Nervous, but trying to remain cool, calm, and collected!

[Rashelle Engelhardt]

Hey everyone! My name is Rashelle. I’m currently a Medical Assistant student at Bryan University. I’m nervous as all get out, but I’m trying not to let my nerves get the best of me and keep my head up throughout learning phlebotomy.

[Dr Anton Scheepers]

Phlebotomy nerves are usually about the first few sticks, not the skill itself. Your hands might shake a bit the first couple of times and that has nothing to do with whether you’ll be good at it. It settles once you’ve felt what a vein feels like under your fingers.

One thing that helped students I’ve taught over the years: practice locating veins on yourself and willing friends or family long before you’re expected to draw blood. Just the palpation, no needle. Get comfortable with what a good vein feels like versus a rolling one or a fragile one. That tactile sense is most of the battle and you can build it up quietly on your own time without any pressure of being watched.

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