How to lose a faithful Type O-Negative Donor
By Gail Grenier Sweet ©2006
1. When you find that she has veins that “roll,” encourage her to always ask for a blood pressure cuff and the most experienced phlebotomist.
2. Next time you encounter her and she asks for the cuff and “the most talented needle in the place,” give her the cuff… but brush off her request for the most experienced phlebotomist. Insist that the less-experienced phlebotomist working with her go ahead, that she “can do it.” In other words, make sure the donor knows this less-experienced phlebotomist will “practice” on her.
3. Now it’s no surprise that the vein will roll and the phlebotomist, understandably nervous, will have to work to re-position the needle. Be sure that the donor will feel PAIN.
4. Now you’ve assured that the patient will have a good-sized bruise at the needle site, a reminder of the PAIN.
5. Next time the Blood Center calls your donor for a donation, don’t ask yourself why she hesitates to return. Pain, even a second or two of pain, is not something your donor looks forward to experiencing.
To be continued...