By Alana Mauger

September marks Kristin Mindock’s one-year anniversary working with the American Red Cross as a phlebotomist. And while collecting blood is a big change from her previous career in the restaurant industry, she enjoys the challenge.  

“Every vein is different. Some are more challenging than others,” she said.  

The Red Cross offers six weeks of paid, comprehensive training for phlebotomists at all levels, including those like Kristin who have no prior experience in the field. 

“I look back a year ago, how I was asking everyone for help [and] now I can solve those problems on my own,” she said. “I give myself a little high five when that happens.” 

In fact, it’s Kristin who now provides that help for members of her team. Thanks in part to her managerial experience, she became a collections specialist II, also called a “charge” in December. That promotion means she’s the team’s designated problem solver on assigned blood drives.   

But Kristin is quick to point out that she’s still “a worker” and enjoys interacting with blood donors – a highlight of her job. 

“I like meeting new people every day,” she said.   

Editor’s Note: National #BloodCollectorsWeek is Sept. 3-9, 2023. Celebrate those who ensure donors have great experiences and patients get the blood they need. Schedule an appointment to donate blood!