Introducing the CMLA Program’s Community Volunteer Initiative 

 

In the Fall of 2023, Camosun’s Certified Medical Lab Assistant (CMLA) Program introduced the Community Volunteer initiative. This initiative allows the friends and families of CMLA students to volunteer for a student phlebotomy procedure. The Community Volunteers present at the Teaching Clinic, located on the first floor of the Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness. The CMLA portion of the Teaching Clinic consists of a reception and waiting room and two phlebotomy rooms. The phlebotomy rooms boast adjustable phlebotomy chairs and “hospital” beds, fully stocked phlebotomy carts, and safe sharps disposal containers. Under the guidance of an instructor, second-term CMLA students confirm their volunteer patient’s identification, create a requisition, generate patient labels, and perform patient identification, phlebotomy, and blood typing.  

 

CMLA students begin their practical skills application by practicing on “task trainers” (rubber arms). Once the CMLA students have developed proficiency on a task trainer, they then hone their phlebotomy skills on each other before heading to their practicum placements in term three. The community volunteers offer a bridge between instructor guided practice and practicum. When asked about her experiences with the community volunteers, CMLA student Kelly had this to say: “The realistic cooperation from the volunteers, emulating real patient scenarios, has significantly contributed to our readiness for the upcoming practicum. Their involvement has been instrumental in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.” Another CMLA student, Rachel, had a similar experience: “… Having outside people volunteer simulated a real-life experience because you will rarely have the benefit of knowing what kind of patient you are dealing with before the interaction… it was exciting to adapt to each patient and make intuitive decisions on the spot. It also gave me an opportunity to practice interacting with patients rather than my classmates…”  

 

With the addition of community volunteers, the CMLA program hopes to give students a “real-world” experience. It allows the students the opportunity to enhance their communication and patient management skills, as well as expand their critical thinking and application of practical skills. “The community volunteer experience really helped the students to develop confidence in their skills and knowledge. I was very impressed at how efficiently and professionally they engaged with the volunteers, and I hope that the experience helped them to feel better prepared for practicum.” Said Lauren, an Instructor for the CMLA Program. 

 

Community volunteers aren’t limited to only students’ friends and family, anyone over the age of majority can sign up as a community volunteer, and all volunteers are greatly appreciated! We welcome the participation of Camosun College students, staff, and faculty – by volunteering you help to enhance the skills of future Certified Medical Lab Assistants. If you are interested in volunteering, you can create an account and book an appointment at https://camosunaht.janeapp.com/ .  

 

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