In a thriving urban center like Houston, Texas, qualified phlebotomists are in demand. This large city is home to prestigious hospitals, laboratories, blood banks, and a huge number of doctor's offices. Phlebotomy jobs, which involve the drawing of blood either for analysis or blood donation, are available in all of these healthcare facilities. While any phlebotomy position will provide valuable experience to further your career, the work environment and patient population will differ somewhat depending on your setting.

Types of Phlebotomy Jobs

Laboratories and testing centers are common places for phlebotomists to find work in Houston, TX. Doctors refer their patients to these facilities when blood work is needed; job applicants often have their routine drug screening done at labs or testing centers as well. Phlebotomists have the chance to interact with a wide variety of patients at a laboratory, and don't have to travel in order to perform their duties. Hospitals are another attractive employment option for phlebotomists. Phlebotomists working in hospitals don't remain in a stationary position during their shift: They travel throughout the facility with a mobile unit that contains their blood-collection supplies, typically working with patients at their bedside. Houston boasts a large number of doctor's offices as well as some blood banks. These facilities can be good places to find phlebotomy jobs.

Qualifications

Most phlebotomy jobs in Houston, TX require only a high school diploma, although it's preferable to have some formal phlebotomy training from a vocational school. In some situations, employers require that applicants have a certification from a professional organization, CPR training, or bilingual abilities.

Salary Comparisons

The median salary for a phlebotomist in Houston, TX is quite similar to the national average. Salaries tend to be higher in Houston than in surrounding areas of southeast Texas. In general, phlebotomist jobs that require more experience or advanced qualifications will pay more than entry-level positions.

With many prestigious hospitals and an expansive network of healthcare providers, New York City offers a wealth of opportunity for a phlebotomist seeking work. Phlebotomist jobs, which primarily involve the drawing of blood from patients, can be found in various types of healthcare settings, including laboratories, testing centers, doctor's offices, and hospitals. While most phlebotomy jobs have similar requirements regarding vocational training or professional certification, some aspects of the job will vary depending on the setting.

Hospital Jobs

New York City is home to some of the world's most renowned hospitals and medical centers. These facilities employ a huge number of phlebotomists to handle the task of drawing blood. At a hospital, phlebotomists don't stay in one set location: They move around the facility during their shift, visiting patients in all areas of the hospital. To accomplish this task, they transport a wheeled mobile unit that contains all their materials and supplies.

Laboratory Jobs

There is no shortage of jobs for phlebotomists at New York City's many laboratories and testing centers. Patients are sent to these facilities by their doctors when they need blood work. While a laboratory job provides phlebotomists with the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of patients, the job itself is quite stationary. The phlebotomist stays in one location at the lab, and the patients come to them. In addition to traditional laboratories, blood banks can also be a source of employment for phlebotomists with the appropriate training.

Doctor's Office Jobs

Working at one of the thousands of doctor's offices in New York City is another attractive opportunity for qualified phlebotomists. Not all doctors refer their patients to laboratories or testing centers for blood work. Some physicians employ an in-office phlebotomist to collect blood samples from patients. This situation is particularly common in larger offices where the facility is shared by a number of doctors.

Phlebotomy technicians usually say that the easiest part of their training was in the classroom. Books teach students the skills they will have to put into practice, but practice and on-the-job training are the difficult parts of the job. However, it does become easier over time, so new workers should avoid feeling discouraged. These tips will help make training easier.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Phlebotomy technicians spend a great deal of time on their feet. They have to stand in place, squat and bend over frequently. If the feet are not properly aligned, this is hard on the back. Having back pain can make an eight-hour shift seem like 20 hours. Avoid buying cheap shoes, and purchase insoles or supports if needed.

Bring A Water Bottle

Phlebotomy labs are often cool and dry to keep patients comfortable and temperatures controlled. The dry air will dehydrate skin over long periods of time, so be sure to drink plenty of water. At least one liter every eight hours is helpful.

Always Eat Breakfast

It is important to eat before going to work. When students or trainees first start phlebotomy work, it often takes a while for them to become accustomed to seeing blood frequently. Eating a healthy breakfast or pre-shift snack can help reduce the feeling of queasiness or light-headedness that some new trainees experience. Over time, those feelings will go away.

Keep Essential Items On Hand

It is helpful to keep a watch, a pen, a pad of paper, a small flashlight and a small bottle of hand sanitizer in a pocket at all times. Depending on the location of the job and duties, some items will be used more often than others.

Make Universal Precautions A Habit

Blood can carry many diseases, and phlebotomy technicians may not always know exactly what a patient is carrying. Universal precautions can prevent the spread of blood-borne pathogens, so make these precautions a habit from the start. Some people become sloppy as they become comfortable with the job, but remember that the risks always remain.