Phlebotomy

This past week I had my first try with phlebotomy - the act or, more accurately, the art of drawing blood. I was most certainly nervous. Very, very nervous. Also, excited.

No amount of studying can prepare you mentally for drawing blood for the first time, in my opinion. You get your little tray full of syringes, winged infusion sets and evacuated tubes, take a deep breath and hope desperately that you won't be the one who needs the smelling salts.

Syringe, antecubital fossa, median cephalic vein. Textbook says: "Easy." Reality says: "Ha! Good luck." I do everything, step by step, like we've went over in class a 1,000+ times. "Okay, very good... now uncap and inspect the needle and go into the vein.", says my instructor calmly. Anchoring - check. Bevel up - check. 15 to 30 degree angle - check. I have to remind myself to breathe. And then I inserted the needle into the vein.

To my utter surprise, I see the flash of blood in the hub of the syringe. I couldn't believe it. I pull up on the plunger, fill the barrel to the predetermined mark and finish up the procedure.

An awesome feeling. Confidence builder, as well. I am so grateful that my partner for the first day had beautiful, easily palpable veins.


Less than a month left of school and onto clinicals we go. Can't wait.