Posted In Awards and Recognition on January 20, 2025

We continue our TidalHealth series “Grow With Us” and our January 2025 profile of India Wilson, our Inpatient Lead Phlebotomist at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional.
India’s 4-year journey began, technically, at the lowest level possible as one of the first trainees in a new program (at that time in 2020) and has really accelerated over the past nearly half decade to a leadership role in the department.
And, if you’ve ever had blood drawn for any test, you know how important a “good stick” can be, in particular, if you’re already anxious about what those results can lead to.
Off we go with India Wilson and her story!
Thanks, India, for the opportunity to grab a little time to learn more about your career at TidalHealth. Let us get this interview rolling by having you introduce yourself to our readers by telling us about where you’re from, where you grew up, family, what brings you happiness in life…the India Wilson story.
I am from Federalsburg Md., born and raised. My family moved to Salisbury when i was in middle school. I graduated from Parkside High School (GO RAMS), so I’ve been in Salisbury for quite a while. My little family is what brings such happiness to my life. I have one son. His name is Jovanni and we call him JoJo for short. He loves to play and clap his hands. Cocomelon is his favorite! He just turned one in October. Our birthdays are only two days apart, yes both Libras. Just watching him grow brings so much joy to my heart. He is a momma's boy.
Those are the best years. Hey, JoJo! Let’s step back to 2020, before your introduction to this new trainee program. Were you working for TidalHealth at the time? If so, why the change in careers, and if not, why phlebotomy over what you were doing?
Before TidalHealth i was working in production. After being there for 6, almost 7, years I was ready for change. I wanted to start a career in healthcare. I began looking into the field and came across TidalHealth’s Phlebotomy Trainee Program. Everything was new to me, but I was so eager to learn. This was new to TidalHealth as well; I was a participant in the first program that they held.
Tell me about this new phlebotomy program and that fact that you were one of the first selected to train. How did that all come about and how did you get selected?
TidalHealth posted the phlebotomy trainee program on their website, which I found on Indeed. I applied and interviewed with some of the supervisors from the lab. Honestly, I did not think I would have a chance since I did not have any prior medical experience. It was my personality and strong work ethic that I think really convinced them to have me join the team. So, my supervisor says, lol. The program is a 6-week course where we learn hands on. Some of the classes were online, then we transitioned to the floor to train. After 100 sticks and successfully passing each module in the class we then took the test to become certified.
OK, so now you’re in the program, you’re learning all these new skills. Was it a bit overwhelming, everything you had hoped it would be, or maybe a little of both?
I don't think it was overwhelming at all. The girls on the team did an excellent job welcoming us in. They took time to get to know us, and even more time to train us with their busy schedules. Getting to work with patients versus a fake arm is what made the class become more successful.
Once that training program ends, what do you do and where do you go?
If accepted to the program, you become an employee of TidalHealth as a trainee. Once you successfully complete the program and pass the final exam, you are promoted to phlebotomist and your pay increases. From there, you are obligated to stay with the department for two years.
You also became certified, as you mentioned, as part of completing that program. What does that mean?
Yes, after completing the program we were able to take the test to become certified meaning we were officially a phlebotomist and paid as such.
I’m always curious to know how important mentors are to all of you in a clinical field you’re just starting to “find your way around.” How critical were they to your success and anyone you want to shout out?
My entire team really helped me to be successful. I am not just saying this because they are my coworkers. They really took the time to make me feel a part of the team and even more time to make sure that I was trained the right way, showing me all their tips and tricks on how to find a good vein. So, if I was to give a shout out it would be to all the “OG phlebotomists” as they call themselves, lol, Sunshine, Dawn, Julie, Taylor & Theresa.
Now that you’re a bit seasoned in this profession, do you feel that same need to “pay it back” as a mentor and how important is that to you?
The Phlebotomy team welcomes students year around. We help schools like Del Tech, SU and Wor-Wic with their clinicals. We also host students from Woodbridge High School in Delaware and Parkside students. Each week we work with 1 to 2 students. They have anywhere from 50 to 150 sticks that they need to perform, which is required by their program. I also help new hires with their training as well. I always remember coming in with no experience and how the team made me feel so comfortable, so I always try my best to make them feel the same way. After all, sticking people can be a little bit scary at first.
I get that! I’m sure you know that in the process of diagnosing what might be wrong with us, a phlebotomist is one of the first people in that chain that we’ll encounter. For me, it was finding out I had prostate cancer from the blood draw. How do you put people at ease if you know so much is riding on this test?
I just like to talk to the patients to make them feel at ease, even a simple conversation can change the tone. Sometimes, taking a few extra minutes to sit and listen to the patient can make all the difference.
Look, there are a lot of us who don’t like needles, right, and even if it’s an annual blood draw for just a physical, we’d rather be anywhere but in your chair! We both know a “good stick” can set the tone. What do you do to ensure that for us as your patient?
This happens a lot. I take cues from the patient and listen to them, make them laugh, and ask them questions to help relieve some of their anxiety. There’s an art to talking and listening, and it’s so important in all aspects of healthcare.
And, there’s guys like me who are anything but an “easy stick” when it comes to finding a vein. How do you handle that challenge?
Yes, a good stick sets the tone for sure. Being on the inpatient side, most people get bloodwork multiple times a day while hospitalized. I talk to the patient and tell them how important the results are and how they guide doctors to the best treatment and positive outcomes. I also ask if it is ok if i look, and I promise not to stick unless I find a good vein. This usually helps ease patient concerns.
Such good advice. Let’s talk about advancing your career. A couple of years after you become certified, you have an opportunity to become the Inpatient Lead Phlebotomist at the Salisbury hospital. Tell me how that came about.
The position came open once the lead before me took a supervisor position in outpatient. At the time, I still was fairly new to phlebotomy but i did have prior leadership experience from my years before working in healthcare. I was encouraged by my coworkers to apply for the position, and I did.
In that role, what do you do?
My role as the lead is to be the backbone to my team, making sure each floor has enough phlebotomists and supplies for morning labs and throughout the day. I help train new hires and students. I also do some of the administrative work like help with KPI reports, monthly STAT TAT, blood cultures, schedules, job fairs and more.
Did TidalHealth’s tuition reimbursement program help you along the way, and if so, how important was that to you?
Something of that sort. TidalHealth has partnered with a national phlebotomy program and pays for the tuition as part of the two year – post completion contract. I am very grateful for that!
What is it that appeals to you most about this career?
It’s the opportunity to grow and learn. There’s so much more to phlebotomy than just sticking people. I've learned so much working in this career that has helped me to grow not only as a leader, but also as a person.
Why TidalHealth?
TidalHealth is a growing company and offers many more opportunities for education and growth in a healthcare setting. They took a chance on me when I was green and new to this profession. That’s something I will always remember and appreciate.
Get you out of here with this one, India, what’s the best piece of advice you have ever received in your years at TidalHealth?
The best advice that I think I’ve received is “never stop learning” because you have the potential to grow within this company. I’m a perfect example of that, and it’s why we’re having this chat today!