, it can get very busy and you find you have a lot to do and not enough time. That can vary depending on where you work. For example, a hospital can get more demanding than a clinic, and a clinic more than a lab or vice versa.
Anyway, whether you work at a hospital, clinic, or lab a heavy workload can lead to mistakes and burnout. But there are ways to manage the pace.
- Stay Organized: Use tools like clipboards or pocket organizers to keep essential items within reach.
- Streamline Workflow: Familiarize yourself with the layout of your workspace to minimize unnecessary movement.
- Communicate Needs: If the workload is consistently overwhelming, communicate with supervisors about staffing needs or scheduling adjustments.
- Time Management Training: Workshops on time management can help phlebotomists learn techniques to balance speed and accuracy without sacrificing quality.
6. Overcoming Communication Barriers
I have worked with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. And, sometimes communicating with them wasn’t good. They couldn’t speak my language well and I couldn’t speak their language well. So, a lot of times we couldn’t understand each other.
Also, the same happens when phlebotomists have to draw blood from patients from diverse backgrounds. Here are some things that can be done to bridge the communication gap:
- Use Google Translate: I found myself making use of Google Translate on many occasions to say something that I wanted to communicate and to understand things. Google Translate is a good tool that can help on the go.
- Use Visual Aids: Visual aids like diagrams or translated instructions can help explain the procedure.
- Learn Basic Phrases: I learned several basic things from my Spanish colleagues that later helped. If you work with a person from a different background that speaks a different language, asking them to teach you a few things can help. Watching videos on YouTube as well can help you learn some of the more basic phrases.
- Use an Interpreter: Sometimes, there may be someone you know that understands that particular language and asking for their assistance can help tremendously.
7. Lack of Experience
Having knowledge of phlebotomy and its practices is a must but experience is something that college doesn’t really give you. It’s something that you get on the job.
So, it’s going to take awhile before you become a pro at doing phlebotomy. You are going to make mistakes, feel away when a patient asks for another phlebotomist instead of you. You are going to feel bad when you miss that vein, have to poke a patient a second time, or when you didn’t get blood.
I know, it’s a terrible feeling. But don’t worry it happens to all of us. No one started as an expert. So, just be patient and keep at it and before long you will become a master of the art.
Learn from your mistakes and from other phlebotomists. Watch how they do it. If one of them got the blood and you didn’t, think of what they did and how they did it. Talk with them about it and learn. And, don’t be afraid to take the initiative and do it on your own, because in doing so you will get better.
8. Hard Sticks or Difficult Veins
It can get frustrating when you are unable to get blood from a particular patient. Especially when you have tried everything you know. However, part of your job as a phlebotomist is to be in control of the situation. Getting frustrated can interfere with your ability in getting that vein. Staying calm will make you more successful.
Also, it can be frustrating for the patient as well. It can take several minutes longer to try to find a vein and draw blood. I mean you can almost get a workout from a difficult stick. Not to mention if you have more than one to do. I can remember having some days like that on the wards.
I wrote a previous post on how to handle difficult sticks covering several tips. Go here to check it out.
9. Being New on the Job
This may not be the case for everyone, but being new on any job can be challenging at first. You may not know anyone, this could be your first job and may not have any experience. You don’t know what to think, what to expect, and if you are going to like this job. A lot of things can be going through your mind.
However, it can be exciting also. So, that can definitely ease your nerves. Anyway, if you stick along for long enough, you may begin to feel better and develop a liking for what you do.
To help with your transition, don’t be shy, be friendly, talk with coworkers and patients, ask questions, get to know the place, familiarize yourself with your surroundings and learn, learn, learn.
If you do these things very soon you will have fit in and feel like you have been there for awhile.
The Role of Employers
While individual strategies are crucial, healthcare facilities must also support phlebotomists by:
- Ensuring adequate staffing to reduce workload.
- Providing ongoing training for technical skills, safety, and patient communication.
- Offering access to wellness programs and mental health resources.
- Recognizing and celebrating the contributions of phlebotomists to boost morale.
Conclusion
Phlebotomists are important members of the healthcare team, but their job isn’t without its challenges. By combining some personal strategies with workplace improvements, many of these challenges can be overcome. Overcoming them is key for staying on top and being successful on the Job.