Phlebotomist Recognition Week

National Phlebotomists Recognition Week is February 10-14. Phlebotomists are “Drawn to Help Others” through their skillful abilities in drawing blood from patients for clinical or medical testing, transfusions, donations, or research.  Administrative duties include accurately preparing, coding, and organizing blood samples for analysis.   Phlebotomists are certified professionals who must pass an exam and have the required education and experience to receive this professional certification.

Karli Rains, pictured here, is the Phlebotomist in Veterans Memorial Hospital.  She works full-time in the Laboratory drawing patients along with many administrative duties.

Riley Palmer, pictured above, is the Phlebotomist in the hospital’s Waukon Clinic who also works full-time, drawing patients, then running the samples over to the hospital’s Laboratory for testing and quickly receiving results.

“Working as a Phlebotomist at Veterans Memorial Hospital has given me first-hand clinical experience which has helped me gain valuable insight into the medical field,” states Riley.  “As I continue to work, I am able to hone my hands on skills by collecting various lab specimens, learning how to properly use the Electronic Medical Record, and documenting important patient information. Working with patients, providers, and Certified Medical Assistants has been a great experience and has allowed me to really explore the medical field in an entry level position.”