Should I re-certify as a CNA or do Phlebotomy (pre-nursing school)?

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

I am toying with the idea of re-certifying as a CNA (was a CNA in the early 90s) or taking Phlebotomy program to work part-time while I'm finishing my pre-reqs and waiting to get into nursing school.

Which do you think would be more beneficial? CNA or Phlebotomy?

[PrayToTheUnicorn]

I believe neither is beneficial. First, being a CNA is completely different than being an RN in terms of critical thinking and decision making. It's good you have had that experience in your past, but I don't know that going to the trouble of re-certifying is really worth it unless it gets you more points into getting into your RN program. If there is a time or money commitment, I say skip it.

By the time you finish a Phlebotomy program, you'll likely be almost done with your pre-reqs as well, so will you really have any time to "work while you take your pre-reqs"? The needle skills are of course an asset as a nurse. Why not take up a different part time job that requires no money output toward certs, finish your nursing requirements and move onward and upward?

There obviously is one other thing, and that is the ability to work as a CNA or phleb while in nursing school, but will you really have time to do so? I know that the program I'm applying to is a full-time program and any time outside of school will have to be devoted to studying. Loans, loans, loans.