What does a typical day look like for a phlebotomist?
Depending on where they work, phlebotomists may have a regular day shift, but if they work in a hospital or urgent care center, they may have the same types of shifts as nurses. This means that they typically work a few days shifts, have a day or two off, and then work a few night shifts.
How many patients should a phlebotomist draw in one hour?
Specifically, at our institution, we recommend that phlebotomies be performed at a rate of 5 patients per 30 minutes or 10 patients per hour.
Is working as a phlebotomist hard?
Being a phlebotomist is not hard but it does require lots of training and practice. Phlebotomists will learn a lot on the job and will get better as they gain more experience drawing blood. This job may be difficult for individuals who are sensitive to the sight of bodily fluids.
Why is phlebotomy important in nursing?
Obtaining blood specimens is a critical nursing skill. Phlebotomy is vital for a variety of medical diagnoses, tests and procedures. Poor or untimely specimens can lead to unhelpful or even harmful medical treatment. Practicing phlebotomy is the way to build skills and confidence.
What are the do’s and don’ts of phlebotomy?
In this article, you’ll learn the do’s and don’ts of phlebotomy, including drawing technique, equipment selection, tube additives, drawing order, blood transport, and nursing considerations. Nurses are accustomed to working with sharps, performing hand hygiene, and using proper protective equipment for invasive procedures.
What is a phlebotomist?
Phlebotomists may be RN’s, physicians, trained patient care technicians (“techs”), or other healthcare workers. While technicians may draw blood, interpreting and acting upon data from blood specimens is only within the scope of practice of an RN, or an MD.
Can you bring a phlebotomy tray to a nursing facility?
If your facility has a phlebotomy tray available with an array of supplies, bring it with you. Many facilities don’t have phlebotomy trays immediately available to nurses. In this case, be sure to assess your patient’s veins before this step to ensure that you gather the appropriate supplies.