Phlebotomy Standards
Our advanced course is run over 3 weeks, the last one was on three consecutive Tuesdays.
On the second day one of the students pointed out that she had a blood scheduled at her GP the following day.
So:
- We left her easiest most viable vein alone that day
- We took a fantastic opportunity for a bit of mystery shopping
I gave the student the competency check list that I assess students with and asked her to (quietly) ‘assess’ her phlebotomy session.
The results were a little bit of a surprise. The student said she was “shocked” at what goes on in the workplace.
Here area a few of the shortcomings noted:
- The patients identity was not confirmed – lets hope the receptionist sent the right person in
- Allergies and medications were not confirmed – luckily nothing went wrong!
- Anaphylaxis can be such an inconvenience!
- We have no idea how long the tourniquet was on – but it seemed like bit too much
- Most worryingly, the filled tubes were neither inverted nor stood,
- they were simply ‘thrown’ into the tray once full!
I’m not going to name the location or give any clues except that it in South Wales obviously. And it doesn’t matter, as this type of story is not uncommon, ask around if you don’t believe me.
The bottom line here is that any students completing Lead Academy’s courses are more than ready for the workplace.
In fact they know far more than many experienced practitioners before even completing our advanced courses.
As the Army used to say – “Be The Best”
Our regular venue is on the outskirts of CARDIFF – Ynysmaerdy Community Centre. Just off the M4 with plenty of free parking. Tucked in behind the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.
This has piqued my interest and I have arranged a blood draw myself. As I don’t have any need to be registered at a GP, I have signed up for a research project in order to be able to attend a blood draw.
By the way, if you sign up for ourfuturehealth.org.uk , you also get a £10 shopping voucher 🙂
