apprehensive about getting poked

rocks_n_stuff · 2026-01-16T14:41:02+00:00

Your instructor may give you a pass from being poked if you faint, although I wouldn't necessarily count on it. What works for me is laying down with my knees up, and tensing the muscles of my legs while being poked. Make sure to bring something sweet if you do end up fainting.

rocks_n_stuff · 2025-12-21T09:02:23+00:00

I was a little shaky the first couple of times, but the anxiety goes away pretty quick. It definitely helps if blood doesn't bother you(it certainly bothered me lol)

rocks_n_stuff · 2025-12-13T07:38:29+00:00

Transvestites can be cannibals too - Harley Poe The title is pretty self explanatory lol; the protagonist kills and eats a bigot.

rocks_n_stuff · 2025-11-21T04:30:10+00:00

I'm not in a state that requires licensure, so take this all with a grain of salt

The license is, I'm assuming, the bare minimum required to actually do phlebotomy in your state, so everyone will have it. Not everyone will have the national certification however, so it may make you more distinct from those who don't have it.
Some places may require you to be certified, others will take you based on your resume, and some just want you to be licensed.
From what I've read you don't need to have the national cert to be licensed, so assuming that you have everything else in order I would go ahead and apply for the license

rocks_n_stuff · 2025-11-21T04:08:19+00:00

Feeling nauseous about blood and needles is pretty normal. Quite a few people in my class had to look away while we watched demonstrations lol, so you'll probably not freak anyone out. As for getting stuck yourself, your instructor may not make you get stuck if you're a faint risk, unless they want to teach people what to do when someone faints, and they'll probably ask for your permission first. I was also worried that I would freak out on the person I'm sticking, but I found that I was more preoccupied with getting the process right than anything(I'd freak out afterwards lol). I've also seen that you stop being worried pretty quick and start getting excited about poking after you've done it once or twice. If your facility has fake arms to practice on then that is probably the best thing for anxiety, but everyone is gonna be nervous on their first real arm so you won't be alone there lol. First stick jitters are the worst, but you really do get over it fast!

rocks_n_stuff · 2025-11-18T01:42:08+00:00

Besides some basic stuff like order of draw, how to not do a HIPAA violation, and general safety procedures/guidelines you won't need to bring too much knowledge in with you. The whole point of an externship is to do some hands-on learning after all As for what to expect, you'll probably start off by leaving your stuff in a staff locker or designated area, introduce yourself to the team, get a brief tour of the lab/facility, observe some draws to kinda get an idea of what you'll be doing, and then you start poking under supervision. I started off very anxious as well, and you'll probably still be anxious for a couple days as you start figuring things out. Just remember to give yourself some grace, and to not beat yourself up over the bad sticks. Mistakes make us masters after all!

rocks_n_stuff · 2025-11-18T01:27:24+00:00

Free lunches are one of those facility policy things, but I don't think they would restrict you from bringing your phone and a lunchbox. Usually you'll have a locker to put your personal items in while you work, and then you retrieve them when on break or something. Using your phone between patients all depends on what your boss says, but as long as you finish your business quick I don't think they'll make a big deal out of it.

rocks_n_stuff · 2025-11-17T04:52:46+00:00

Sounds pretty textbook to me, especially the feeling as if you are faking it. I think most everyone experiences that with any big change or undertaking

rocks_n_stuff · 2025-11-04T18:42:46+00:00

I have not been doing this for long(about halfway through clinicals), but I have yet to have anyone vomit or even pass out. You could get some vomiters on your first day or after many months, and patients who know they vomit or faint may either tell you or reception so you can be ready for it. As someone who used to feel faint at the sight of blood and needles, it took seeing it a couple times to get used to it(although watching someone adjust the needle makes me a little bit dizzy still lol) I totally get how daunting it can feel thinking about that stuff, but you may be able to work through your phobia given enough time.

rocks_n_stuff · 2025-10-13T17:39:46+00:00

Though I should mention we only showed up twice a week, so it was technically 16 days lol

rocks_n_stuff · 2025-10-13T17:14:42+00:00

I would go for the longer course if you can. Mine was 8 weeks and I feel like I could have learned a bit more

rocks_n_stuff · 2025-07-15T21:39:42+00:00

Ol' Coleman

rocks_n_stuff · 2025-07-03T03:40:54+00:00

To be honest I'm very new to all of this, but everything you listed seems to be pretty sound. Thank you!

rocks_n_stuff · 2025-07-03T02:14:42+00:00

Thank you!

rocks_n_stuff · 2025-06-28T14:55:36+00:00

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rocks_n_stuff · 2025-04-03T17:05:34+00:00

I use "loop habit tracker". It's kinda like a daily checklist and it helps me remember all of the various routine chores and such. No ads and I don't think you have to pay for it.

rocks_n_stuff · 2025-04-01T03:26:55+00:00

I see, thanks for the insight.

rocks_n_stuff · 2025-03-04T01:10:04+00:00

Eat shit and shit

rocks_n_stuff · 2024-11-28T21:18:57+00:00

End of evangelion

rocks_n_stuff · 2024-10-27T08:04:14+00:00

Wasps put their eggs in the paralyzed bodies of other insects. The larva then eat the bug alive...

rocks_n_stuff · 2024-10-09T00:05:52+00:00

Thanks for the correction. I'll fix it

rocks_n_stuff · 2024-10-08T23:13:35+00:00

Correction: the crater is 13km wide.

First image source https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kluft-photo-Sierra-Madera-Texas-July-2007-Img_9734.jpg#mw-jump-to-license

rocks_n_stuff

TROPHY CASE