Important Duties and Responsibilities of a Phlebotomist

For most people, phlebotomists are trained only to draw blood from the patients. Although this is the most important duty of a phlebotomist, they have a wide range of other duties to perform every day. Generally, it is not required, but it is preferred that you complete phlebotomy technician certification program and acquire professional skills to have a successful career. 

As a phlebotomist, you’ll work with a variety of people from children to elderly people. Some of the patients will be easy to deal with, while for others you need to have some patience.  Here are some of the duties a phlebotomist has to perform on a daily basis.

Preparation and maintenance of equipment - Before a phlebotomist begins the process of collecting samples, they need to make sure all the equipment and environment is sterile. While for the most obvious reason, the phlebotomist biggest concern is needle which is used to pull out the blood. The phlebotomist uses a number of supplies which include bandages, gauze, tubing and collection instruments, and the phlebotomists must ensure that these supplies are prepared and maintained before using. 

Also, security supplies such as blood tubes labels must be available. And, once the sample collection procedure is over, the phlebotomist has to properly dispose all the sharps or clean the items that got contaminated with fluid.

Collecting fluid specimen - As per the direction by a physician or other medical professional, the phlebotomist should collect blood samples and other fluids from patients. The phlebotomist should be well-trained to correctly puncture the patient’s skin to collect tissue or blood samples. 

Once the phlebotomist finishes collecting the sample, they are responsible for accurately labeling the sample tubes with necessary patient information for easy identification. They are also responsible for the completion and submission of documentation that will help the physician during final analysis and diagnosis. 

Patient care - Since the phlebotomist will work with a wide range of patients, especially for children or even elder, the process of drawing blood can be uncomfortable as well as scary. Some patients may even have a fear of needles, which may further make the phlebotomist’s job difficult. In order to reduce patient anxiety, the phlebotomist must reassure patient that their health is in the safe hands and they should be able clear the patients’ doubt. Before beginning sample collection, the phlebotomist must cross-check the patient’s identity to ensure that the right patient is receiving the treatment.

And, during the blood draw, the phlebotomist needs to monitor the patient’s health to ensure they don’t faint or feel weak during the process. 

While the duties of the phlebotomist may vary depending on the place where they are employed, the primary tasks include collecting, labelling and submitting the samples. If you’re searching for the best institute that offer phlebotomy technician program in New York, contact Cambridge Business Institute

Reasons to Choose a Career as a Phlebotomist

Phlebotomy is interesting for those who wish to set their career in the medical field. Phlebotomists are generally responsible for drawing blood that is used for testing and transfusions. Being a phlebotomist, you’ll get to work in different healthcare settings including blood banks, clinics, laboratories, and hospitals. A career as a phlebotomist is not easy, it takes a lot of patience and skills to work in a fast-paced environment. If you want to begin your career as a phlebotomist, you need to join phlebotomy training classes in NY. 

You can get into the workforce in a short span - In order to start working as a phlebotomist, you won’t have to go through years of studies and training. In fact, you can get into the workforce in less than a year, which can save your money as well as time. 

You will have plenty of job opportunities - Almost every patient who goes to the clinic or hospital needs their blood tests report for diagnosis. So, phlebotomists are always in demand no matter where you are. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the expected job growth for phlebotomy in the US from 2016 - 2026 is almost 25%. 

You can enjoy a handsome salary as a fresher - As compared to all other healthcare technician positions, phlebotomists are one who enjoys a great salary package at the entry level.  The approximate yearly salary of phlebotomists is $34,000.

Work with a variety of medical staff - Starting from nurses to EMTs, physicians, and surgeons are the types of medical professional that a phlebotomy techs work with.

You can work anywhere - As phlebotomists are always in demand doesn’t matter where you are, you can practically work anywhere you want. You can either choose to stay in your hometown or can also move to a big city to explore more opportunities. You will also have a choice to work in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, emergency clinics, Red Cross, private facilities, or local blood banks.

Affordable certificate programs - One of the major reasons that many students choose to become a phlebotomist is affordability of certificate programs. Most of the medical institutes, vocational or community colleges offer phlebotomy training classes in NY at a reasonable price. The cost to complete most of the phlebotomy training programs is less than $2,000.

Phlebotomy is an interesting career choice not only because you earn handsome pay and can start working soon after the training, but also because it is a rewarding and satisfying career. To more about phlebotomy training classes in NY, Contact Cambridge Business Institute.