Laboratory technicians and nurses: different roles for patients’ benefit
The first edition of the “Interdisciplinary course in Nursing and Biomedical Laboratory Techniques” at Humanitas University kicks off
Collaboration, competence, and knowledge are the pillars of the synergistic work between nurses and laboratory technicians, whose shared goal is patient care and health protection.
These are the objectives of the first edition of the “Interdisciplinary Course in Nursing and Biomedical Laboratory Techniques,” a day dedicated to exploring the different aspects and needs of the two healthcare professions, centered around the theme of “Venipuncture.” Forty second-year students, about twenty from each degree course, worked together and discussed the roles and functions related to venipuncture, such as responsibilities, the quantity and quality of the collected material, timing, and when it is necessary to repeat the blood draw. The latter is a frequent occurrence that can be better managed with adequate understanding of each other’s work.
“It was the first time a multidisciplinary course was organised for two roles that usually don’t interact but actually work towards a common goal: the care of the patient,” explains Simone Cosmai – Academic Coordinator of the Nursing degree program at the Bergamo campus. “Understanding each other’s professional needs is essential for effective collaboration and for recognizing what is a priority for the other: from the nurse’s perspective, obtaining accurate results quickly in order to act promptly on the patient, and from the laboratory technician’s perspective, receiving material of good quality and in sufficient quantity to ensure accurate analysis”
The day began with a theoretical session on the different aspects of venipuncture: from the prescription of lab tests, to the sampling technique, and through the analysis that leads to laboratory results. Thanks to the involvement of some third-year Nursing students, the final two hours were dedicated to hands-on practice of venipuncture on mannequins, in which all participants could try out the procedure. “A quality blood draw is the foundation of a good lab test,” explains Federico Fornoni – Lecturer in the Biomedical Laboratory Techniques degree program and Technical Coordinator at the Humanitas Gavazzeni Analysis Laboratory. “It is important to understand the various stages that lead to a high-quality venous sample from both perspectives: the nurse, who knows the patient and their specific challenges, and the laboratory technician, who performs the sample analysis. Achieving the shared goal – a laboratory result that is precise, accurate, and truly reflects the patient’s condition – is crucial for making informed clinical decisions.”
During the first part of the course, participants naturally grouped with peers from their own degree program, but during the practical session they began to work together and understand each other’s needs and priorities. Getting to know one another proved to be valuable, and it quickly became evident that nurses and lab technicians, once they understand each other’s work, can collaborate effectively.
Organising multidisciplinary activities and gaining experience in other areas related to healthcare professions enriches individuals and improves teamwork. The second edition of the course is already scheduled for the next academic year.