Ade Okunlola – Phlebotomist

Ade Okunlola – Phlebotomist

Over the course of my experience in the healthcare field, I have quickly advanced from a phlebotomist to a hybrid phlebotomist, this role requires me to simultaneously manage a range of projects including blood drawing, BP reading and temperature checks.  All of which take place in the patients and blood doners home and can also be at their workplaces.     This role requires an immense amount of training, dedication and safety as carrying out blood procedures within non-clinical environments can pose safety risks and concerns if not preformed correctly. 

As I have developed into a hybrid phlebotomist, I have been provided with the responsibility of guiding new colleagues and helping them to develop the skills required to perform their role. My fellow colleagues shadow me whilst in my work, which keeps me accountable and encourages me to perform at my best always. Whilst providing me with a level of trust from my line Manager that make them feel comfortable enough to sign off these colleagues after shadowing me.

I acknowledge that the role of a hybrid phlebotomist requires time and attention as your role always requires dedication. I am happy and proud to dedicate the hours of work as the role is very rewarding. Seeing the impact that your role as on people’s life’s whilst building respective relations with regular patients makes my job even more enjoyable. I am a highly skilled, flexible and adaptable individual. I carry out scheduled visits and successfully collect, transport, and deliver samples for testing to different hospitals on a regular basis.

I work closely with the patients who requires their routine blood test monthly. I carefully pay attention in drawing vials of blood for the tests ordered and properly labelling samples with the patient’s information.

I carry a positive attitude to make the atmosphere warming and comforting for both myself and the patients. I see the importance of good communication to ensure that information between myself, the patients, their HCP and my employer are being effectively received. Good observation skills are also necessary to make the patient’s experience a positive one as I know not all patients are excited to have their blood drawn. My role involves demonstrating kindness and understanding in the face of fear and uncertainty, helping the patient to feel relaxed and manage their fears or discomfort.

In my current role, I enjoy working remotely and as a team by having a virtual meeting every fortnight in sharing our best practices. It creates a healthy and supportive work environment that makes me feel comfortable to address any achievements or concerns that I may have.

I have got excellent time management and good professional communication skills. In the last 4 years I have developed multiple skills as a vaccinator where I participated in Covid-19 vaccination program. I conducted Covid-19 tests for participants volunteering for the Coronavirus study by collecting their swabs and carried out blood tests in their homes.

In my role I prioritise my day-to-day activities and organise my visits well ahead for the next day to accommodate the service user’s needs.

I pride myself in my role, a highly dedicated, committed, and responsible employee. I am a quick learner who is always open to learning new skills.

Ade is part of Medelit’s team of phlebotomists and carries out home blood withdrawal services for patients throughout London, directly in the privacy of their home.