The shortage of qualified phlebotomists has been a significant concern for the healthcare industry for a long time. One of the primary reasons behind this shortage is the lack of proper phlebotomist training.
Without the necessary training, phlebotomists may struggle to perform their duties efficiently and effectively.
This can lead to inaccurate test results, potential health risks for patients, and overall decreased quality of care.
But…why? Are phlebotomists THAT important?
Well, yeah!
They play a crucial role in collecting blood samples and performing various tests essential for diagnosing and treating medical conditions CORRECTLY.
So, the shortage of trained phlebotomists has resulted in longer wait times for patients, increased workload for existing staff, and decreased quality of care in some cases.
However, there are ways to tackle this problem.
In this blog, we’ll explore not only how a certified phlebotomist training program can help but also other upskilling and reskilling strategies that can be implemented to address this shortage.
So… let’s dive in and find out more!
Important skills one could learn in a phlebotomist training program
To address the shortage, it’s crucial to have well-designed phlebotomist training programs that provide comprehensive instruction in the relevant skills and techniques.
These programs should cover topics such as
- venipuncture,
- specimen collection,
- infection control,
- patient communication (among others.)
Venipuncture:
Venipuncture is the process of puncturing a vein (who would’ve thought) with a needle to collect blood samples or to start an IV line.
So, it’s a critical skill that a phlebotomist must master.
A well-designed training program provides extensive instruction on the various veins to puncture, the appropriate techniques for different patients, and the various instruments needed for venipuncture.
After all…proper venipuncture technique ensures the safe and effective collection of blood samples. (And it minimizes patient discomfort.)
Specimen collection:
A certified phlebotomist training program covers the correct methods of handling, labeling, and transporting different types of specimens (such as serum or plasma.)
Phlebotomists must also be able to identify the correct tubes and labels for each test.
After all, most errors happen before the analysis.
Do you understand these implications for the patient’s health and quality of care?
Infection control:
Infection control is an essential part of phlebotomy training since phlebotomists handle blood and body fluids that can potentially transmit infections.
Proper infection control techniques, including:
- hand hygiene,
- wearing personal protective equipment,
- and handling and disposing of contaminated materials
… can help prevent the spread of infections between patients and phlebotomists.
Patient communication:
Phlebotomists interact with patients during the blood collection process, making good communication skills a vital aspect of phlebotomist training.
They should be able to communicate with patients effectively, especially those who may be anxious, scared, or have special needs.
And let’s say that most people are not fond of phlebotomists.
They come, they inflict pain, and leave.
The training program should teach phlebotomists how to explain the procedure, answer questions, and provide reassurance to patients.
Why are reskilling and upskilling important, though?
However, a phlebotomist training program alone may not be enough to address the shortage of qualified phlebotomists.
In the case of phlebotomists, upskilling and reskilling are crucial too.
A well-designed phlebotomist training program can help develop and refine the necessary skills to perform the job effectively.
BUT….they need to be motivated to stay in their profession and continue learning and improving their skills.
There are many reasons why phlebotomists may leave their profession, such as:
- a lack of career advancement opportunities,
- low salaries,
- or inadequate benefits.
In some cases, they may feel undervalued or unappreciated compared to other healthcare professionals.
This can lead to frustration and job dissatisfaction, ultimately resulting in a high turnover rate.
Actually – according to a study – some phlebotomists wouldn’t recommend their job to someone they know due to the lack of respect they receive from other laboratorians or healthcare professionals.
Employers can help address this issue by providing opportunities for career advancement.
One such example is cross-training in other healthcare roles or opportunities for leadership positions.
They can also offer competitive salaries and benefits packages that make phlebotomy an attractive and fulfilling career choice.
Bottom line
It’s essential to recognize the importance of upskilling and reskilling to keep qualified phlebotomists motivated and invested in their profession.
So… a phlebotomist training program is just the beginning.
By offering opportunities for career advancement and competitive salaries and benefits, employers can help address the shortage of qualified phlebotomists and ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care.
