Blood Draws In Nursing???

[Louisepug]

Hi everyone. Okay, here's my question. First off, I am starting nursing school in the fall, but right now I'm taking pre-req's and becoming a CNA. I just recently decided to take up a seven week course at my college called intro to phlebotomy. (sp?) I decided to take this for one, because I heard that CNA's are hired more readily if they can also draw blood (I plan on working as a CNA during school FYI), but mainly because I figured in the long run taking this class would give me a sort of heads up, and prepare me better for nursing school. Am I right in thinking this? Or am I just adding to my already insane schedule for no reason? Do nurses even draw blood nowadays, or is that left to a phlebotomist? Is this (blood draws) something I will learn in nursing school? Just want to make sure I'm on the right path. Thanks guys! Louisepug

[kyti]

I agree it is a great skill to have. In pacu and or we draw all our own labs, in ICU we occ. have an lpn to draw labs but I prefer to do my own. Its alot quicker in a critical care area to do it yourself than to wait for someone else to do it for you. At our hospital lab only draws on outpatients.

[jaimealmostRN]

Besides be awesome at starting IVs in the future, you'll be familiar with all the different lab tests that are discussed in nursing school since you've seen/drawn them before! Good luck with school!

[Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN]

I'm an RN, and I do all my own lab draws.

[Repat]

We do all our lab draws and IVs - take the course, you'll use it!

[RNPATL, DNP, RN]

At my hospital, the nurses draw blood as well as the lab techs. Having these skills as a nurse is a good idea.

[Louisepug]

Thanks for all your responses and support guys! :) I am going to stay in the class. The only thing that I am scared about now, is that after 3 weeks we draw blood on each other!!! :uhoh21: I had to sign a consent that basically said if I were to contract/get something I wouldn't sue the school. Oh well, what better way to learn how to draw blood on someone than drawing blood on someone! Thanks, Louisepug