Southeast Health

“I chose to work as a phlebotomist to gain firsthand experience in a hospital setting before graduating from college. As a pre-health (dentistry) major, this opportunity allowed me to interact with a diverse range of individuals on a daily basis including patients, health professionals such as doctors and nurses, as well as other professionals such as managers and HR personnel. One aspect of this role that I particularly enjoyed was the daily interactions with various people. Through these encounters, I was able to challenge myself in ways I had never done before. Initially, I was assigned to run morning routes, starting as early as 4:00 am. This required me to wake up at 3:15 am to ensure I was fully prepared. Additionally, I had never performed blood draws on patients before, but with proper training at the hospital, I quickly overcame my initial apprehension. Within just two weeks, I was providing training to others. This experience taught me a valuable life lesson - that with dedication and consistency, there is nothing that cannot be learned in this world. Overcoming my fear of drawing blood, particularly as a sensitive person, has instilled in me the belief that I can tackle anything. Furthermore, working as a phlebotomist exposed me to various systems within the hospital, which has greatly enhanced my confidence in applying for future jobs. As an international student, the procedures for job applications, internships, and HR processes are quite different from my home country. However, through this experience, I have gained a solid understanding of how these systems operate. This knowledge has equipped me with the necessary skills to navigate and adapt to unexpected situations and rules as an international student. Overall, my time as a phlebotomist has had a profound impact on my life. It not only provided me with valuable hospital experience but also developed my professionalism and adaptability.”