Here I am, a fresh graduate working in the lab. The lab I was working in back then was a small hospital laboratory where the MLTs are also the phlebotomists.
One day I went out to our town’s nursing home to draw an elderly lady in the memory care wing. She did have severe dementia.
I went ahead and introduced myself and asked for her name and date of birth. She then started asking where my parents are.
I probably have a look of confusion on my face. She proceeded to say that a little girl like me shouldn’t be running down the halls. She blatantly told me that she needed to see her nurse (apparently to report me to her)
I have to explain to her that I am a professional and I work in the lab. “The doctor wanted these blood work done so he can see how you’re doing.”
With a look of disbelief, she said “Dream on. You’re not fooling me!”
I know I’m a petite lady but wow she mistook me for a little girl. I have to go back and find someone else to draw her blood.
Submitted by:
Felicity Buenvenidez
Medical Laboratory Technician
New Mexico, USA
