Any Phlebolomists?

pagandeva2000, LPN · Feb 12, 2008

Is there anyone who has ever been a Phlebolomist? If so, how much did you make and are there a lot of jobs out here for this?

I am a phlebotomist, have been for about 15 years. It is a good skill to have, but I am finding that to be employeed as a phlebotomist alone has not been very beneficial these days due to multi-tasking of CNAs. I took the class as a CNA, and had opportunities through agency work, which was sweet at that time. But, when I got hired in a permanent position as a phlebotomist at a hospital, most of the new positions were part time and many of them had just started converting to the new role of Patient Care Associates (Certified Nursing Assistants with additional courses in phlebotomy and EKG training). I did have sweet agency positions where I was sent to clinics and labs specifically to draw blood, but those were secondary positions I took on in addition to my regular CNA position.

At that time, phlebotomist positions paid about $15 an hour. I found that when applying for jobs as a CNA, or medical assistant, seeing that one had phlebotomy certification was a boost to obtain the position of Patient Care Technician/Associate. As a nurse, it was even better, because in one of the clinics I work in (Coumadin), really benefited from a nurse that can draw as well as teach patients about maintaining themselves on the drug. And, doing IV insertion was not as hard for me as a phlebotomist as it has been for those who have not had the training. Nursing schools in my area did not empathsize this skill the same way as they did others, so, I get some extra props for keeping the skill up.

Do it, it can help you immensely, but don't count on just the phlebotomy course alone to feed you and your family.

Hydakins · Feb 12, 2008

It also depends on the facility and what area/state you are in.

vampiregirl, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2008

I work full time as a phlebotomist and part time as a CNA. Overall, the pay range between the 2 jobs is about equal in my area.

The two jobs are very different, if you are considering either of these 2 jobs I would encourage you to figure out what you want out of the job. I really like both of these jobs, but for very different reasons. There are also negative aspects about both jobs.

Good luck!

vampiregirl, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2008

One word of caution in regards to phlebotomy certification courses. If you chose to go that route, please make sure you are choosing a certification course that is widely accepted. There are several different organizations that offer courses that allow you to sit for national certifications that are accepted almost anywhere. Also, there are some places of employment that do their own training. I got my training through my place of employment and then chose to get certified through the ASCP to further my knowledge base.