Drawn to Care: Phlebotomist Alexandra

During a visit to the Cancer Institute at Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines, Florida, I had the opportunity to speak with Alexandra, a phlebotomist who plays an essential role in patient diagnosis and treatment. While blood draws may seem like a routine part of healthcare, they provide critical information that guides medical decisions every day. Our conversation explores the importance of laboratory medicine, the unique challenges of caring for oncology patients, and how patient education and communication can make healthcare more accessible.

Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at the Cancer Institute?

My name is Alexandra, and I'm originally from Peru. I work as a phlebotomist in the laboratory at the Cancer Institute. My primary responsibility is collecting blood samples from patients, preparing and handling those specimens properly, and making sure they are processed accurately for laboratory testing.

What educational path did you take to become a phlebotomist? 

I completed an eight-month phlebotomy program in college. It's a great starting point for anyone interested in healthcare because it allows you to gain clinical experience while exploring other careers such as nursing or laboratory medicine.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day begins early. As a mother, I get my children ready before coming to work. Once I'm at the hospital, I spend my day drawing blood, assisting patients, and making sure every specimen is collected and handled correctly so the laboratory can provide accurate results.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face when drawing blood from patients?

It depends on the patient. Many of the patients we care for have cancer and are receiving treatments such as chemotherapy. Those treatments can make their veins much more difficult to access, so drawing blood often requires extra patience, experience, and care.

How did you develop the skills and confidence needed for phlebotomy?

It takes practice. I started by working with patients of different ages, including children and adults. The more experience you gain, the more comfortable and confident you become with different situations.

From your perspective, how can hospitals make laboratory testing more accessible for patients?

Patient education is very important. Hospitals should make sure patients understand why laboratory tests are being performed, what the tests are looking for, and how the results help guide their care. Clear communication helps patients feel more informed and involved in their healthcare.

Interviewer Reflection

Although patients often spend only a few minutes with a phlebotomist, those interactions play a vital role in the healthcare journey. Alexandra's experience highlights how accurate laboratory testing depends not only on technical skill, but also on effective communication and compassion. Her perspective reminds us that improving health literacy and helping patients understand the purpose of diagnostic testing are important steps toward making healthcare more patient-forward.