I am taking the time today to praise the work of Lindsey Jandoli, who cared for me yesterday. For nearly 40 years, I have been an enormously fearful patient because: I have very small veins in my arms, and many years ago I had excruciating pain from being stuck in my arm over and over again.
Lindsey displayed the following behaviors that made my blood draw one of the BEST in many years. When she arrived, she listened intently and respectfully to my fears and concerns. When I explained that it works best when the person works with me and works slowly, she immediately got it. She applied a tourniquet to my arm and then took her time carefully examining all of the possible draw sites. When she found the vein in my right hand that looked like the best site, she said, "Ok, we're going to go in there". Her use of the word "we" as opposed to the word "I'm" made me feel like a partner in the draw. At my request, she counted to three before she stuck my hand. The stick was fast, smooth and only hurt for a second! The draw was quick! At my request, she also counted to three before removing the needle. This was one of the best blood draws in my life experience. I joked with Lindsey that I wanted her cell phone number and e-mail address so that she could be contacted and brought to wherever I am for future blood draws/extractions. She was skillful, respectful and phenomenal.