Change in a career as a RN to phlebotomist?
I am a RN, graduated in 2009 but have not worked as a nurse just yet. In fact I have no interest in working as a nurse at all and I realized that in my last semester of nursing school. I am not enthusiastic about it anymore and most of all I don't think I have the confidence to be responsible for other peoples lives. I am not good at helping people solve their problems. Some of the procedures nurses do really gross me out and I don't think I would be a good fit. Aside from that I suffer from anxiety, so a high level of stress would really take its toll on me. I know for sure that I would like to stay within the medical field. So, I have considered phlebotomy (I know its a little under me but eventually I would like to become a third level phlebotomist). Considering the fact that I do not have any experience in the medical field, but an associate degree in nursing I think it is a reasonable choice? I realized that I am a very technical person so that career path will be a good fit for me. I already have a certification in phlebotomy in fact, I have an interview coming up very soon at a local hospital. My problem is.... how do I explain to the manager or whoever will interview me that I am not interested in nursing but another career. What would be a good reasoning so I do not look irrational to the management. Please help !!!!!!!! I want to sound professional about this and not as a looser. :( Im also wondering if I can use my RN license to work in something else....laboratory etc. Any nurses! managers! HR staff! please give me a good feedback.
Can I be a 17 year old phlebotomist?
Ive already graduated highschool and have 4 college credits and I'm about to get my phlibotomist certification but I'm only 17. At then end of the course I was wondering if I'd be able to find a job being that I'm only 17. By April I'll have finished my certification but i won't be 18 till September
I wanna be a phlebotomist how long does it take?
I live in florida, but i live 20 mins from alabama and the college there is offering phlebotomy classes,and im really interested . The councelor said it would be 2 semesters so,about how many months would that be for college? Also how much do phlebotomists make in florida? Is it a good trade?
Finger prick involved with donating blood?
Before you donate blood, I heard you must get a finger prick to check iron levels. This turns me off, because while I have no problem getting my blood drawn from my forearm, I absolutely cannot, will not get my finger pricked. It hurts too much! Is it necessary to submit to the "finger prick" step of the blood donation process?
How do plasma centers avoid having to change gloves between patients?
Plasma centers don't have the same regulations that other facilities do. "How do plasma centers avoid having to change gloves between patients?" -- This is how: OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard does make a glove-wearing exception for phlebotomists in volunteer blood donation centers. Sections (d)(3)(ix)(D)(1–4) explain that if an employer in a volunteer blood donation center judges that routine gloving for all phlebotomies is not necessary, then the employer shall periodically reevaluate this policy, make gloves available and not discourage the use of gloves by employees of the donation center, and provide gloves during training. Furthermore: “Enforcement Procedures for the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens” explains: “Paragraph (d)(3)(ix) (D). The exemption regarding the use of gloves during phlebotomy procedures applies only to employees of volunteer donor blood collection centers, and does not apply to phlebotomy conducted in other settings such as plasmapheresis centers or hospitals.” The reasoning for this exception can be found in the section 9 of the preamble to the Bloodborne Pathogens standard. In brief, the Council of Community Blood Centers, American Association of Blood Banks, American Blood Resources Association, and American Red Cross argued that their workers were at less risk for bloodborne pathogens transmission than other healthcare workers. Apparently OSHA agreed. However, a donor may request a change of gloves at any time and the staffer must comply with that request.
Nerve Damage from Donating Blood?
Today I donated blood for the third time. All of the previous times, I had no problems at all; the needle went in fine, the only pain was a small prick and slight soreness afterward, and the blood came out quickly enough. But this time, as soon as she stuck the needle in my arm, an incredible shock of pain went shooting down my forearm (left, if that makes a difference). Naturally I gasped and nearly pulled the needle out myself. The pain subsided after around 30 seconds, but it continued to send shocks of pain down my forearm every few seconds. After another two minutes or so it had mostly quit hurting. After the nurse removed the needle and bandaged my arm, my arm continued feeling funny. Now it's been about 12 hours since I had it drawn, and it still feels strange. My wrist/very end of my forearm is numb (as in, I can feel the pressure and move it, but I can't feel my finger touching it), the rest of my forearm is extremely sensitive to touch, and my elbow where the blood was taken from essentially feels like a huge bruise. So my questions are basically this: 1. What did the nurse hit in my arm to make it hurt so badly and could there be lasting effects? 2. What can I do to stop the pain besides pain medicine, if anything? and 3. Are there any changes I should keep an eye out for? Thanks, and let me know if you need more information. =) Edit: The blood came out much more slowly this time than it had in the past, but that may just have been from dehydration or something like that.
Slow/Stopped blood flow during blood donation?
I had a blood donation today. Well, I tried to. When the nurse put the neddle in my arm the blood was very slow moving down the tube. And then it stopped and they said I was done. I never got to even get the blood all the way down the tube! Why is that??? When they took the nedle out it bled a lot!?!?! Last time I was at the doctor they drew blood and they had the same problem!?!? It there something wrong with me or my heart???
Tried to donate blood but nurse couldn't find vein?
At my school's blood drive today, I tried to give blood but was told it wouldn't be possible. I waited in all the lines, passed the surveys, had perfect blood pressure, temperature, and hemoglobin, and had prepared in advance (hydrating days leading up, eating before, etc.). Everything was going great, but when I finally got to the table they couldn't find a vein in my arm. Multiple nurses and doctors tried, but the first three couldn't find any, and the fourth finally found one but it was too thin to use and he said he would only be able to get 1/2 a pint from it at most anyway. Eventually, they told me it wasn't going to happen. I'm not upset about not being able to donate as it's not their fault, but what causes such thin and hidden veins? I'm very healthy and was hydrated, but the only causes I can find are being overweight or dehydrated. Do any of you have this problem or know the cause? What can I do to be able to donate at our next blood drive this March. Thanks!