taking a stand

Ok Ive had enough!!! Im fed up!!! I have gotten continued emails from all of us on the Phlebotomy board long enough!!! We need to take a stand!! and we need to act now!!!!

I have read countless emails about people searching for jobs and not being able to find them. Some have been searching as long as 2 years or more. Very very few have been forunate enough to land jobs but what did it take to get that job and how long did you wait to get that job? We as students that do attend phlebotomy schools have a vision that we are able to get out of what ever situation we are in, whether it be dead end job, a better future, a career, what ever the situation be, and we attend schools after schools after schools. They pump us up at these schools and make it sound so glamorous, then once that school that you are going to attend lays out their greedy little hands and says give me the money or sign on the dotted line for student loans. We some what learn the generic basics that they claim will get us a job. We graduate and get our license, me I have my national and state license that says I can work any where. Now comes the disasters...we cant find work, and why cant we find work because we dont have the EXPERIENCE!!!!

We keep a postive mind and search and search and wonder if we will ever get our big break, There are so many schools that rip us off and tell us exactly what we want to hear, and once we are out of school we cant get jobs. Some of you went in on a student loan and paying back a student loan when your not work is most difficult. It takes a toll on our perspective and our self esteem and some of you and you know who you are, become morally depressed. Please contact me via email: denineblas@yahoo.com and join me in with your signature that you want to take a stand and file a complaint on the state that employment for us does not happen. Help me put an end to this.

Denine in Corona, California said: Ok Ive had enough!!! Im fed up!!! I have gotten continued emails from all of us on the Phlebotomy board long enough!!! We need to take a stand!! and we need to act now!!!!

I have read countless emails about people searching for jobs and not being able to find them. Some have been searching as long as 2 years or more. Very very few have been forunate enough to land jobs but what did it take to get that job and how long did you wait to get that job? We as students that do attend phlebotomy schools have a vision that we are able to get out of what ever situation we are in, whether it be dead end job, a better future, a career, what ever the situation be, and we attend schools after schools after schools. They pump us up at these schools and make it sound so glamorous, then once that school that you are going to attend lays out their greedy little hands and says give me the money or sign on the dotted line for student loans. We some what learn the generic basics that they claim will get us a job. We graduate and get our license, me I have my national and state license that says I can work any where. Now comes the disasters...we cant find work, and why cant we find work because we dont have the EXPERIENCE!!!!

We keep a postive mind and search and search and wonder if we will ever get our big break, There are so many schools that rip us off and tell us exactly what we want to hear, and once we are out of school we cant get jobs. Some of you went in on a student loan and paying back a student loan when your not work is most difficult. It takes a toll on our perspective and our self esteem and some of you and you know who you are, become morally depressed. Please contact me via email: denineblas@yahoo.com and join me in with your signature that you want to take a stand and file a complaint on the state that employment for us does not happen. Help me put an end to this.

I couldn't agree with you more, thank you!

so lets ban together and do something about it lets make it happen

I totally agree with you. I am glad to hear that I'm not the only one going through this. I've graduated so long ago. I'm scared I will forget my skills that I've learned. I've applied to job after job, and I didn't get a single reply.

Hi Danielle,I myself live in B-more,it took me over a year to find a job.I know it can be very discouraging but, dont give up.I dont know what school you went to and if they offered you a clinical this dose make a differance.A clinical is a must.As far as the jobs you apply.If so you have to be very persistant.Make them remember your name.So when a opening dose come up they will say this Danielle Bowell keeps calling here for a position maybe will give her a call.Bug them what could they realy say"Maim your getting on our nerves calling us so much"So What.Have you checked doctors offices that draw blood?American Red Cross will hire you with just your cert. and clinical if you have a car.Places that do morning draws for nursing homes might be willing to take a chance on you,however you also need reliable transportation.Quest won't hire you to skick but, will hire you to process specimens.Maybe if you get your foot in with that eventualy they will let you stick,who knows.When I was searching I put a app. in with St. Agnes.I had talked with the women in charge of hiring before and she said they do hire people with no experience.I think right now they do have a plebotomist position open for every other weekend.If you do a online application for them the women to contact would be Nesa Klein 410-368-2161.I know these hours are not much and also understand when you find a job it my not be for the hours and pay that you want however, take it to get your foot in the door.You might have to sacrifice some things now to get what you want later.Take it and in a year or two you will be experienced enough to get a better job.Speaking for myself I realy enjoy my job.I went from then laboring,stressful,dirty job of being a housekeeper in a nursing home to a cushy job where I feel important and I feel better about myself because Im on my way to a career in this field.Let me know how things go.

