Today we’d like to introduce you to Lourdes Castro.
Lourdes, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Lourdes Castro, and I am originally from Puerto Rico but raised in Brooklyn, New York. At the age of sixteen, I became a teenage mom to my incredible son. I worked for the New York City Board of Education for a couple of years, and I knew that was not the profession I wanted to continue. In 2003, I decided to go to the New York School of Medical and Dental assistant; that is where my journey of the medical field started. In 2005, My husband and I decided to move to Orlando, Florida, where I started as a medical assistant in the Hematology/Oncology field. This is where my love for phlebotomy came from. One of the things I always loved about this line of work is the interaction you have with patients. My heart soars when I stick a patient for blood, and they say, ” I didn’t even feel that.” or ” You got me on the first try.” My favorite one is “I need the vein finder; I am a hard stick!” My answer to that is, “I AM THE VEIN FINDER” Patients usually roll their eyes in disbelief to that statement; however, when I stick them on the first try, they always say, ” I wish I can take you everywhere I go to draw my blood.” Hearing this statement continuously sparked an idea. This small idea started to become a dream when I noticed the need for Mobile phlebotomists. Approximately a year ago, Hands That Care Mobile Phlebotomy finally obtained our LLC and Certifications necessary to move forward. Currently, although Hands That Care Mobile Phlebotomy patient load is not high, we’re hoping that will improve with time as this service can be so beneficial to those that need it. My future plans include hiring Mobile Phlebotomist and eventually opening a phlebotomy school where one day my students can say, “THAT THEY ARE THE VEIN FINDERS.”
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not. Covid-19 was certainly a hurdle to overcome, as there were so many unknown variables. As a result of the pandemic, the supplies for phlebotomy and other medical equipment were in such high demand that were was a prolonged back order- to the point where sometimes it was unknown when things would be in stock again. Although obtaining the LLC and various certifications was pretty straightforward, I didn’t know so much was involved until I began the process.
As you know, we’re big fans of Hands That Care Mobile Phlebotomy. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Hands That Care Mobile Phlebotomy comes to your location with all the equipment necessary to easily and properly obtain the requested samples. Specimens are hand delivered to the patient’s insurance preferred lab. Lab Requisitions/kit draw forms need to be completely filled out and emailed to info@handsthatcaremobilephlebotomy.com or fax to 689-223-4647 along with a copy of your insurance card (front/back). This will ensure our phlebotomist will arrive with the proper equipment and also prepare your specimen for collections. After staff has arrive to perform the blood draw, your specimen will be delivered to the designated laboratory for specimen processing. Results are sent directly to ordering provider. My extensive healthcare background allows me to extend my professional skills to provide the highest level of compassionate care. My calling is to maintain a special touch and work with the most sensitive of patients. In other words, the best vampire ever! Hands that care mobile phlebotomy charges a concierge fee for this service, and the price is determined by location and the service is needed. Anyone can use Hands that care mobile phlebotomy; if you don’t have the time to wait to go to the lab or have transportation issues, call Hands That Care Mobile Phlebotomy. If you are a caregiver who does not have the time to take your loved ones to the lab, call Hands That Care Mobile Phlebotomy. If you or someone you know are homebound and are unable to get to the lab, call Hands That Care Mobile Phlebotomy.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Without a doubt, First and foremost, I have to thank God, he defiantly spoke to me in my dreams. I’m just lucky that I was in the right state of mind to listen to his words and directions. I have received so much love and support throughout this journey, but I could not have gotten this far without my husband, William Castro- my biggest supporter, cheerleader, and the love of my life for the last thirty years, every time I want to doubt myself and the expectations where Hands That Care Mobile Phlebotomy should be, he is the first one to shut those thoughts down. My son Joshua and daughter-in-law Cellaya and my Grandson William give me the strength to keep pushing to succeed. My amazing parents and my grandmother who were first in line to make an appointment and who are always promoting Hands That Care Mobile Phlebotomy. A special thanks to Cleretta, Mildred, Hector, Delaila, Maria, Natalia, Dee, and Edwin. I also want to give a huge shoutout to my family, friends, and co-workers who have each helped out tremendously with either stuffing envelopes, promoting the business, or giving me words of encouragement. I have had many mentors along the way that includes physicians and Nurse practitioners that I’ve had the privilege of working with. I am so Blessed to have this amazing group of people who believe in and support my dream.
Pricing:
- Determined by location and service needed
- Can start from $55
- We do not take insurance, however, give discounted price for Medicare Medicaid patients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.handsthatcaremobilephlebotomy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hands_that_care/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hands-That-Care-Mobile-Phlebotomy/100076197467467/
Image Credits
Edwin Caraballo
Cellaya Hayden
