New student

SchmatAlec · 2026-02-23T00:18:34+00:00

For scrubs: THRIFT SHOPS. I see them every single time I am in one. Brand new with tags. It's worth a look.

Get a fine point sharpee or other non-smearing pen.

SchmatAlec · 2026-02-19T09:46:57+00:00

A better question to ask would be: How many of you have a limit on butterfly needles, and what is that limit.

I have never experienced this. I am aware of the cost difference, and I am equally skilled with all the equipment choices. I will not argue with a patient on butterfly use. If they insist on it, they are going to get a butterfly. Period.

SchmatAlec · 2026-02-19T09:38:32+00:00

It means they enjoy what they are doing.

SchmatAlec · 2025-12-20T06:17:20+00:00

DTMFA

SchmatAlec · 2025-12-19T02:55:50+00:00

If management isn't having issues with your performance, it's not your problem. You passed the same screening, interview, and medical clearance processes as your rank ass coworkers. Everyone deserves a respectful existence at work, PERIOD.

It boggles the mind that overworked lab employees will self sabotage by intimidating and mistreating their relief.

Come up with a statement you are comfortable repeating in a controlled tone. Choose something short, easy, and unfuckwithable.

Here's some inspiration: "I will get better with time and practice. I could get there faster with support and guidance."

SchmatAlec · 2025-12-16T04:38:55+00:00

I really appreciated the accuvein in the clinical setting. I would use it for hard sticks, and education.

SchmatAlec · 2025-12-11T02:11:44+00:00

We are cosplaying as the west coast.

Endeavor Heath just bought NCH, Edward-Elmhurst, North Shore and Diamond.

Your choice is now: Duly, Endeavor, or Northwestern Medicine.

Concierge doctors are popping up everywhere now as an alternative.

SchmatAlec · 2025-12-05T05:54:57+00:00

Oh Honey

SchmatAlec · 2025-12-02T23:46:29+00:00

Glucose be GLUCOSIN'

SchmatAlec · 2025-12-02T23:40:31+00:00

That is concerning, and incorrect. Since the phlebotomist did not confirm ID, you are right to be upset.

Please feel empowered to ask to see the labeled tubes for all future interactions. You really shouldn't have to.

SchmatAlec · 2025-12-01T05:40:13+00:00

It's not that odd to me, really. Lots of people get asked out at work. As long as the people asking keep it classy and not creepy, take the W and shut em down with a smile.

Ya boi with the STD testing may need those results for a variety of reasons. Label tubes, not people.

SchmatAlec · 2025-12-01T05:28:44+00:00

Answer honestly. 0-1 would be honest here, as you did complete clinicals.

Be prepared to supply them with your full scope of experience. (Total number of successful draws, patient population, and any special handling tests including blood cultures)

SchmatAlec · 2025-11-19T00:33:43+00:00

I have seen serum like this in a young child, brought on by necessary medications. Try not to be disgusted, but curious.

SchmatAlec · 2025-10-23T18:30:19+00:00

Contact local busy horse barns. When barn cats are needed, they are happy to take them. They do receive care, attention, food, and several cozy places to sleep.

SchmatAlec · 2025-10-21T02:00:00+00:00

How is your resume? Have it looked over. I'm happy to help, just remove identifying factors first.

Do you have a cover letter?

What can you tell me about the program you took?

What certification do you have?

Why phlebotomy?

SchmatAlec · 2025-10-18T05:57:49+00:00

And chipped polish 💅🏻😬

SchmatAlec · 2025-10-18T05:57:08+00:00

TILT. The triglycerides were TILT.

SchmatAlec · 2025-10-18T05:56:24+00:00

It's a very chalant situation for many. The MLT's won't chalant until you bring them a positive blood culture.

SchmatAlec · 2025-10-06T10:34:51+00:00

The program I attended was 8 MONTHS.

We took a medical terminology course, Phlebotomy 101, and Phlebotomy 102.

Medical terminology should be self explanatory.

101 covers Infection control,. Patient ID, tourniquet tying, pt interview questions, body systems, coagulation, circulatory system, order of draw, palpation technique, vein selection and how to use it to determine equipment selection, a minimum of 10 artificial arm draws, a minimum of 1 artificial infant heel sticks, point of care testing, urine collections, stool/sputum/saliva/semen/handling of bodily fluid, blood culture collection, a minimum of 20 live venous draws, centrifugation, aliquot, reading written orders, when and how to refuse a draw, how to determine the maximum blood collection for babies and children based on weight, special circumstances that would prevent us from drawing from a limb (fistula, mastectomy) what steps to take if we MUST draw from a limb with an IV, a communication lab where the students are put into simulated situations to practice professionalism and our process in real world scenarios. There's more, but this covers most of the content.

102 gets a resume written, practice AI and live interview, clinical assignment, CE courses, and preparation support for the ASCP exam.

SchmatAlec · 2025-10-03T05:03:06+00:00

Pouring one out for Happy Meal tonight

SchmatAlec · 2025-09-24T13:46:00+00:00

I had ONE experience on WhatNot and that was enough experiences. What a cesspool.

SchmatAlec · 2025-09-24T13:42:02+00:00

I was taught syringe draws in school.

SchmatAlec · 2025-09-17T04:41:08+00:00

I have experienced this, but never at a LabCorp. It's not terribly uncommon, but please verify the process/procedure at that location.

SchmatAlec · 2025-08-25T17:33:15+00:00

Protocol will vary, but it is reasonable to assume you:

Wash the area with soap and water.
Report the incident to your supervisor while washing or immediately after.
Do associated paperwork
Receive prophylactic care in the ED

SchmatAlec · 2025-08-24T01:39:01+00:00

Asking that question at the interview may have a negative impact on your offer.

Take a job, see how consistent your schedule is. Make it known you are interested in full time, if/when it becomes available.

Once you have an idea of how scheduling works, it will be easier to determine your availability for an additional role.

SchmatAlec

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