A person who wants to become a traveling phlebotomist should gain entry-level experience in a lab, hospital, or clinic. Then, they should search for a travel position through a healthcare staffing agency. What is a traveling phlebotomist? A traveling phlebotomist can pick their work site instead of a normal one, who must report to the same spot daily. A traveling phlebotomist works at clinics and nursing homes to get blood samples.
Collecting Specimens
A phlebotomist’s most important task is drawing blood samples from patients. These samples are used for various lab tests and must be collected when a patient is in their basal state, typically the morning after awakening and about 12 hours after their last meal.
A phlebotomist must be compassionate and understanding when working with patients, especially since some may be nervous or scared of needles and blood. It is also helpful for a phlebotomist if they can keep a patient calm and make the process as painless as possible.
Another way a phlebotomist can help their employer and clients is by ensuring that all specimens are stored correctly. This includes storing them at the correct temperature and ensuring they are labeled properly to transport them to the laboratory safely. This is an important responsibility because a lab can only run on the samples it receives. The more accurate specimens a lab has to work with, the faster and more accurate results it can deliver to doctors and nurses.
Transporting Specimens
Phlebotomists must be able to store and transport blood samples to maintain their integrity. They also need to ensure that the samples are correctly labeled to be easily identified once they arrive at the lab for testing.
Traveling phlebotomists typically need to drive between different sites, including hospitals, clinics, and client offices. They may also need to visit patient homes to collect blood samples. Therefore, they must have a reliable vehicle and good driving skills.
If they have these skills, a travel phlebotomists may be able to find work as they cannot reliably get to appointments on time. Additionally, they must be able to write and communicate clearly to complete their tasks.
Traveling phlebotomy jobs are ideal for individuals who have itchy feet and like to travel frequently. They offer much flexibility not available in regular positions and come with attractive benefits, such as full expense-paid lodging for periods when working outside their usual home area.
Pre-Analytical Duties
Performing pre-analytical duties is a vital component of a traveling phlebotomist’s job. This includes ensuring the sample is properly labeled, and all requisitions are logged promptly. It also means following strict sanitization protocols to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and other diseases.
In addition to these duties, a traveling phlebotomist must provide accurate patient and specimen identification each time. This is especially important when preparing specimens for shipment or handling contaminated samples.
Finally, a traveling phlebotomist is responsible for keeping their blood drawing trays clean and organized and disposing of syringes, needles, and tubes under the laboratory’s safety policies. They must also communicate with ordering personnel (physicians, nurses, and unit clerks) to confirm test orders and help with data entry. This can help reduce pre-analytical errors. They must also provide training opportunities for new phlebotomists and senior healthcare professionals. These training programs can help reduce the number of faulty requisitions in the laboratory. This can lead to better patient results and improved health outcomes.
Preparing Specimens for Transport
Phlebotomists must be meticulous when preparing blood and specimen samples for transport. Mixing up collections, sending samples in the wrong vials, or losing specimens can have serious consequences for patients and may delay their treatment.
To help ensure specimens reach the lab in good condition, phlebotomists will pack them securely and label them appropriately. Depending on the type of specimen, they might include shock absorbers or special insulation materials. They’ll also ensure the packages are safe to ship per all governing regulations.
During interviews, highlight any relevant experience you have working in mobile phlebotomy and emphasize your ability to adapt to different environments. This career path is ideal for people with itchy feet who want to explore new locations while making a meaningful impact on patient care. It’s also a great option for millennials seeking a fulfilling and flexible lifestyle without sacrificing their passion for healthcare.
Result in Faxing
Phlebotomy jobs offer many benefits to professionals who pursue them, namely the opportunity to travel and see new parts of the country while still doing work they enjoy. Those seeking the career option should get some experience by volunteering at a local blood drive or gaining work experience through their certification programs.
Once a phlebotomist is certified and understands various medical conditions, they can search for an ideal travel phlebotomy job. Traveling phlebotomists typically work temporarily at various medical facilities, performing blood draws and other lab duties as needed.
The job outlook for a traveling phlebotomist is very strong, as there is a constant demand for these professionals in multiple geographic locations throughout the country. Those interested in the field can find out more about opportunities by contacting local hospitals or visiting their website to apply for open positions. A phlebotomist can also visit their local blood bank or community events to learn more about available positions.