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Phlebotomy is a rewarding career in the healthcare field. When at work, phlebotomists help providers by drawing blood, labeling the vials, and sending them to the lab for analysis. They work in hospitals, research facilities, clinics, and doctor’s offices and must have training to do their jobs safely. During phlebotomy training, students also need to learn several soft skills to support their patients, especially those who fear needles and worry about the outcomes of the tests. Without these soft skills, students will struggle when they enter the medical field.
1. Show Compassion
The job of a phlebotomist is to draw blood, but each phlebotomist needs to understand that many people have anxiety and worry connected to their time in the chair. They may have a fear of needles, or they are worried about the outcome of the tests. Phlebotomists need to show care and compassion to the people who see them no matter the reason.
2. Communicate Effectively
Anyone who works with the public needs to have communication skills. People are nervous when they get their blood drawn, and good phlebotomists must clearly communicate what they are doing and why. Communication doesn’t just mean talking to people, it involves listening, so phlebotomists listen to their patients and attend to their needs. It’s also helpful for phlebotomists to keep their body language friendly and gentle. They shouldn’t roll their eyes or respond with body language that could easily be misconstrued.
3. Remain Positive
People who get squeamish around blood and needles need to have people around them who support their fragile state. Phlebotomists see blood and work with needles all day, so they don’t think twice about them. On the flip side, their patients usually don’t see their blood collecting in vials or experience needles in their arms. Having a positive attitude can make the people in your care relaxed and ready for the procedure. With a positive attitude, the procedures go quickly and people are less likely to have nervous moments.
4. Managing Stress
There will be moments when the pressure of the job will make some days less bearable. You might have patients who fight the process or children who wiggle too much, making it difficult to do your job. Rather than getting upset and lashing out at your patients or colleagues, phlebotomists need to learn how to get through those difficult moments and deliver exceptional patient care. There might be moments when you have to work quickly, especially if you work in the emergency unit or you have patients waiting for care.
5. Work with a Team
Most phlebotomists do not work alone in a medical setting. They might have their own space with a specialized chair, but they usually have to work with office staff, communicate with lab technicians, and report to a nurse or physician. During your training, you’ll learn how to work with a team, and how to communicate with each other to achieve your goal of delivering outstanding patient care.
