Tips from a phlebotomist

[Nelson Vergel]

Interesting observations. I usually use the vampire joke.

"Firstly, I am taking creative license when I say this, but I am mostly positive that most phlebotomists hate being called a vampire! We joke, you joke, but mixing it up helps if you’re going to break the ice with pet names. My personal favorites have been “tick,” “mosquito,” “leech” and someone even called me a “politician” once. "
Read more

 

[DragonBits]

Interesting observations. I usually use the vampire joke.

"Firstly, I am taking creative license when I say this, but I am mostly positive that most phlebotomists hate being called a vampire! We joke, you joke, but mixing it up helps if you’re going to break the ice with pet names. My personal favorites have been “tick,” “mosquito,” “leech” and someone even called me a “politician” once. "
Read more

I usually look at the needle as it goes in, I don't make jokes unless some situation is funny which is usually isn't. But I ask questions, like how many people look at the needle Vs look away, or recently I asked how many people they had before me, and it was like 30 at 10:00 AM. Then why so many, any reason? Or your accent sounds East European, is it?

 

[52hoosier]

Thanks, I am one of those who is a bit phobic of the needle sticks. Thanks to TRT and having it done more often, the phobia has subsided some, but I still don't enjoy it. I still get faint at times. The skill of the "vampire" DOES make a difference. I had one that hurt me bad. I will never let her poke me again. I've had others whom you barely felt and made sure I was OK. Good article.