Hi, thanks for your encouragement. I will put in an application for St.Agnes. I will not give up. Once again thank you.

kelly fortney in Racine, Wisconsin said: I couldn't agree with you more, thank you!

read my colum in "taking a stand" email me at denineblas@yahoo.com

Danielle Bowell in Baltimore, Maryland said: I totally agree with you. I am glad to hear that I'm not the only one going through this. I've graduated so long ago. I'm scared I will forget my skills that I've learned. I've applied to job after job, and I didn't get a single reply.

send me your emails at denineblas@yahoo.com

Danielle Bowell in Baltimore, Maryland said: Hi, thanks for your encouragement. I will put in an application for St.Agnes. I will not give up. Once again thank you.

send me your emails at denineblas@yahoo.com

Wow. I'm starting phlebotomy school in three weeks...your comments have me worried! I'm a sales rep at a family owned glass company that could end any day due to poor financial organization. I have always been interested in phlebotomy and decided to give school another shot. Am I making a huge mistake??? Please advise. Thank you!

Jessie,
My advise is go for it.I personally enjoy my job.I know i will enjoy it more in the coming years as I start to make more money.Nothing comes easy nowadays.Just if you go into this go in with your eyes open.Know that it might be difficult to find a position right off the bat.Also, when you do the position might not pay as much because you are just starting out exspecialy if your in a small office(doctors of. ect.)Doctor's never want to pay you that much with no experience.Lets face it they figure there are lots of new phlebotomist and medical assistants that need a job someone will be hungry enough to work for the $8,$9 they offer.And this is true so if you cant handle the low pay and you having to be very persistent when looking for a job this might not be for you.I figure it this way you have to pay your dues, you have give now and you shall rep the rewards later.So if after your class,the clinical(this is a must)you do get a offer and its no your desired pay take it.Take it and get the experience and your foot in the door. In a year or so move on.I wish you blessings not luck.Keep us posted ALICIA-

Hi Alicia! Thank you SO much for your kind advice :) It is very much appreciated! I AM going to go for it!! And in this economy, why not have a piece of paper saying you're eligible and certified to do SOMETHING! People will always need blood drawn, correct? :) Thanks again and I will keep you guys posted! Maybe you can even help me with some questions during school....(okay now I'm just pushing it! hehehehe!) Thanks again!

I am a certified phlebotomist, MA, and EKG tech. I am also a college senior, and can not find a good job. I was just hired at an entry level position at a retail store doing work that I could have done without any education or certifications. Its very frustrating to be in this situation.

I am in the same boat as you, I am a certified medical assistant and phlebotomist, and I cant find work. I am just as much at a loss as you. If I had an angel on my shoulder while signing up for school and telling me not to do this I never would have. I am just as angry and frustrated as you. My house is for sale and I am in the process of showing it today, Im scared to death to move to another state but I can no longer stay in California. California update news was on yesterday and they mentioned that the caucasian people are now the minorty. Every job I go to there is a requirement to be bilingual. I am not bilingual and I feel I am being shoved out of my own state. I went to a job interview the other day as a waitress something I did for years and wanted to get out and give myself a better life, a little more money, the hiring manager said that he had over 300 applicants for the 3 positions as a server that he needed to fill. I also went to the busiest part of town that is loaded with restaurants, and no one is hiring. Im living on a short end of the stick and no one is hiring out here, my funds have dried up, my income is in the toilet, and there are no prospects. Just about 6 months ago, ads in the paper were stating that medical assisted needed one years "paid" experience, now with the economy the way it is, the ads are now reading medical assistants wanted with "two years paid experience" its a no win situation that I am in and student loans go in forebarence left and right, my phone never stops ringing, people are hunting me down left and right. I am hoping that where I move to I will find work and be able to afford my home and my kids.

I myself live in Baltimore Maryland and bilingual is a plus but they focus more on the experience.It seems that's the case in all states for medical assistant and phlebotomist alike.It took me over a year to find a job.You have to be persistent.It seems as though you are giving up.Believe me I know how discouraging the situation can be. I myself felt defeated and was going to look for another housekeeper job.Something the I said I would not do anymore.My boyfriend talk me out of it.I didn't go to school to clean up after people all my life.Why take a step forward toward a better future by going to school and getting certified and then take a step back to a dead in job.My advise to you is to go to every doctors office that you can get to and apply with-in,look up every diagnostic and imaging center(places that do X-RAY,EKG,MRI ect.) you can find,look at your local Red Cross chapter.Have you tried Quest?They will not hire you to draw blood however, they will hire you as a specimen processor.If you are not going to draw blood and not have your job title be medical assistant at least stay within the medical field so it can add to your medical experience and you might be somewhere that you can grow.Example:three weeks ago my boss hired someone just out of school to do medical billing part time,the end of last week she gave notice that she had another job and would be leaving.The other job was not medical billing but,was full time,had full medical benefits and better pay.She will be work as a medical office receptionist for Aetna healthcare.If you do this I have faith that you will find something, and remember you might not get the pay or the hours that you want but,if you sacrifice now the rewards will come later.Keep us posted

