Bonfils Blood Center Is Hiring Now
DENVER (CBS4) - For the first time in 15 years, Bonfils Blood Center is holding a jobs fair. They need to hire about two dozen phlebotomists, the people who draw blood.
Janine Hopkins has been drawing blood at Bonfils for the last 15 years.
"I love it," she said with a laugh.
Hopkins got hired at the blood center's last job fair.
"I just showed up…I needed a job…and here I am," Hopkins explained.
The job includes developing relationships with donors, making them feel comfortable while sticking a needle in their arm, easing anxiety, and properly caring for the blood. Hopkins thought she might not be qualified.
"I thought you probably had to be a nurse or something like that, to be so close to a medical process, but you don't," she told CBS4.
You only need a high school diploma or a GED, Bonfils trains you how to do the rest.
"I was very hesitant. The idea of sticking a needle in someone's arm is a little frightening," she said.
But Hopkins went from hesitant to expert with 15 years of practice.
"Phlebotomy is a skill. The more you do it the more comfortable you are," Hopkins said.
As Colorado's population expands, Bonfils need to expand to meet the community's needs. Phlebotomists start at $13.42 and full time employees get a comprehensive benefits package.
The job fair will be Monday, June 20 from 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. It will be held at the Bonfils Blood Center headquarters at 717 Yosemite Street, Denver, Co 80230. Expect to spend about an hour at the job fair if you plan to apply.
LINK: Bonfls Blood Center Job Fair
Libby Smith is a Special Projects Producer at CBS4. If you have a story you'd like to tell CBS4 about, call 303-863-TIPS (8477) or visit the News Tips section.
