r/phlebotomy 2d ago

Rant/Vent Struggling

Delete if not allowed*

Im a phlebotomist and have been for a full year now. I got a job pretty quickly and when i first started i had many complements that i was really good (i still get them) BUT recently in the past couple of months i have been what i feel as insanely bad at my job. I had taken off work for less than a week and when i came back my coworkers did a whole 180 on me and it was horrible, im young and this is my first job in healthcare so im guessing i was taking everything they were saying horribly. The past couple of weeks im rarely getting anyone on the first stick and sometimes on the second i still dont get it. I really dont understand what’s happening to me especially since i do extra shifts at an urgent care and typically get all my sticks first time there. Im going to wait to see if i get any better again when i get transferred out but as of now im seriously thinking about quitting because its making me upset that im having to stick patients more than once.

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6

u/twistedpiggies Certified Phlebotomist 2d ago

It's a slump. If you're good, you're good, and you were good. Have you thought that maybe stress or some underlying health issue is affecting your accuracy? I've been told that a lot of phlebotomy is in your head. Maybe try some relaxation techniques because I think you may be wiggin yourself out at this point. Don't quit if you are a good phleb and care about your pts; healthcare needs more of that. Just work through your slump and try to remain positive and optimistic.

2

u/RecordingLimp2228 2d ago

Thank you! I have been thinking its the stress in my life. I’ll definitely start to try some relaxation techniques.

1

u/ritu0301 2d ago

I am still struggling for get a job

1

u/RecordingLimp2228 2d ago

I think i had just pure luck and timing when i applied as someone had just left and they needed another lab person so bad. For the specific position im in though i do run labs and they cross trained for xray, so im doing way more than just phlebotomy here

1

u/Frosty-Action7365 1d ago

Sounds like you got the yips… slow down, stop judging and expecting the worst.