What Do You Call the Nurse That Draws Blood

A Simple Guide To Becoming A Good Phlebotomist and Phlebotomist Duties To Be Performed

Ever wondered if the person who draws blood during routine tests is a doctor or a nurse? If you did, you're not the only one wondering about what is a phlebotomist. The answer is neither. Medical professionals trained in drawing blood are called phlebotomists. Phlebotomist duties include performing venipuncture for lab tests, transfusions, or blood donation. A certified phlebotomist typically works for hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, or on-demand phlebotomy services (that make life simpler by drawing blood and collecting samples at any time and place convenient to you.)

What is venipuncture?

Venipuncture is a medically invasive procedure performed using sterilized needles, where blood is collected from a patient's veins for the purpose of diagnostic testing. First called 'bloodletting', venipuncture has developed into an efficient and nearly painless procedure today, more so if performed by a highly trained phlebotomist. To ensure you aren't left with any pain in arm a week after blood drawn, certified phlebotomists take extra care while drawing blood.

What does a phlebotomy job description entail?

While phlebotomists do not directly treat patients, venipuncture is still an integral medical procedure for most diagnostic testing processes. It also happens to be one of the most common medical procedures undertaken in a hospital. As a result, phlebotomists are what are known as allied medical professionals, a designation for healthcare personnel who are not doctors or nurses but are required to have direct contact with patients.

Phlebotomists are trained in how todraw blood from patients of all age groups on a daily basis, including babies and elderly patients. Apart from blood collection, certified phlebotomists are also trained in bedside manner, patient assistance, instrument sterilization, and tracking, labeling and identifying blood samples. Phlebotomists also help with tests on blood drawn that help the medical team decide upon a definitive treatment plan. Phlebotomists require dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and detail-orientation to perform their job duties adeptly.

Since the blood drawn has different purposes, it's also important for phlebotomists to draw the correct volume of blood for every draw. Each phlebotomy test has specialized tools and specific instructions that must be followed to suit the purpose. While laboratory analyses usually need several small tubes (five milliliters or ten milliliters each), therapeutic phlebotomy, meant to treat high iron levels or red blood cell levels, requires a much larger amount of blood removal than blood donations or laboratory testing. Phlebotomist duties include mastering the technical know-how of drawingblood and also the principles of bloodletting in theory.

Mobile phlebotomists, on the other hand, are equipped with a more versatile skill set. As they need to travel between patient locations on a daily basis - including residences, nursing homes, offices, etc., mobile phlebotomists need to be adept drivers, trained in specimen handling/storage, transport, centrifuge handling, and other proprietary technology. If you've ever thought, "where can I get my blood drawn near me?" Consider calling a mobile phlebotomist. They draw blood in the comfort of your own home.

How does one become a phlebotomist?

Phlebotomists are required to complete a certification course, associate's degree, or diploma program in phlebotomy. The most common question posed by aspiring phlebotomists is, "how long does it take to become a phlebotomist?" While the certification course may be completed under a year, diploma programs and associate degrees may take between one and two years to earn. These programs include lessons on phlebotomy, physiology, and ethics, and conclude with an internship or on-field phlebotomy experience.

Certifications, on the other hand, are highly recommended for phlebotomists starting off on the field. Most healthcare organizations employ certified phlebotomists with 2-3 years of experience and prefer the most common certification programs, including the Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) certification, Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification, and the Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) certification. Some employers may also prefer added continuing education credits. Certain states require a state certification for you to practice phlebotomy. You should consider leafing through the National Phlebotomy Association's certification guidelines for further details.

Phlebotomy at Lenco

Patients generally are apprehensive of any medical professional, let alone a person who draws blood. At Lenco, we look for certified phlebotomists capable of easing patient anxiety with their excellent bedside manner and a clean draw. For seasoned phlebotomists, Lenco's on-demand phlebotomy is an excellent opportunity for career growth and personal development.

We provide the employment benefits of a full-time healthcare professional to give our phlebotomists excellent work-life benefits:

Competitive Pay Structure: Lenco offers competitive salaries to its mobile phlebotomists.

Leverage Technology: Our services are approachable and user-friendly with phlebotomist-dedicated user interfaces.

A Rewarding Experience: Our mobile phlebotomists are granted the opportunity to serve remote and disconnected patients, bed-bound patients, and others that cannot visit diagnostic laboratories as easily as the average patient. Healthcare professionals guided by their desire to assist and improve lives can rest assured that the same promise is maintained by Lenco.

If you think you're a good fit for the role of a phlebotomist technician, visit our Careers page to learn more about how you can work with us.

What Do You Call the Nurse That Draws Blood

Source: https://www.lencolab.com/publications/2020/9/a-simple-guide-to-becoming-a-good-phlebotomist-and-phlebotomist-duties-to-be-performed.html

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