Career change

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I am a LVN in California and I have 4 years of experience in LTC. Right now, I am unemployed because I quit due to burn out. It has been 9 months of job hunting and let me tell you it is frustrating to look for a job. Very mentally and emotionally draining.On top of that, I also broke up with a boyfriend. Everything just fell apart at once. It got me thinking of whether being a LVN is really for me. I feel like being a phlebotomist is a good job for me because whenever I see needles and tournique, it really makes me excited. At the same time, the stress level that nursing gave me really really drained me as a whole. I have been in situations I never imagine I would be.And it was very difficult and challenging. Right now, I know that phlebotomist is good for me.I thought being a nurse was easy.I realized that bedside nursing is not a good fit for me.I do still wanted to be in the medical field but with less drama and politics and stress.My question is if it is worth becoming a phlebotomist instead of being a LVN?Please do advice.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
My question is if it is worth becoming a phlebotomist instead of being a LVN?
Have you done a cost/benefit analysis of this role change? Can you afford to live off typical phlebotomy technician wages?
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Where I live phlebotomist make $10-$12 LESS than an lpn. Its way diffrent and easier than being a nurse but can you afford a big cut

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, Med-Surg/Tele, LTC.

Instead of changing careers altogether why not change specialties first? You're already an LVN, so why spend more money to get trained and certified in a field that will yield a far far smaller paycheck? You can try going into clinics or home health. Perhaps case management. I know insurance companies still hire LVN case managers.

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If you were licensed in California in the mid-nineties, becoming IV Certified was almost mandatory to find employment. If you are not IV Certified, there is a 2-3 day class for LVN's that you can take and it will become part of your LVN license. So you should not have to go to phlebotomist school. You can also look for employment in an outpatient oncologist clinic. They usually have there own Lab nurse,(as I was one for 10 years). Your are paid as an LVN not as a phlebotomist, because you still will have nurse duties.

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Have you tried applying to work in the OR as a surg tech? In louisiana LPNs can scrub in as techs, most places require experience in surgery. The pay is about the same as LPN/LVN. It sounds like it may be a good option if you don't like the bedside care. I'm the opposite. Lol I was in school to be a surg tech and left the program to start an LPN program. I love patient interaction and was a CNA for 13 yrs. it was very exciting and so different in the OR. Hope you find something you enjoy! Good luck

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Thank u very much. Yeah i was thinking of working in or. Do you have connections still in the OR where you used to work?

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Thank you guys for your inputs. Im really having a hard time planning what is best for me.

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