Thoughts after first week of phlebotomy classes
It's certainly interesting. It's also kinda weird, because it's both easier and harder than I expected. Like, on the one hand, the procedures aren't that hard. I wouldn't let just any random person do it, but it's not that hard to learn how to put a needle in someone. But there are things that are tricky, and there's also a lot to learn in a pretty short time.
Thoughts after first week of phlebotomy classes
On the former, the tourniquet seems to be the bane of my existence right now. It's tricky to tie one of them things and to tie it just tight enough to restrict venous flow without just outright cutting off circulation. Also, for some reason, I always forget to undo it before taking the needle out :P
Thoughts after first week of phlebotomy classes
On the latter, there seriously is a lot. Regulations and laws; tube colours, additives and order of draw; proper procedures; different types of collection devices; different CLIA-waived tests; and I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting to mention. And I've got 8 weeks to learn it before I get thrust into a hospital to start doing it for real. Yeesh!
Thoughts after first week of phlebotomy classes
Anyways, it is still really cool and I am really enjoying it. It's a cool field and I'm surrounded by some pretty cool folks, both instructors and classmates. Overall, I have no regrets, and if you think you're interested in going into medicine but aren't sure, a phlebotomy certification program is a pretty good way to get a foot in the door without getting too invested. Would recommend.
