Know of any free online phlebotomy classes?

Nurses General Nursing

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I took phlebotomy seven years ago. Though I was med/surg, then Adult ICU, where I worked the IV teams did all the sticks. (I begged to be allowed to work with the team, part-time but we were under-staffed and I was refused.) I'm an unemployed Occupational Health RN at the moment and intend to become an Occupational Health APRN starting September 2012.

I'm in an EMT class and also intend to become EMT Medic and for that I need to learn to do sticks fast an efficiently. A practicum in phlebotomy is the way to gain that experience. My Alma Mater will probably let me return to do the Phlebotomy internship but I'll have to do some sort of exam to show proficiency of the basic knowledge, and I need to relearn all that stuff since I haven't used it for seven years.

There are many online courses, by many quality institutions these days, for free, but of course with no college credits and I find it hard to believe that one does not exist for the book-learning part of phlebotomy.

Does anyone know of any on-line self-study tutorials on Phlebotomy?

If not, might anyone suggest a good book--my old one is too old to be relied upon.

Thanks

Specializes in Infectious Disease, Neuro, Research.

42P, I just glanced over the Austin CC page a bit more, and I believe (esp. if you pick up the Garza text), you can be ready for a test in around 2 weeks, between the two. I'm a former Senior Phleb (Instructor), so feel free to PM, if needed. If you have trouble pming, post here, and I'll send you my email.:)

Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

2 years ago I had been a nurse for 16 years and never drawn blood. In my current job it was very beneficial for me to do it just like your Occ Med job.

I took a phlebotomy course and I still have hand outs which cover everything you are talking about. I am very sympathetic to you because although I am a very good nurse I had huge performance anxiety issues with this skill. 300 sticks later I only very rarely get anxious - usually only if it is another nurse :D.

I am willing to send you all my materials from the course. Pm me your name and address.

Specializes in Occupational Health; Adult ICU.

Thanks,

Performance anxiety can be a real issue.

Oddly, when I took the phlebotomy class in 2004 I had no problems and passed the course.

Then several years ago something very strange happened....

I own a triplex, an apartment house and had a unit up for rent. A woman that I showed a unit to stole a key and unbelievably, came back and "squatted" in my apartment. She immediately initiated a restraining order against me.

Yes this may sound incredulous but it is very true. She claimed that I was damaging her and the law did not care about the fact that she stole the key, had no lease, etc. It gets worse--far worse.

Since I live downstairs she immediately set about doing things like turning the electric heat on high with all windows and doors open (with the electric bill in my name). Then all night long for many nights she stomped the floors and slammed the doors just above my head.

She was a con artist. She knew exactly what she was doing. In my state if a landlord takes what is perceived to be any punitive action against a tenant when a restraining order is active the result is immediate and final: An order is served preventing the landlord from ANY action, in or out of the Courts, against said tenant, and the Landlord must provide ALL services, including cable, electricity, for three months. After three months the landlord can then initiate or continue with legal eviction action.

She did these actions trying her best to get me to shut off electricity or water--she knew what she was doing. Further, she had cleverly timed it that at the end of the 3 month period, she would be in the "winter months" where she could not be evicted until several more months passed, thus her plan was to get 6 months rent with 3 months free heat.

One week after this started I was essentially forced to do a phlebotomy practicum by my boss. I did my best but with no sleep and emotionally distraught I still managed to get the correct number of "sticks" yet I was refused a certificate of competency because of a simple reason: "you scare patients, your hands shake."

Indeed they did. They did not before, nor do they now.

I got the Court Order overturned in 16 days. The very next day she did a new one, exactly the same as the one before that the Court had just overturned. It took another 14 days for a new hearing, and this time the Judge figured it out and gave her 3 days to get out "or else."

Before that incident I did not have anxiety about phlebotomy. After that incident I do. Now that is "the rest of the story."

I used to suggest to friends that they buy an apartment house as an investment. These days I will do everything in my power to dissuade them.

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Thanks,

Performance anxiety can be a real issue.

Oddly, when I took the phlebotomy class in 2004 I had no problems and passed the course.

Then several years ago something very strange happened....

I own a triplex, an apartment house and had a unit up for rent. A woman that I showed a unit to stole a key and unbelievably, came back and "squatted" in my apartment. She immediately initiated a restraining order against me.

Yes this may sound incredulous but it is very true. She claimed that I was damaging her and the law did not care about the fact that she stole the key, had no lease, etc. It gets worse--far worse.

Since I live downstairs she immediately set about doing things like turning the electric heat on high with all windows and doors open (with the electric bill in my name). Then all night long for many nights she stomped the floors and slammed the doors just above my head.

She was a con artist. She knew exactly what she was doing. In my state if a landlord takes what is perceived to be any punitive action against a tenant when a restraining order is active the result is immediate and final: An order is served preventing the landlord from ANY action, in or out of the Courts, against said tenant, and the Landlord must provide ALL services, including cable, electricity, for three months. After three months the landlord can then initiate or continue with legal eviction action.

She did these actions trying her best to get me to shut off electricity or water--she knew what she was doing. Further, she had cleverly timed it that at the end of the 3 month period, she would be in the "winter months" where she could not be evicted until several more months passed, thus her plan was to get 6 months rent with 3 months free heat.

One week after this started I was essentially forced to do a phlebotomy practicum by my boss. I did my best but with no sleep and emotionally distraught I still managed to get the correct number of "sticks" yet I was refused a certificate of competency because of a simple reason: "you scare patients, your hands shake."

Indeed they did. They did not before, nor do they now.

I got the Court Order overturned in 16 days. The very next day she did a new one, exactly the same as the one before that the Court had just overturned. It took another 14 days for a new hearing, and this time the Judge figured it out and gave her 3 days to get out "or else."

Before that incident I did not have anxiety about phlebotomy. After that incident I do. Now that is "the rest of the story."

I used to suggest to friends that they buy an apartment house as an investment. These days I will do everything in my power to dissuade them.

Holy crap!!! You poor thing...:hug:....I had that happen to me with a house I rented out when I got married and had to move....and crunch RN......way to go!:yeah:

Specializes in Infectious Disease, Neuro, Research.
Then several years ago something very strange happened....

You should have known me several years ago. Sonic nausea works. I have yet to find someone it does not effect. Best of all, it leaves no marks.:smokin:

http://www.shomer-tec.com/department/revenge-products-33.cfm

Specializes in Occupational Health; Adult ICU.

I wonder if it would have transmitted through ceilings?

At any rate Rob, go and stand in the corner....

Specializes in Infectious Disease, Neuro, Research.

The "Super" version does.:cool:

You don't want to leave me standing unattended for long...:D

Specializes in Cardiology, Urgent Care.

Rob72,

you are my hero. I like your style & thanks for the awesome info. :cheers:

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