Connections: February 2023 - 9

WHAT'S IT
LIKE TO BE ...
A phlebotomist?
Interested in
Phlebotomy?
WRI launches a new
training program
Phlebotomists are in demand-
and will continue to be into
the future. According to the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
employment opportunities for
phlebotomists will grow 10% in
the next decade-faster than the
average for all occupations.
To meet that demand, and
to provide another chance to
enter the healthcare workforce,
Dartmouth Health's Workforce
Readiness Institute is offering
6 weeks of paid training for
those interested in pursuing the
profession. The first group of 10
students began the program on
Jan. 9.
" Phlebotomists perform
a critical function within our
system, and Dartmouth Health
offers tremendous career growth
opportunities, " says Michael
Harhen, system vice president
of Laboratory Services. " In
addition to a competency-based
career ladder that supports
advancement for phlebotomists,
Dartmouth Heath offers additional
training opportunities that can be
an excellent next career step. "
If you're interested in attending
an informational session, click here.
" Always having a challenge
ahead of me. I love the
opportunity to learn new things
on a daily basis. But the best thing
about doing what I do is having
the ability to help others when
they are in a time of need. "
Patti Silver
Cheshire Medical Center
" Being able to give patients the best
experience they can get when they
come for bloodwork. Some patients have a
needle phobia, and being able to give them a
positive experience and help them overcome
their fear is what I find most rewarding
about being a phlebotomist. "
Nikki Cronin
Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics Bedford
Phlebotomists are a vital part of the care team and the
patient experience at Dartmouth Health. The basis of
their job is drawing blood samples and preparing them
for testing. But let's face it: No one really likes being
stuck for a sample, and another important aspect of
the phlebotomist's role is explaining the process and
helping calm people who are anxious about getting their
blood drawn. As we celebrate National Phlebotomists
Recognition Week Feb. 13-17, we asked a few from around
our system what they like best about their jobs.
" Knowing that my skill set and
expertise are needed in order to better
help with patient care. Having a gentle,
calming approach, combined with medical
laboratory knowledge, can ease a patient's
insecurities and concerns when having
laboratory procedures done. "
Shannon Sanders
Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center
" Being able to use my skills to help patients
feel comfortable and relieve any anxiety
they may have. It is great being part
of a team when we have a key role
in collecting a quality specimen which
will assist the provider in the treatment
of their patients. "
Linda Muthersbaugh
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
http://dhwri.org/phlebotomy-training-program/
Connections: February 2023

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