Is phlebotomy a stressful job? Generally speaking, no. Phlebotomy is a low-stress career, especially compared to others in the healthcare field.
More importantly, phlebotomists tend to like their work—surveys show they’re happy doing it.
Still, there are some stresses associated with the profession, and you should be aware of them before becoming a phlebotomist.
So, just how stressful is phlebotomy? Read on for the in-depth answer; then, I’ll cover why people who’ve been doing this work for a long time think it’s still worth pursuing.
Here’s what phlebotomy students can expect, and it’s manageable.
Transparency is crucial in healthcare, so I do want to point out these two stress-related cons that come up among experienced phlebotomists:
- A faster-paced environment
- More time on your feet
- Extended hours on occasion
Technicians spend a lot of time on their feet, so get insoles.
There’s no getting around it: work as a phlebotomist is fast-paced. You’ll spend a large portion of the day moving.
Whether you’re prepping patients, drawing blood, or transporting samples, you’ll be actively engaged throughout your shift, which is really a good thing. There aren’t many dull moments, so time flies.
Roxanne’s Pro Tip: Save up and buy high-quality sneakers, then add insoles.
Hours may be long.
If you’re in a hospital, long hours may be a concern. In that case, you’ll occasionally work shifts longer than eight hours. There are early mornings and late nights. But, as I’ve touched on before, hospitals offer higher salaries. So, it comes with the territory.
Now, if you choose to work with a clinic, a small medical practice, or a lab, you’ll be working standard business hours.
Roxanne’s Pro Tip: Consider your priorities, know your value, and stay open to change if your workplace could be better.
Studies show that phlebotomists are happier than their peers.
According to Career Explorer, phlebotomists are in the top 45% of careers in terms of happiness. Phlebotomists are happier than peers in similar-paying positions, especially in the medical field.
US News and World Report rates phlebotomy “low” in terms of stress level and gives it high marks for flexibility. Here at NTX Training Institute, our alums love the work they do.
Stress levels vary by workplace.
Hospitals can be stressful environments due to the pace of work and patient volume. It comes with the territory and pay. Blood donation centers are generally less stressful because there are fewer situations where you’re racing against the clock.
Ultimately, phlebotomists have agency over where they work. If you don’t want a stressful environment, find a job in a workplace that’s a better fit for you.
Certain high-stress situations are unavoidable.
Every phlebotomist will occasionally come across nervous or uncooperative patients, especially children or those who fear needles.
And no matter how your patient acts, you’ll need to ensure accuracy under pressure. That’s not easy.
“Hard sticks” are nerve-wracking but rare.
Hard sticks are the patients whose veins are tough to locate. Even the most experienced phlebotomists may not be able to draw their blood. Yes, you will encounter hard sticks during your career, but if I had to guess the percentage, it would have to be 0.1%—really rare.
We focus on hands-on training for a reason. (You get to test your skills on us.) Our goal is for you to enjoy a career with zero hard sticks.
So, is phlebotomy a stressful job? Well, it can be stressful at times, but there’s a big difference between stress and anxiety. Anxiety is what burns people out, and that’s not going to be a problem if your workplace culture is positive and you enjoy what you do.
Choose NTX Training Institute to begin your phlebotomy career.
NTX Training Institute offers accredited, hands-on training in Denton, right next to DFW. Phlebotomy training takes just seven weeks to complete, and it’s convenient for everyone.
- Night or day classes
- Experienced instructors
- Scholarships and payment plans
Enroll in phlebotomy training classes today—stress-free!
