Phlebotomist Technician Skills
What Kind of Skills Do You Need to Be a Phlebotomist?
Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for tests, research, transfusions, and/or blood donations. They work primarily in hospitals, doctors’ offices, blood donation centers, and laboratories. Along with drawing blood, they label the blood for processing, enter information in computer databases, and assemble and maintain all the medical instruments needed to draw blood.
Phlebotomists often explain the procedure gently to patients in order to calm their nerves. Sometimes, they also have to care for patients who have an adverse reaction after their blood is drawn.
Types of Phlebotomy Skills
Phlebotomists require a wide variety of skills. Some of these are hard skills, such as knowing how to perform certain medical procedures and dexterity for using equipment efficiently. Others are soft skills, such as compassion for anxious patients.
Attention to Detail
Phlebotomists usually have a constant flow of patients throughout the day. They need to be precise when drawing blood and labeling and keeping track of samples.
- Calculating the Quantity of Blood Needed
- Decontaminating the Puncture Site
- Documenting All Procedures
- Following Infection Control Guidelines
- Locating Appropriate Veins for Blood Collection
- Maintain Specimen Integrity
- Preparing Specimens for Transport to the Laboratory
Communication
Phlebotomists need to be able to clearly explain procedures to patients, and listen to their questions and concerns. Many patients will be nervous, so clearly explaining what is going to happen will put patients at ease. Strong verbal communication skills are critical.
- Oral Communication
- Nonverbal Communication
- Active Listening
- Explaining the Process of Extracting Samples
- Instructing Patients Regarding Proper Urine Collection
- Persuasion
- Writing Reports, Correspondence, and Policy
Data Entry
Most hospitals and doctors’ offices require phlebotomists to enter patient and specimen information in a medical record database on the computer. Having data entry skills and experience is a big plus for a phlebotomist.
- Data Management
- Accuracy
- Computer Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Data Management Software
- Information Management
Dexterity
Physical dexterity (or motor skills) is critical for a phlebotomist. Phlebotomists have to work with their hands to handle equipment and draw blood. They need to be able to draw blood quickly and efficiently, with minimal discomfort for patients.
- Close Vision
- Hand-eye Coordination
- Working Quickly
- Performing Chemical Tests
- Promoting Workplace Safety
Empathy
Phlebotomists need to have strong interpersonal skills. In particular, they need to be able to empathize with and show concern and care for patients who are nervous. Empathy will help a phlebotomist interact successfully with patients and their families.
- Calming Anxious Patients
- Customer Service
- Emotional Intelligence
- Interpersonal Skills
- Patience
Tips to prepare for a nursing interview
Content shared from Indeed By taking some steps to plan for your interview, you may feel more confident and prepared. Here are several tips you…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Interview Question: “Why Do You Want To Be a Nurse?”
Content Shared from Indeed During interviews for nursing school or entry-level positions, employers may ask you, “Why do you want to be a nurse?” Preparing…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Memorial Day – Sumner College is closed
…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Why nurses love their job
Content shared from Scrubs Magazine staff. We all have good and bad days when it comes to working as a nurse. On my best days,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Register for FREE Nursing Info Sessions
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Info Sessions will be held on our Portland campus. To reserve a spot for an upcoming session please…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College Interview with KATU’s Afternoon Live
Joanna Russell, President of Sumner College visits with Kara Mack, host of KATU's Afternoon Live, showcasing the new nursing program at Sumner College, a Bachelor…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Hawaii and the West Coast Beckon to Travel Nurses
Article shared from Travelnurse.com. Written by Jennifer Larson, Contributor Travel nursing opportunities abound in the Pacific Region of the United States, including the West Coast…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Johnson & Johnson | Nursing Scholarships
Nursing Scholarships Whether you're pursuing an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in nursing, there are a variety of nursing scholarships and grants that can provide…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
For healthcare to work, it takes nurses.
Johnson & Johnson is proud to advocate for, elevate, and empower nurses for over 125 years. J&J Objective To attract and strengthen an innovative, thriving, and diverse nursing workforce, empowered to advance health equity and transform healthcare. During…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
May 12 – National Nurses Day
To acknowledge the contributions of nurses and call attention to their working conditions, the International Council of Nurses established May 12 as International Nurses Day in 1974.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nurses Make a Difference: Anytime, Anywhere – Always.
We celebrate the extraordinary contributions Nurses make to our communities, this May 6-12th during National Nurses Week. National Nurses Week begins each year on May…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College – BSN, LPN, RN to BSN – Classes start July 17th
Sumner College Nursing Programs Our Vision Drives Us. Education with Integrity. Sumner College is committed to providing excellent care to patients in the community through…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Get Started in a Nursing Career
Do you like to help others? Inspired by the possibility of saving and improving lives? For many people entering the nursing field, there’s a feeling…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Find Your Path
There are many different ways into a nursing career. Choose a starting point to get a personalized guide of the steps you’ll need to take.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Welcome New Sumner College Students
Sumner College starts a new cohort of nursing students today. You are embarking on a new educational journey, pursing a career in healthcare. We welcome…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing Students – Tips for the first year
Content shared from nursecrets So, you have been accepted into nursing school. First of all congratulations! You have made it through the process, so now…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RN vs BSN: The Differences
Changes in nursing involve a major shift in higher education standards, requiring more nurses to hold a 4-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). The…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Student of the Month: February 2023 Medical Assisting Program
Kayleigh was selected by Sumner College faculty and staff for the February Student of the Month. Some of the reasons she was chosen include: "....her…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Phlebotomy Program – Arizona
If you're interested in a career in phlebotomy that will allow you to work in a safe, professional environment and give you the skills and…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
20 Types of Nursing Positions
Information shared from Indeed.com 20 types of nursing positions Though all nurses seek to provide proper care and treatment for their patients, their day-to-day duties…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
5 Tips for Working While in Nursing School
Information and article shared from Indeed.com Here are five tips for being a successful nursing student while working a full-time or part-time job: 1. Review…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Pros and Cons of Working While in Nursing School
Information and article shared from Indeed.com Editorial Team The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing and Midwifery
Article shared from the World Health Organization Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
New BSN Program
Enroll today in our new BSN program. Graduate in less than 3 years. Classes start April 24th. Learn more www.sumnercollegeBSN.com …
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
OR Nurses Returning to Full Capacity, plus Backlog
By Debra Wood, RN, contributor In the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, many governors ordered elective surgeries postponed to conserve personal protective equipment (PPE)…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nurses Nurture Their Emotional Health
Article Shared from TravelNursing.com By Jennifer Larson, contributor “How are you feeling?” If the truthful answer to this question is something along the lines of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Why BSNs are Important
Article shared from TravelNursing.com Cost vs. reward still a factor for BSN-prepared nurses By Debra Wood, RN, contributor When the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
8 Fast-growing Travel Nurse Specialties
This article is sourced from TravelNursing.com. With a nursing shortage compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has driven thousands of nurses from the bedside, many…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Prolyn
PROLYN’S STORY “Prior to enrolling at Sumner College’s Medical Assisting program, I was a psychology student who was extremely interested in medicine. I wanted to…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Alora
ALORA’S STORY “Prior to enrolling at Sumner College, I was working as an EMT and a CNA. I really loved the work I was doing,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn