Phlebotomy Skills to List on a Resume and Cover Letters

Phlebotomy Skills to List on a Resume and Cover Letters



•••

Share





Flip





Pin





Share





Email



BY ALISON DOYLE

 

Updated April 29, 2018

Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for tests, research, transfusions, and/or blood donations. They work primarily in hospitals, doctors’ offices, blood donation centers, and laboratories. Along with drawing blood, they also label the blood for processing, enter information in computer databases, and assemble and maintain all the medical instruments needed to draw blood.

Phlebotomists often explain the procedure to patients and reassure patients who are nervous. Sometimes, they also have to care for patients who have an adverse reaction after their blood is drawn. Phlebotomists require a wide variety of skills. Some of these are hard skills such as knowing how to perform certain medical procedures. Others are soft skills, such as compassion for anxious patients.

Below is information on phlebotomist skills for resumes, cover letters, job applications, and interviews. Included is a detailed list of five of the most important phlebotomist skills, as well as a longer list of even more related skills.​

How to Use Skills Lists

You can use these skills lists throughout your job search process. Firstly, you can use these skill words in your resume. In the description of your work history, you might want to use some of these keywords. Secondly, you can use these in your cover letter. In the body of your letter, you can mention one or two of these skills, and give a specific example of a time when you demonstrated those skills at work.

Finally, you can use these skill words in an interview. Make sure you have at least one example of a time you demonstrated each of the top five skills listed here. Of course, each job will require different skills and experiences, so make sure you read the job description carefully and focus on the skills listed by the employer. Here are the top phlebotomy job skills to list.

Attention to Detail

Phlebotomists usually have a constant flow of patients throughout the day. They need to be precise when drawing blood, labeling samples and keeping track of samples.

Communication

Phlebotomists need to be able to clearly explain procedures to patients, and listen to their questions and concerns. Many patients will be nervous, so clearly explaining what is going to happen will put patients at ease. Verbal communication skills are therefore critical.

Data Entry

Most hospitals and doctors’ offices require phlebotomists to enter patient and specimen information in a medical record database on the computer. Having data entry skills and experience is a big plus for a phlebotomist.

Free Guide: How to Build a Killer Resume

We'll email you tips to make your resume truly impressive.

ONE-TAP SUBSCRIBE

Dexterity

Physical dexterity (or motor skills) is critical for a phlebotomist. Phlebotomists have to work with their hands to handle equipment and draw blood. They need to be able to draw blood quickly and efficiently, with minimal discomfort for patients.

Empathy

Phlebotomists need to have strong interpersonal skills. In particular, they need to be able to empathize with and show concern and care for patients who are nervous. Empathy will help a phlebotomist interact successfully with patients and their families.

List of Phlebotomist Skills

Read below for a longer list of phlebotomist skills that includes the skills listed above. These skills are divided into distinct categories.

Interpersonal Skills

Calming anxious clients





Customer service





Empathy





Explaining the process of extracting samples to clients





Instructing patients regarding proper urine collection





Listening





Maintaining confidentiality





Persuading reluctant clients to cooperate with collections





Positioning patients





Properly identifying patients



Personal Attributes

Accuracy





Adaptability





Attention to detail





Collaboration 





Communication





Continual learning





Critical thinking





Dependability





Dexterity





Listening





Hand-eye coordination





Mathematical skills





Multitasking





Organizational skills





Prioritizing assignments  





Problem-solving





Speaking clearly





Stress management





Time management





Working quickly



Technical Skills

Adhering to government regulations





Applying tourniquets





Basic life support





Calculating quantity of blood needed 





Close vision





Collecting blood using proper technique and protocol





Data entry





Decontaminating puncture site





Documenting all procedures





Following infection control guidelines





Identifying abnormal cells





Learning new software





Locating appropriate veins for blood collection





Maintain specimen integrity





Maintaining lab equipment





Manual and finger dexterity





Microsoft Excel





Microsoft Word





Minimizing waste of supplies 





Ordering supplies





Performing chemical tests





Preparing specimens for transport to the laboratory





Promoting workplace safety





Properly labeling specimens





Reading and interpreting medical documents





Reading color chemical reactions





Receiving pre-collected specimens from clients





Recording data





Responding to emergency situations





Safely disposing of blood and bodily fluids





Spanish





Sterilizing collection site





Suggesting ways to improve quality and efficiency of blood collection





Taking vital signs





Testing blood for drugs





Tracking specimens





Transporting specimens to the laboratory





Venipunctures





Writing reports, correspondence, and policies



 https://www.thebalancecareers.com/list-of-phlebotomist-skills-2062454