8 Core Values a phlebotomist must have to work in the field.

By Phlebotomy Career Training

Training Compassionate Healthcare Professionals

8 Core Values a phlebotomist must have to work in the field.

Check your emotional baggage at the time clock, admit if you made a mistake, believe in the sanctity of human life, protect patient privacy, and respect everyone as an individual. These are just a few core values that every phlebotomist must possess to excel in their field. Being a phlebotomist is not just about drawing blood; it's about providing compassionate care and upholding the highest standards of professionalism. In this blog post, we will explore 8 essential core values that every phlebotomist should embrace. So, grab your lab coat, and let's dive in!

#1. If you are having a bad day at home with your kids, or significant other or just having an overall crappy day don't bring your negative emotions to work with you.

#2. When your patient says, "no" they mean no! Don't try to convince them otherwise.

#3 Always do what is best for the patient, have respect for their belonging's don't just push them out of the way, be mindful of your patient's right to privacy, and pull the privacy curtain or close the door.

#4 Always ask your patients how they are feeling.

#5. Never accept gifts of money, or anything else.

#6. Be honest with them if you made a mistake or drew the tubes in the wrong order, yes, they will not be happy but will respect the fact that you told the truth.

#7 A Take your, time with a patient and never rush, make them feel important, which they are.

#8 Never expose any part of the patient's body other than the area that you have to access, be mindful of their facial expressions such as pain or sorrow and inquire about it. This action shows you care!

As a phlebotomist, it's crucial to leave your personal troubles at the door when you step into the workplace. Whether you had a disagreement with your kids or are simply having a rough day, it's important not to let those negative emotions affect the care you provide to patients. Remember, they rely on you for support and comfort during their medical procedures.

Respecting patient autonomy is key in any healthcare profession. When a patient says "no," they mean no. It's vital not to pressure or convince them otherwise, as this can undermine their trust and compromise their well-being. Always prioritize what is best for the patient, even if it means adjusting your approach or seeking alternative solutions.

Showing respect for patients extends beyond their physical well-being; it also includes respecting their belongings and privacy. Avoid pushing aside personal items without permission and be mindful of creating a secure environment by pulling privacy curtains or closing doors when necessary.

Engaging with patients goes beyond just taking blood samples – asking how they're feeling, showing genuine concern about their pain or emotional state, and offering them an opportunity to share any concerns they may have. This creates an atmosphere of trust and allows for better collaboration towards providing optimal care.

While gratitude from patients is appreciated, accepting gifts of money should never be entertained as it compromises professional boundaries. Transparency is essential in maintaining trust between phlebotomists and patients; if mistakes occur such as drawing tubes in the wrong order, honesty is always the best policy despite potential dissatisfaction.

One of the most valuable skills a phlebotomist can possess is time management combined with patience when dealing with patients. Taking that extra moment to make someone feel important can greatly impact their experience under your care.

Always remember that preserving patient dignity should be at the forefront of every interaction. Only expose areas necessary for accessing veins while ensuring modesty remains intact throughout procedures.

By embodying these core values as a phlebotomist, you not only enhance patient care but also contribute to it.

Smile when someone greets you, whether you are walking down the hall or in a patient's room.

When you work as a phlebotomist, it's important to remember that your interactions with patients go beyond just drawing their blood. A simple smile can make a world of difference in someone's day, whether you're passing them in the hallway or entering their room.

A smile is like a ray of sunshine, spreading warmth and positivity wherever it goes. It has the power to brighten someone's mood, even if only for a moment. When you greet someone with a smile, it shows that you care about them as an individual and that you are there to help.

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, it can be easy to get caught up in the rush and forget about the importance of human connection. But by taking just a few seconds to share a genuine smile with each person you encounter, you are reminding them that they are seen and valued.

So next time you find yourself walking down the hall or entering a patient's room, don't forget to flash those pearly whites. Your smile could be exactly what someone needs at that moment – a small gesture of kindness that leaves a lasting impact on their day.

Engage in conversation with your patients.

Engaging in conversation with your patients is an essential core value for a phlebotomist. It goes beyond just drawing blood – it's about connecting with the person behind the patient. Taking a moment to chat and listen can make all the difference in their experience.

When you engage in conversation, you show that you care about them as an individual, not just as another task on your list. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings. This not only helps build rapport but also allows you to gather important information that may impact their healthcare.

Listening attentively is equally crucial. Pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues, allowing you to better understand their needs and concerns. Show empathy and genuine interest in what they have to say, creating a safe space for open communication.

Engaging in conversation also helps alleviate anxiety or fear they may have about the procedure or their health condition. By offering support through dialogue, you can help ease tension and establish trust between yourself and the patient.

Remember that every interaction counts – even small talk can go a long way in making someone feel more comfortable during an often-stressful time in the medical setting. So, take a moment, connect with your patients on a personal level, and provide compassionate care through engaging conversations.

Never use your personal phone in a patient room.

In today's fast-paced world, it is so easy to get caught up in our personal lives and the distractions they bring. However, as a phlebotomist, it is crucial to always prioritize the needs and well-being of our patients. One key aspect of this involves never using your personal phone in a patient's room.

When you are with a patient, they deserve your full attention and focus. Your phone should be set aside, silenced, or even better - left outside the room altogether. Engaging with your phone during interactions not only sends a message of disrespect but also poses potential risks in terms of privacy and confidentiality.

By refraining from using your personal phone while attending to patients, you demonstrate professionalism and dedication to their care. It shows that you value their time, concerns, and dignity above all else. Remember that every interaction counts when it comes to building trust with patients.

Instead of checking messages or scrolling through social media feeds on your phone, take this opportunity to engage with your patients on a deeper level. Ask them about their day or any questions they may have about the procedure or their health condition. Show genuine interest in their well-being.

Being fully present for each patient enhances communication and fosters trust between healthcare professionals and those under their care. Patients will appreciate your undivided attention and feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics if they know you are fully focused on them.

So, remember to put away that personal device before entering a patient's room! By doing so, you not only adhere to professional standards but also affirm your commitment to providing exceptional care for each individual who entrusts themselves into your hands.

As phlebotomists working diligently within an ever-evolving healthcare system, we must constantly strive for excellence in both skill and character traits. The five core values discussed throughout this article - checking emotional baggage at the time clock, admitting mistakes, believing in the sanctity of human life, never accepting gifts of money from patients, and protecting your patient's rights, safety, dignity, privacy, and confidentiality - are just a few examples of the many values that we should embody as healthcare professionals.

Phlebotomy is not just a job - it is a calling to serve and care for others. By upholding these core values, we can make a positive impact on the lives of our patients and contribute to the overall success and integrity of the healthcare industry. So, let's commit to living out these values in our daily practice as phlebotomists. At Phlebotomy Career Training, we emphasize to all of our students the core ethics of health care and how to treat patients. At our school, students learn more than just the techniques of phlebotomy but also the ethical principles of caring for others. Phlebotomy Career Training backs up all of our hands-on instruction and techniques with scientific evidence-based literature on the real reason why we teach a particular method, as opposed to methods that are taught because it has always been done this way.