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Specializes in CNA.

I am a young guy and have been working as a CNA for about six months now and am registered to continue my pre reqs for my local community colleges lpn program. I have an associates in business and coudln't find anything stable so decided to pursue nursing. I saw an ad in the paper for phlebotomy education and am wondering if it would be a good idea to take that. I recently moved to a remote area for family reasons and am concerned I'll have a hard time finding a job. The other day at the nursing home I work at, I spoke briefly with a phlebotomist employed by the only hospital within about 40 miles and he said they are not hiring. I am trying to decide if I should just continue working as an aide and concentrate on school or if theres a decent chance of landing a job as a phlebotomist which would provide a bit more cash while I'm going to school.

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Right now, a job in hand is most important.

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Specializes in CNA.

That is true. The class is only four days long. I just don't know if they will want experience or if having aide experience will account for anything.

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

I'm an RN. My phlebotomy class was 30 minutes long....then go gettem girls. How much does this 4 day course cost. It's more practice than anything. But it's a wonderful skill to start out with and you can gt a job at any hospital or doctor's office that is hiring.

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Specializes in Hem/Onc/BMT.

After I became LVN, I had to take a separate course in phlebotomy/IV therapy in order to be IV-certified.

It wouldn't hurt to take the course now whether or not you can work as a phlebotomist, just so you will be IV certified when you become an LPN. If it isn't included in your LPN curriculum, that is.

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There are more jobs for nursing assistants than there are for phlebotomists. Get the phlebotomy training down the line but don't be counting on a job as a phlebotomist.

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Specializes in CNA.

The class is four days long and cost $1,000. That is a lot of money for someone living on they're own making $10 an hour. Therefore I am apprehensive to take it unless I am confident I can get a job. Tokebi, I think my next phone call will be to my school to find out if I will be IV certified upon completion of the LPN program. Thanks for the advice all.

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Ouch a thousand bucks for four days. Later down the road you will learn venipunture techniques but if you feel that doing that is a good plan b do try it. The more skills you have the better. Continue what you do as an CNA and take that course. Some hospitals will hire techs phlebotomist for all hours, also you can find out about the blood collection agencies. Never leap until you see what's ahead. Every dime you spend is an investment not a burden. Find out if you can find cheaper class.

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Ha! I'd skip a four day class for $1000 that doesn't guarantee me a job. That's a ridiculous amount of money.

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The class is four days long and cost $1,000. That is a lot of money for someone living on they're own making $10 an hour. Therefore I am apprehensive to take it unless I am confident I can get a job. Tokebi, I think my next phone call will be to my school to find out if I will be IV certified upon completion of the LPN program. Thanks for the advice all.

IMHO, $1000 for a phlebo class is a rip-off!! I got phlebo certified before nursing and the class was only one day and $200. In the class you'll just learn the basics, practice a few sticks on each other, learn about the various tests and tube requirements . . . most of phlebotomy expertise comes with doing . . . over and over.

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A $1000 fee is excessive, especially for a 4 day class, that's $250/day. We have a full-semester long phlebotomy class at my local community college and it cost less than $300 - this class meets two days a week for 2.5 months plus places students in a 3 week long clinical environment to practice. I recognize you may not have this option available where you live - but I think the class being offered for $1000 price is really taking advantage of you (shame on them!).

At $10/hour you would have to work >100 hours to pay for the class that will give you the same skills you'll get in a nursing program.

I'm in a nursing program also right now (Associates Degree for my RN) and I also work as a tech for a hospital (combo ICU/IMC unit). The pay is low, like yours, but I love the work! I look at it as paying our dues and getting a leg up over those students who finish their nursing degree with no healthcare experience outside of school. It's tough - we don't have much money - but I live in a city full of high-tech workers I know who have been laid off and have no job at all - at least I have a job and am getting a skill that will serve me well and allow me to do what I love.

You are getting a lot of valuable experience right now - hang in there - just be the best CNA you can be - the time in school will fly by and soon you'll be making better money!!

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