Cassandra Neely, phlebotomy trainer
Every month, Akron Children’s recognizes an employee for providing an exceptional patient experience. Our most recent honoree is Cassandra (Cassie) Neely, phlebotomy trainer. She recently received these kind comments from an appreciative patient:
“I have Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and I don’t do well with blood or anything like it. I always try to warn the nurses that I pass out very easily and don’t realize until I am very pale. But the other day, the woman who took my blood was very kind about how easily I pass out. I asked her not to show me the needle and/or the blood because it makes me nauseous and lightheaded. She also put a cool towel on my forehead before drawing the blood. She was very kind and kept me considerably calm. [Cassie] did an amazing job.”
What inspired you to pursue your specialty?
I’ve always loved working with children, so I knew Akron Children’s was the place for me. Phlebotomy allows me to connect with people and children, build trust and help a child.
What do you hope every patient or family feels after spending time with you?
I hope they leave feeling like they were heard, respected and cared for. If I can make a child laugh and feel brave in an uncomfortable situation and know that they are capable of doing hard things, then I have done my job.
Cassie preparing to draw blood at the Akron Children’s Golisano Campus Outpatient Lab.
What’s one thing you wish every family knew about your specialty?
Drawing blood is so much more than just that. There is a lot of thought, skill and compassion that plays a major role in phlebotomy at Akron Children’s. Every child is different, and you need to meet them where they are by explaining every detail or distracting them or giving them choices.
What does family-centered care look like in your day-to-day practice?
Family-centered care on a day-to-day basis is understanding that the child is not the only one experiencing the moment. This includes listening to not just the parents’ concerns but also considering the child and where they are emotionally.
Every Akron Children’s team member has the opportunity to make a difference in our patients’ lives. We’re hiring for clinical and nonclinical positions, so check out our career openings.
