While it may have been a normal day at school for everyone else, but the students in Katrina King’s medical assistant class spend their morning taking blood from their friends, family and school staff members.
They students were able to use the skills they have learned and put it into practice. It was a great opportunity for students to have a real patient experience. Working towards a big end goal, the phlebotomy students had a clinic to help them achieve everything they need for their certification. The clinic was a success for students working towards their certification.
“It enables them to get their 20 successful sticks,” King said. “Which makes them eligible for their phlebotomy certification.”
Making sure fellow students and staff were comfortable during the clinic was a top priority.
“I like to always let them know what I’m doing for each step,” senior Daisy Gonzalez said. “Just communicating with them and making sure they feel comfortable as well as safe.”
Making sure someone is ready to have their blood drawn is important, taking the right steps will help things go smoothly. The medical students need to prepare, and the person volunteering to be a patience also must get ready.
“Make sure to drink a lot to stay hydrated,” King said. “They should eat a good breakfast before so they don’t get sick.”
The opportunity to earn their phlebotomy certification this year, sets students up for success towards the future. Having this certification will help secure better jobs with better pay.
“I plan to be a medical assistant in college,” senior Aubrey Luehr said. “I then plan to attend Blinn to become a registered nurse.”
This experience was new and exciting not only for the phlebotomy students but for those getting blood drawn as well.
“I’ve had my blood drawn before multiple times,” cheer coach Shelby Thiel said. “But never from a student before, so that was different. The kids did a great job, and I like being able to help out.”
