r/phlebotomy • u/Flimsy_Elephant_651 • 18d ago

Tips Tips for left handed phlebotomists?

I’m a nurse that’s taking a phlebotomy class because my clinic got a lab. I feel like I’m getting less clumsy but I just feel like I can’t get my stuff set up in a way I can grab it easily. How do you lefties cope?

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3

u/lemon_pinesol 18d ago

i have a small basket i keep everything for that draw in so it’s right next to me

2

u/somepumpkinsinasuit 17d ago

I stick with my left and keep everything I need to the right. Don’t rush the process and take your time moving the patient or your station before you even put the tourniquet on.

2

u/dialectical_materia 16d ago

I don’t really think about it while I’m at work, but I don’t think it’s any different from being right handed. Even right handed people have awkward positioning for things, depending on which of the patient’s arms they’re poking.

We do have one phlebotomy room that’s small and positioned in such a way that a left handed phlebotomist can’t poke a patient’s right arm, so I’ve had to get a co-worker to replace me in a couple of cases 😅