I stumbled on this forum while looking for....guess what, a phlebotomist position. I too am certified, and did clinical, all that. I managed after 2 mos to find a perdiem job at a hospital. I really like it, but per diem wont hold me over real long. I finished my class with a 97 percent average and did great in clinical. I can only imagine the trouble the others from my class must be having finding jobs. I refuse to get discouraged, at least for now, but I feel a little taken. I can't believe my instructor didn't know how few jobs there are in the area. I just keeping telling myself I will eventually get what I want. But I certainly would not encourage anyone to go to school for phlebotomy in my area with the lack of jobs. I live in central NY, so Im not exactly in a little podunk town. Good luck guys!

I recenly graduated from a plebotomy course (June) & still can't find a job. I was in a class of 6 & only l person found a job. There are no jobs available - except those that want 1-2 years expereince. If no one gives me a break how can one get the experience.

I cannot believe that it would be soo sooo hard to find a job. Just reading some of the comments from this forum (which I found be chance) it cannot imagine it would be so bad. Did I waste my time going to school only to have no better job than what I had. I am also studying for my certification while job hunting - tell me about the exam - was it hard? I figured having your certification you would stand a better chance in obtaining a job - but that is no true.
I understand your frustration because I and so so many other pbt are in that situation.

Rick: Did you read my comment. Was the certification exam hard?

The exam was rather hard. But if you did well in class and on tests, you really should pass it. All the tests are different, so questions vary. Go over your exams if you have them. If not, read your book carefully. Honestly, I was taking the exam and thought I was going to fail. I was quite happy when I learned I passed.

PS .....the certification is really needed if you want a chance at a good position. Many PBT dont have cert. however its usually because they have done it for many yrs. Now, employers will ask you if you are certified.

I think this post is misleading depending on where you live. Look at all the hospitals near you websites. Alot of the hospitals near me, have lots of jobs posted, but I have not seen the same jobs posted on job search sites. I live near Madison, so maybe that makes a difference, there are 4 hospitals off the top of my head, 3 are hiring right now. I am looking at a position in a different town near me, there are also jobs in other towns hospitals and clinics. My program did offer clinicals, which I think were essential. I am not saying it is easy, I have applied at 7 places, and have heard from 3, had 1 interview that was very promising. SO don't give up, if you are worth beans you should be able to find work eventaully. Call the places you apply and check up on the position. Apply for the jobs that want experience, it doesn't hurt to try. I know I will get a phlebotomy job, and if I don't, no skin off my back, it is not like I spent 2 years training for this. Plus, in Wisconsin right now, the state has a grant paying all schooling for entry level lab positions, but I was going to go before I ever knew it would be paid for. Anyway, why can't you take other work while you keep looking for related jobs? That is what I will do if I don't get the position I am hoping for.You can't consider yourself too good for any kind of job, if you are going to go hungry in the mean time.

I'm a licensed phlebotomist who is currently working for a paramedical company.I'm working for the experience because it is not enough money. I have applied with every hospital and lab in the sacramento area, still no luck. I have been working for this company for 17 months. It's time for me take my skills to a diffrent level. I think the only place that hires new phlebotomist are paramedical companies. I'm wishing a hospital or a lab give me a chance, without having experience working in a hospital or lab.

What do you mean by a licensed PBT. I was speaking with a phlebotomist who said that it means "Certification". Is that right? And also what is a paramedical company - is that like an independant lab (ie) Quest, Lab Corp. I am presently working as a receptionist in an office that has LSW, NP and therapists. It is not what I want but for now it helps to pay the bills. I don't want to stray too far from my dream & will be starting to study for my certification. please reply.

Why don't you look into a hospital with an internship, then let your talents work for you. This is not just a job, you have to have the art of it. So many phlebs at our hospital are in it for the paycheck and it shows! If your lucky and get an internship, then poke and listen, don't be nervous or act like you know it all. Learn! Some hospitals offer a three week internship, if your talented, it will show, and maybe you will be offered a relief position. At least it is a start. Have you also tried the American Red Cross?

I do understand that technique and skill is very important. That is true, many phlebs are going into it for the money. That's what made me want to try phlebotomy. I used to listen to a co-worker who had been a phlebotomist for over 25 years talk about how she grew to love phlebotomy. Her technique seemed very good.

