Hospital Phlebotomy | Hospital Phlebotomist
A Career in Hospital Phlebotomy
Having a career in hospital phlebotomy can be a very rewarding experience. This job is an important part of helping hospital physicians diagnose patients correctly. Since having bloodwork taken is almost a given anytime a patient needs to be in a hospital, this can be a stable, secure job to have. Even in times where cutbacks may need to be made, there will always be a need for hospital phlebotomists. There are many different areas of a hospital where a phlebotomist will play an important part of the team. This can range from working in an emergency room, to a pediatrics wing, to working in the hospital lab managing the blood tests of all patients.
In an emergency room setting, phlebotomists can play one of the most important parts in the care of the patient. When patients come to an emergency department of a hospital it is because there is an evident need for urgent care. Blood tests are standard procedure in determining what type of care they may need. The sooner those tests can be taken and the faster the results are received, the more quickly an urgent care patient can be treated.
Phlebotomy also plays a very important role in the care of young patients in the pediatrics wing. Many childhood illnesses can only be diagnosed by taking samples of blood by a phlebotomist. The blood sample is then sent to the hospital lab where it is tested for certain diseases or infections. The work done by a phlebotomist can potentially save the life of a child by helping the physician to make the correct diagnosis.
Most hospital labs also employ phlebotomists for taking blood samples of patients on a regular basis. This can occur when patients need to have blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels, or iron levels tested frequently. Certain tests, such as having blood drawn to determine pregnancy, are also an area where phlebotomists are needed. If pregnancy is suspected, it is common for patients to go to a hospital lab to have blood drawn and tested.
Choosing a career as a hospital phlebotomy can also be financially stable. Most phlebotomists start out at making an average of $10 an hour at entry level and can make up to $18 an hour as more yearly experience is gained. This pay rate may also vary according to the state that you live in or work in. Many benefits, such as health, dental, & life insurance, yearly paid vacations, and accrued sick days also accompany being employed as a hospital phlebotomist. A career as a hospital phlebotomist will allow you to feel proud that you are helping doctors to cure illnesses while also helping you to earn a good living.