"As a phlebotomist, many patients get that scared look in their eye when they see the lady with a needle coming to see them. Knowing that most people have at least a small fear of getting blood drawn, I really try to lighten the mood upon first meeting a patient with conversation. I explain exactly what I am drawing and why it is important and I try to put them at ease by pinpointing where I will stick them and that the initial stick will entail a little pinch. As I'm cleaning the area prior to sticking, I maintain eye contact with the patient and keep talking to them all the way through the draw. All of this in one process really helps put the patients at ease and makes my job a lot easier as well."