I ahve had my training and done clinicals in a hospital setting. I have gone on one interview with this hospital, but not for several months after my clinicals. I have found that you can forget your skills if you do not stay on top of your game. I was not hired but found that to be my fault because i did not prepare myself as I should have, just thinking it would all come back to me. Yes, it is hard I believe if you don't have experience, but that also comes with your school training and clinicals. You learn alot from that. If you happen to get partnered with someone who does not take their job seriously or have the interest they should have in this field, request to be partnered with another person. It is serious business when you aren left to stick patients with needles. It cannot be taken lightly. As far as a job in this field, I know they are out there, I see them everyday posted in the newspaper or get alerts on line. We just have to be persistent and while being persistent spend less time grumbling, and more time in the books. Before we know it, "our ship will come in". Do I have a job yet? No. But I just started persuing my job search again this past week. I'm not a quitter. And yes, I do believe even after raising the kids, us empty-nesters can find work in this field or other healthcare fields. Just keep on keeping on and trust in God.

is there a difference between a phlebotomist and a phlebotomy processor

Guys I really hope you don't give up. Phlebotomy is really a wonderful field. I've been a Phlebotomist for 15 years, and although I understand your plight, you have to remain positive. I don't know if any of you have ever heard of or watched "The Secret". If you haven't, please do. It makes you realize that you attract what you put out, so remaining positive and exerting positive energy will bring those same things back to you. I started out right where you guys are, and have since worked my way up the food chain, and now I teach phlebotomy, but I wouldn't be where I'm at today if I had given up. First, make sure your resumes are in tip-top shape-feel free to email them to me for review if you want (souraya_p@yahoo.com), then, don't take no for an answer-when you see an ad that says they want 3 years experience, don't let that stop you from applying anyway, make sure you have your interviewing skills up to par - you will have to sell yourself - so know yourself well and what you have to offer, with regards to student loans-defer them,and continue to as long as you need to, they have all types of deferment programs, including economic hardship and if you're in school. Don't be afraid to find out who reviews the applications and resumes, and get that person's contact information and call them. Let them know that you sent in a resume and are extremely interested in the position they have available. Don't be afraid to take "stepping stone" positions, having your foot in the door is better than having the door slammed in your face. Be aggressive when searching for a job, remember that there is competition out there, but also remember that you can beat out the competition if you have the right attitude and present yourself as such. When I have been in supervisory positions, I have hired newer Phlebs over ones with more experience because they were eager - eager to work and eager to learn more. Learn how to accentuate your assets - and never give up!

Trey, the processor usually does the computer inputs and centrifuging of specimens and delivering them to the appropriate lab department, and other things of that nature. Now in most places, not all, these two will be one in the same because they will have been cross-trained in an effort to save the company money. The more you know how to do, the more of an asset you are to an employer. Always learn as much as you can, it will keep you afloat when you see others sinking.

OK I HAVE TO SAY THIS!!!!! IF YOURE IN THE MEDICAL FIELD , I DONT CARE IF YOURE ASIAN BLACK WHITE ARE WHAT EVER , STAND UP FOR YOURSELF . THE STARTING PAY IS AWFUL !!! I LIVE IN GA LET ME GIVE YA'LL GUYS THE RUN DOWN THE STARTING PAY AFTER YOU HAVE FINISH SCHOOL ARE TRAING WHATEVER IT MAYBE ...... REMIND YOU THIS IS <GA> SURGICAL TECH TRAINING 12 TO 16 MONTHS DEPENDS WHERE U GO TO SCHOOL.STARTING PAY $13.50. PHLEBOTOMIST TECH TRAINING ONE MONTH, STARTING PAY $10.00 TO $ 11.OO. MEDICAL ASSISTANT TRAINING 8 MONTHS , STARTING PAY $12.00 NURSING ASSITANT TRAINGING 6 WEEKS ARE 12 WEEKS BUT NOT SURE , STARTING PAY $10.00, DENTAL ASSISTANT ARE ORTHODONTIC ASSISTANT TRAINING IT DEPANDS 3 TO 8 MONTHS STARTING PAY $ 14.00 TO $ 15.00, KIDNEY DIALYSIS TECH ,4TO 8 MONTHS TRAINING STARTING PAY $12.00 ,PHARMACY TECH TRAINING 3 TO 8 MONTHS DEPANDS RETAIL $8.50 HOSPITAL SITTING $14.00 THESE ARE A FEW.. 90% OF THESE JOBS PAY LESS THEN $ 15.00 BUCKS AN HOURS THIS DAY AND AGE THE PAY AINT POOP..LOL BUT SERIOUS IF YOURE IN THE MEDICAL FIELD I DONT CARE IF YOU WHIPE BUTTS YOU SHOULDNT GET PAID UNDER $15_.OO TO MANY DISEASES OUT THERE NOT SAFE NOT WORTH 10 ARE 12 ARE 13 BUCKS A HOUR .. sorry if the grammar and spelling is off just typeing fast but i hope ya'll got my point...