The Importance of Annual Competency Evaluations
February 17, 2012
Successfully completing your phlebotomy courses and passing your phlebotomy certification exams do not mean you are done learning. As a phlebotomy technician you will be required to undergo annual competency testing. There are those that question having their techniques re-evaluated year after year and become quite anxious as each anniversary date approaches. One way to relieve some of this anxiety is by understanding that these evaluations are not designed to question your skills or abilities as a professional.
Advances in technique, the equipment you use, laboratory procedures and even legal issues can affect and change the way you work. Written documentation that you have kept up with new techniques and procedures and have consistently followed accepted standards in blood collection will help to maintain your professionalism in the eyes of current and future employers. The goal of competency testing is two-fold; it will confirm that you understand and adhere to current established phlebotomy standards and secondly it will highlight any areas that may need improvement so that they can be addressed right away.
All medical and laboratory facilities that deal with blood collection and testing should be providing their employees proper training as new procedures emerge and provide adequate hands-on practice before being implemented. This helps to ensure that your skills and knowledge in the field will be up to par come evaluation time. There are a number of testing methods used in evaluations, the most common of which are:
- Problem solving
- Direct observation
- Question and answer session
- Written test
For those who are serious about their careers and strive to keep up with the latest techniques, online phlebotomy certification refresher courses are an ideal tool and can be done on your free time. Keep in mind also that updating your phlebotomy certification on a regular basis can go a long way in cases of patient injury. Although not a guarantee against liability, having proof of your continued adherence to accepted procedures can only be a positive factor in your favor.
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