Becoming a Phlebotomist: Phlebotomy Certification Exam Preparation

When you’re in a program to earn your certification, you may be enjoying the courses and the work, but you may be dreading the phlebotomy certification exam. Many medical professionals, particularly those that want to work directly with patients, are extroverts who truly enjoy interacting with people. Phlebotomists are typically very kind and compassionate people as well. On the flip side, you may also be the type of person that shies away from exams or feels the pressure when taking tests. Here are a few tips for gaining confidence as the test day approaches:

·         Keep a journal as you go. Recounting your work days and identifying the things you are very good at the areas that may need some attention is a good way to stay engaged with the program overall, and thus feel more confident on the test.

·         Don’t procrastinate. Make sure you have access to study materials as early in your program as possible in order to schedule time to study over the course of several weeks or even month in preparation for the phlebotomy certification exam.

·         Find a relaxation or focusing technique that works for you. Whether it is deep breathing, visualization, or whatever, take some time to practice calming yourself and setting your focus so that you can approach your exam with a clear head.

Maintaining a Professional Image as a Phlebotomy Technician

When you’re getting ready to launch your career in the medical field, whether you’re thinking of becoming a medical assistant or a phlebotomy technician, there are many ways to ensure success. Learning all you can about the job market and taking steps to become certified are great ways to get started on the right foot.

That said, there are other ways you’ll want to prepare for a fulfilling career. You’ll be working amongst other professionals and very closely with the public. Here are a few more ways to truly embody your new role as a medical team player:

·         Start browsing scrubs online if that’s what you’ll be wearing to work. You can also try some on in a local boutique. Not only will this help you really “feel” the part, you can also get an idea of how having the right apparel for the job can really make your day much better.

·         Consider your personal grooming habits. Being a phlebotomy technician will require you to wash your hands frequently, so you’ll want to have quality hand lotion at the ready. You’ll want hair ties or headbands to keep your hair neat and out of the way. Keeping perfumes and scented lotions to a minimum is a good idea as well.

·         Invest in a good—no, great—pair of shoes that will allow you to work comfortably on your feet all day. Some prefer the standard athletic footwear, but many also swear by the footwear that has been exclusively created for the medical profession. Do your homework and choose one.

Pediatric Blood Draws: Tips for Phlebotomists

Being a certified phlebotomy technician is no easy job—you’re dealing with people that are anxious about getting their blood pulled and stressed out over why the testing must be done. These tensions are further heightened when the patient is a child. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind if you’re a phlebotomist that works with children:

In addition to the normal patient stresses, you also have a whole family of stresses added on. Mom or dad (or both) will likely be there, just as stressed as the patient, or even more so. You’ll want to make sure you are appropriately addressing both.

One way to help distract the child and help them feel at ease is to involve them in the process. You can have them hold the bandage that will be placed on the injection site or have them pick out a band aid. Use your imagination. If you can give them a “job” it can really alleviate the stress and build trust.

Speaking of trust, engage the child every step of the way and tell them fun facts about blood, etc. A child’s natural curiosity will often take over and this clarity can help alleviate fear.

Take note of your voice and body language. You’ll want to adjust to accommodate the age of the child, speaking in soft tones and using vocabulary on their level. Maintain eye contact. Additionally, be sure to shift your tone as you speak with parents.

Skills to Hone as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician or Medical Assistant

If you are currently working in the medical field as a phlebotomist or medical assistant or are seeking to learn more about the job climate for these roles, a quick browse online will certainly make you feel pretty good! Many sources claim, and logically so, that the demand for medical staff positions are on the rise and will likely continue to rise as the baby boomer generation ages. That said, a certified phlebotomy technician or a specifically trained assistant will have greater leverage in the job market—particularly when it comes to job retention, salary negotiations, and other perks.

But what other attributes will set you apart? Consider these soft skills:

Charisma: Sure, some are born with it and others must work a bit harder, but take time to sharpen your listening skills and empathetic responses to patients. Many times, you will be working with clients that are possibly stressed by either the test you’re performing or even the potential for bad news. Those phlebotomists and technicians that work to relate with the patients are irreplaceable to others on staff.

Positivity: No doubt, medical professionals are among the hardest workers. They often work long hours on their feet and have to wear many hats. If you’re the kind of person that can do this with a smile and a positive attitude, you can almost guarantee a job anywhere and frequent pay raises.

Organizational Skills: Those certified phlebotomy technicians and other professionals that can multitask well and juggle all the balls that these positions will toss at you will have the greatest chance at success and the best opportunities for advancement.

Test Anxiety & Relief

Many people experience some version of test anxiety in their lifetimes. While some may only encounter this type of stress once or twice over a very difficult exam, others feel it every time they are required to show their learning in the form of a test. If you fall into the latter category and are preparing to take your phlebotomy certification exam or a test for your continuing education course, follow this advice to help calm your fears.

Before Test Day

As the course begins, develop a good study method and try to manage your time wisely. A huge source of stress often comes from trying to absorb too much information late in the game. You can also visualize mastery of the material as you learn it.

Final Exam Preparation

Again, avoid cramming. You should have developed some level of mastery over the material by this point, so go forth with confidence! Get a good night’s sleep, enjoy a good breakfast, and be sure you get comfortable in your seat. Before you start, clear your mind and take a few deep breaths to calm the nerves. Relax—you’ve got this!

During the Test

Take it slow and steady, and be sure to read through any instructions carefully. If you find yourself getting stressed, turn the test over (pause in some way) and stretch. Take a few more deep breaths and dive back in. Skip any questions you don’t know and return to them later. Remember, there is no reward for finishing first, so don’t let the sound of people getting done cause any anxiety.