CNA or Phlebotomist...or both?

Before cna, I was going into phelbotomy. But all the programs around were full and cna was the next option. I am sooo thankful I went that way because I have since found out that around here, phelbotomy by itself is useless. I recently met a cashier at walmart who was cert if phelbotomy (a 200 hour course out here) and she couldn't find a job at any of the 3 major hospital systems, doctors offices ect. Shes going back for cna.

Cna with phelbotomy I agree because like the first person to respond said it makes you stand out and is far more useful. Also around here many Nurse assistant level 2s get their phelbotomy certification and medication aide, basically at the ltcs they are gold.

I am a student nurse with experience in phlebotomy and as a CNA. If you are going into nursing school, I highly recommend working as a nursing assistant. You will learn a lot more fundamentals of nursing care as a CNA versus working in phlebotomy. While the experience with phlebotomy can come in handy during nursing school, ultimately it is not going to provide as much hands-on care as nurse assisting will.

All of the knowledge I have acquired through my own CNA experience has been helping me greatly as I go through nursing school.

sonomala said:

Before cna, I was going into phelbotomy. But all the programs around were full and cna was the next option. I am sooo thankful I went that way because I have since found out that around here, phelbotomy by itself is useless.

While I agree with most of what your saying I have to disagree that phlebotomy certification by itself is useless. The problem with it is that there aren't a ton of phlebotomy jobs out there and a lot of times getting any job in a hospital comes down to who you know and how determined you are to get the job. Phlebotomists with more experience have an easier time getting a job but there are opportunities out there, you just have to look for them.

!Chris

Can someone tell me exactly what the duties of a phlebotomist are?

phlebotomist= Better pay for most part. Harder to find a job. More Labritory experience than nursing. Can work at Hospitals, labs, blood banks, & plasma centers.

CNA= Basic or Pre-nursing skills. Less pay with alot of LTC faciliies hiring. Some states its needed before getting into the nursing program.

jswitch said:

Can someone tell me exactly what the duties of a phlebotomist are?

You basically draw blood out of patents for testing. Or you handle hooking people up to Machines for donating blood or plasma. & also disconnect ppl from said machines.

Im am a licensed Cna and I just finished my phlebotomy class and im going to become a registered phlebotomist in two weeks. If your going to go back to school like I am you will find the physical labor of being a Cna very tiring mixed with school it can be done but it is extremely challenging. Phlebotomy jobs are harder to find than Cna jobs but they usually pay more and there is no physical labor involved. Two is always better than one because you have options, there are also alot of jobs that would utilize both. Care Partners at Sentara utilize both and doctor offices will utilize you as a medical assistant.

I am currently a CNA and also have a certificate from a local community college as a phlebotomist. I was trying to get certified in my state, but because we didn't do a "clinical" We did our pokes on fake arms and I had a friend let me do blood draws on him about 10, but I couldn't count it for school.

I don't have the required pokes to get certified. Now I am caught in the nobody will hire me because I don't have any experience, but I can't get any experience because no one will hire me.

Make sure you check if they will help you get training and the required pokes to get certified and the experience.

I also agree with the post that stated that you will get a ton of experience as a CNA. If you have the time and money it doesn't hurt to have both. If you plan on going on to nursing the phlebotomy really does help.

Neeter

Can anyone tell me how much a phlebotomy course generally costs?

markina21- are you in norfolk? if so what about red cross for platelet donation. I love the girls there. they are so sweet and seem to like their jobs.

I would do both. Patient Care Associate/Technician positions usually require that the person be trained in both and also in EKG interpetation. It was a win-win for me when I obtained my phlebotomy certification. My course allowed us to take the certification exam and then, I went to do volunteer work in a hospital for a month to just draw blood. I became very good and eventually, got hired for a few agencies that allowed me to draw blood exclusively. Eventually, I got hired as a Patient Care Associate. The same place that hired me allowed me a full time leave of absence with pay to become an LPN...and STILL, I get many side positions because I am not afraid to draw blood.

I believe that having both will enhance your chances to obtain a hospital position.

I say do both. Any education that you can complete in a short amount of time that applies to nursing, will most likely help you now and in the future.

~Now-- you may be able to increase your income (while in or awaiting nursing school) with the new qualifications.

CNA salaries suck when you don't have any specialized skills.

~Later-- the phlebotomy will help tons after becoming a nurse.

Many new nurses aren't skilled in phlebotomy or starting an IV, because you aren't given in depth teaching on that skill in nursing school. Phlebotomy can be intimidating for some at first. So I say learn it now, while there is no pressure.