phelbotomy dilenma

MishlB · May 5, 2003

I don't know how much you will use the phlebotomy...some hospitals have lab only draws, but it may come in handy. I think the CNA experience is the most valuable. It gives you hands on, as well as therapeutic communication experience. I would go for the CNA, phlebotomy can be learned on the job.

GAstudent · May 5, 2003

I agree, I am working on my RN and I am currently working as a PCT1 (same as a CNA but they train me in stages to be a PCT 1, then PCT 2, then PCT3) Where you are from have you ever heard of PCT's? If so check it out. I am learning to draw blood right now, I do caths, and glucose checks also. When I learn the blood draw then I move up to a PCT 2 and then learn a little more and go up to PCT 3.

I think that working in the medical field while in school has helped me. You learn more and get more experience for when you get to your clinicals. You seem to learn more to interact with the pts and can follow the RN's and see what they do to help you in school. You get more used to using the abbreviations , which always helps.

I am proud to say that I have a 4.0, and think that some of it has to do with the fact that I am working in the medical field now. I have some of the nurses and even the DON and the Administrator who help me, when I don't understand. and that's wonderful. Also keep a strong and positive friendship an bond with Co-workers and bosses to help you in your future employment to use for reference purposes. Go in there and get a job and show them what you can do.

What area are you going to get a job in on MONDAY? What area do you want to work in when you finish with your RN?

Good LUck and I hope you get the job.

jemb · May 5, 2003

I think either one would be good experience. Both require good communication skills, especially if you are sent to hospital floors to draw inpatient labs. Both positions require you to learn working independtly. You will gain different experience in phlebotomy than as a CNA, but you'll probably develop exvellent IV skills as a result.

dawngloves, BSN, RN · May 5, 2003

I learned how to draw blood in a hospital on real people in about two days. Save yourself the money and get on the job training.

LaVorneRN · May 6, 2003

Originally posted by dawngloves
I learned how to draw blood in a hospital on real people in about two days. Save yourself the money and get on the job training.

I agree. Save your money and go make some money while getting the experience you need. At the same time your job will be a resource while you're in school. You'll learn how to stick (sorry, I'm an ex-vampire myself) people in school and throughout your career as a nurse. Mad blessings on this journey!

nursebucky · May 6, 2003

I agree PCT or CNA is better experience. I am in a RN program and work part time as a Phlebo/Vampire. Being a Vamp, you will gain excellent experience in starting IVs only.

purplemania, BSN, RN · May 6, 2003

I tend to believe that no knowledge is wasted. Do Techs at your facility earn more than CNA? With phlebotomy skills you might qualify for an advancement and more $ now. Ask HR or a lab manager. Get info from someone who KNOWS (manager). Maybe you could transfer to another dept. while you are in school. Good luck!

nurse2002 · May 6, 2003

Originally posted by Miss JKm
I am a cna, my semester has just ended and i was thinking about taking a phelbotomy course this summer, its a six week course. i am having a hard time deciding if this course is a good idea as far as for my future in nursing. heres my question should i take the course, will it help me as far as nursing, is working a s a cna better experinece(i think so). and lastly is it a better idea for me to continue working as a cna and take something that will count towards graduation. if any one can offer advice i'd really aprreciate it, being as though i dont hae much time. i have an interview for a cna job tomorrow and my phlebotomy class is scheduled to start next monday.
thanks everyone:confused:

My thought:

I would take the phleb course. That way while you are going to nursing school your options are open. While in school, you could work in a hospital lab, a doc's office lab, as a cna, you have more options open while in school.

Ellen · May 7, 2003

Take the course! Our hospital just did away with phelbotomists completely and put it on the RNs to draw all their own labs! I'm glad I had experience from working in Home Health for 5 years ( you draw your own labs there) There were some nurses that even quit over this!

P_RN, ADN, RN · May 7, 2003

I'd take the phlebotomy course. With that you may qualify for a better paying job, or even a different job in another facility.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · May 7, 2003

Originally posted by P_RN
I'd take the phlebotomy course. With that you may qualify for a better paying job, or even a different job in another facility.

I agree. Might give you more options and better pay while working your way through school. And will ALWAYS be a valuable skill ! :)