How many LPN's had phlebotomy including in their course?

mlclove · Sep 25, 2010

We have an IV course which teaches us everything you need to know about starting, maintaining IVs etc. But no phlebotomy, although our teacher is going to try to include some info for us because we asked her to. That being said, in my state in our scope of practice we're not even allowed to start IVs. We can maintain them and push certain meds but technically not allowed unless our work place covers us. But we are allowed to draw blood. Interesting, isn't it?

CMLPNnowRN · Sep 25, 2010

I received my training about 8 years ago and did not have any phlebotomy included. IV therapy, yes - weird, I know...

I took a separate phlebotomy course on my own while still in school - bit pricey back then, but worth it.

sleepysnr · Oct 4, 2010

just graduated june'2010. insertion fo IV's and drawing blood was not included. had to learn at my job

vcarley · Oct 5, 2010

I graduated from a school in Kansas in May 2010. I just finished taking an IV certification class this month and my instructor told us that it does not certify us in phlebotomy.

destinys1210 · Jan 28, 2011

I just received my LPN diploma in Oct 2010 in Ohio. We did have an IV therapy class, but not a phlebotomy one. From my understanding they are usually seperate. Check with your Technical Schools to see if they offer an adult ed class.

charismalpn2010 · Jan 28, 2011

in nys LPNs dont get iv therapy or phlebotomy you can become iv certified though

caliotter3 · Jan 28, 2011

Most LPN programs do not offer IV therapy or phlebotomy as part of their programs. Some offer IV therapy certification as optional after the program for added fees.

Start2 · Jan 28, 2011

Trained in Michigan. IV training not provided nor required. Moved to another state where my employer required it so I went to a nearby hospital that offered training and certification. I can do everything except start TPN or blood. I can monitor them. Present state does not recognize any certifications. However, I talked to the BON here and they will allow me to utlize my training if an RN has seen me do the task and agrees I am competant to do it. Each state is diifferent so check with your BON.

calmynurse · Feb 5, 2011

I took a phlebotomy licensing class which allows me to work just as a phlebotomist nationally before doing the lvn course...

But will be certified to do IV/BD , a little different, it means i can do iv and blood draws but can work specifically as a phlebotomist with the ivbd title.

the school pays for the ivbd which itemized costs more than 400 dollars, i lucked out

txredheadnurse, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2011

Older person here so things were considerably different "back in the day" lol. Actually I received my LVN training through the US Army so we were taught phlebotomy, IV therapy (inserting, maintaining, etc) and a few other unique tasks such as basic suturing and even how to insert a chest tube. I was absolutely amazed to run across LVNs when I separated from the service who lacked phlebotomy skills. I have used them most of my career until the last few jobs that were more admin/non clinical. Personally I think if MAs are taught phlebotomy all LVN/LPNs should be taught also so as to stay marketable in the largest variety of settings.

DogWmn · Feb 6, 2011

I just wanted to clairify something here, phlebotomy and IV therapy are two different things. As an LPN you can get phlebotomy certification through ASCP: http://www.ascp.org/FunctionalNavigation/certification/GetCertified/TechnicianCertification.aspx

Some states don't offer IV certification because it's not required based on state laws, here in GA there are no IV courses, some LPN schools now incorporate it into their programs because most LPN's work LTC and they are responsible for IV's. Again check with your BON to determine what additional education is required and verify with your school if they offer IV certifications.

MollyLPN · Feb 6, 2011

Thanks Dogwmn for the link. At my public school in Florida we did not have either phlebotomy/IV therapy. Phlebotomy can be taken by anyone, but one must by an LPN to take IV therapy. It's odd because we did a lot of math problems on IV drip rates, yet neither subject was even mentioned. It's too bad they did not teach these skills as they seem to be required at many jobs, and would have certainly made us more marketable in this tough market for new grads. I'm planning to take both of them once I receive a monetary birthday gift soon.

Great question. I'm glad you asked it, as I was wondering too, and thanks everyone who answered.