Pros
Managers are friendly and willing to work with you during unavoidable life events. A LOT of hands on phlebotomy experience that looks good on a resume. Some of the coworkers are wonderful, hardworking people. Quick advancement opportunities for those who want to earn them. Some donors who donate because they know the good that comes from their plasma.
Cons
Low pay for all the work and hazards. Some managers like to micro manage and actually create more work. Hires employees with only a HS Diploma or GED who are not very professional and have no interest in any medical field. Some employees who have been there awhile feel it is ok to boss others around and speak disrespectfully. "Entitled" donors who donate for the money as a lifestyle, who also are on welfare and have no desire to work. No drug testing for donors even though management is very adamant that no abusers are allowed to donate. Management will reprimand their phlebotomist for sticking someone who has raised suspicion even though it was their reception staff that failed to screen correctly. Some donors are obviously using some form of hard drugs. Donors are allowed to act out and verbally abuse employees. Some donors are very dirty. Understaffed so that many key things that need to be done (like cleaning the beds, cuffs, and blood spills) go undone because most people are overworked and don't care. Poor training based on reading that no one understand until they actually do it. CSL actually trains its employees to discriminate against homosexual men and place them in a high risk group even though anyone who participates in unprotected sexual acts is at risk for AIDS and other blood-borne pathogens. THE MOST BASIC PHLEBOTOMY TRAINING. Damaged equipment that is vital to the job. Shortened breaks during busy hours. Limited water and bathroom breaks. Makes a person hate the holiday seasons.