Like any other career path, the field of phlebotomy is interlaced with many nuances that make it a suitable vocation for certain individuals. Similar to engineering, medicine, accountancy, art, and marketing, the industry in question is best suited to people with specific personality traits and inherent skills.
A career in phlebotomy can pay handsomely and provide rewarding experiences and opportunities for growth. If you’re wondering what it takes to be a good phlebotomist, read on!
Skills and Personality Traits of an Outstanding Phlebotomist
When you pursue a career in phlebotomy, there are certain traits and skills that one must have to be a good practitioner that serves patients in the best way possible. You may be wondering what these are so you can start cultivating them even before the first class in your Continuing Education Phlebotomy Technician Course!
To help you along the path towards becoming a great phlebotomist, here’s a list of much-needed skills and personality traits that are highly suggested by Northwest Suburban College’s resident experts:
SKILL: Detail-orientation
Among the different baseline skills that any phlebotomist should possess, the one that makes a difference between an “alright” and “good” one is the presence of detail orientation.
There is much more to the field than simply drawing blood. In truth, phlebotomy involves many procedures and considerations that take years of study and training. By being more detail-oriented, certain tasks such as correct labeling and keeping specimens straight will be very easy for you!
TRAIT: Compassion
Want to know what makes a phlebotomist the best of their kind? Here’s the answer: compassion.
Compassion is a standout trait that will always remain relevant because of how one works with various kinds of people each day. When a phlebotomist hones their compassionate side and exhibits it often, it becomes much easier to find pride in their work while ensuring patients—young, old, and afraid of needles alike—have a smoother experience!
SKILL: Multi-tasking abilities
Regardless of the specific healthcare setting, a phlebotomist will always find themselves in high-pressure, high-stress situations where they need to complete many tasks at once. You’ll come face-to-face with dozens of patients and juggle many responsibilities, so you’re never going to have a dull moment at work! For this reason, it’s vital to ensure that you can handle everything on your plate.
TRAIT: Patience
As a practicing phlebotomist, one of the most important traits you’ll need to have when dealing with patients is patience (pun intended).
Day-in, day-out, you’ll realize that compassion alone will not suffice if you want to thrive in a clinic or hospital. Not all patients are easy to work with. For any kind of professional, it’s vital to keep one’s head clear and focus on getting the job done and making things easier for everyone.
Conclusion
If you’re an aspiring phlebotomist that seeks to make a difference in the life of every patient that ends up in your care, you need to develop essential skills and traits that will help you thrive. Although there are dozens more traits and skills that you’ll have to work on in the long run, starting with the four mentioned above will help you get started on the right foot and serve you well!
Are you looking for phlebotomy classes near you that will equip you with all the skills you need to be the best professional you can be? Northwest Suburban College is more than happy to help you out. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our programs!
