CNA duties

[jrsimon82]

Okay I understand that as a CNA I will be drawing blood here in Michigan, can I take some kind of test to then become a certified "phlebotomist" sorry SP.

Is there even a test for that? What about infants? Are nurses the only ones who draw on them or will all clinicals let you try on babies and children? I would rather not do that on a baby until I am somewhat good at poking adults. Any Advice?

[casi, ASN, RN]

There are phlebotomy courses that you can take and then you test to get on a registry (can't remember if it's national or a state registry). A lot of community colleges offer this course.

I'm just curious if phlebotomy is a required CNA skill in your state or if it's just an 'extra' that some employers like you to have. In my area some hospitals like their CNAs to have phlebotomy trainging and some will train you in the skill if you've worked for them awhile and have proved that you can handle the job as a CNA and can take on extra tasks. Most hospitals however seem to hire phlebotomists who go about to different floors collecting samples.

[jb2u, ASN, RN]

at my hospital there are pca 1 and pca 2's. the pca 2's draw blood. since, this is an adult floor, children/infant draws never come into play. so, choose a floor that is an adult floor and not peds and you'll be fine. you can take phlebotomy classes, but you just really have to get out there and stick stick stick. i learned how in MA school. we had to draw two a day on each other. phlebotomy comes with experience. pt's that complain about a "miss" i just say...hey michael jordan is one of the best b-ballers around, but even he missed every now and then. i've seen the iv team nurse come up and miss. it just happens some times.

good luck,

jay