How many of you have taken phlebotomy??

Achoo!, LPN · Nov 17, 2005

I had to take Phlebotomy for my CMA course. I think it is a great way to gain experience. It would be a nice way to get in to a hospital and gain some experience, plus you will feel more comfortable once you get into the program. Good luck whatever you choose :)

Tracy

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Nov 17, 2005

In general, most states won't let a person start an IV until they already have an RN behind their name. If you want to do the phlebotomy to get a job and get some tuition reimbusement then go for it. However, most phlebotomists use the larger veins (mostly in the antecube) to get blood samples. While you will get really good at sticking I don't think it will help you find those other veins of the arms that nurses have to end up using for IVs, but are not real good for blood drawing. As someone who was an IV therapist for some years I want you to also be aware that getting the needle into a vein is only part of taking care of an IV. The management of a continuous IV infusion is a very much different skill than venipuncture. I am not discouraging your choice here. In fact, being a phlebotomist is great since you are in and out of the patient's life for just a few minutes. When you're working as a CNA you are stuck with the same patients, some which are really disagreeable, for a whole eight or twelve hour shift.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Nov 17, 2005

I did phlebotomy as a Medical Assistant as well.

I stuck big veins, little veins, rolling veins, and hidden veins. lol

I used big needles, and little bitty baby butterfly needles. :chuckle ....The elderly all the way down to the lil' babies....

Actually, I think it is a wonderful experience, but as Dayonite stated, I'm not sure if it would be a tremendous help toward nursing school. However, it may help as a back up if you can become a certified phlebotomist money wise, and at the least, it may help with your confidence when the time does come to start IVs.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

AuntieRN · Nov 17, 2005

In general, most states won't let a person start an IV until they already have an RN behind their name.
This is what I was always taught too Daytonight...so imagine my surprise when my clinical instructor told us the first day of class this semester (3rd of 5) that we were going to start IVs. Well I did it....it had to be one of the most scariest things I have ever done. My instructor was right there with me...literally holding my hand the whole way through. And of course my pt had to be on Lovenox and ASA daily just so he would bleed a little more...I'm sorry guess I am getting way off the subject here....have a great day!!:)

BoonersmomRN · Nov 18, 2005

I took it this semester at another CC that is taught by my fiancee's mother- talk about pressure! LOL!

I still dont feel like an expert- but I am 100X more confident then I was at my first needle stick- and UGH was it ever a little bittie hidden one....most of my veins are that way too- I am used to saying " gonna need a butterfly"

JentheRN05, RN · Nov 18, 2005

I didn't take a class for phlebotomy. BUT I did work as a phlebotomist where there was on the job training 5 years ago. That's when I made my decision to go to nursing school. I loved the feel of being able to hit difficult sticks. I personally have found that even though technique is different for blood draws vs IV starts, the feel of the vein is still there. I personally believe my experience as a phlebotomist was essential for me to become a fairly good IV stick (I have found after only being a nurse for a few months that people come to me for very hard sticks :) )

labman · Nov 18, 2005

I have taken phlebotomy and went to school at the same time. Phleobotomy is an awsome experence. I have never started an IV yet but I am sure it will make it a lot easier that I have some needle experence. I am sure injections are going to be a lot easier to. I also learned a lot about the body like what a CBC, Electrolytes and what a blood gas is ordered. You will know what they test and the abnormals I think that is going to help me a lot when interpreting lab values. It also gives you a chance to move in different setttings from new borns to the 100+ years old.

Good luck with everything

KENT

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Nov 18, 2005

(I have found after only being a nurse for a few months that people come to me for very hard sticks :) )

It feels good, doesn't it. Strokes the ego. However, it gets old after awhile, especially when you are eyeballs deep in patients going bad and the supervisor starts having other unit nurses call you for IV help. I really found my niche in IV Therapy. Too bad it's not an olympic event. I'd have some gold medals to show off instead of raggy old uniforms and worn down shoes. :rotfl:

Nurse-To-Be-Joy · Nov 20, 2005

I took a phlebotomy class in the spring. I *did* learn some stuff, but it was only 2 days and we only practiced on a dummy arm. It was pretty realistic, but still.... I wish we could have practiced on real people.

Duker99 · Nov 21, 2005

I took phlebotomy 4 years ago at my cc. The course was one semester plus clinicals at a hospital. I am taking my nursing pre-reqs. currently. I have worked as a phlebotomist in a hospital setting for 4 years. Phlebotomy is definately a skill not everyone can do well. You get ALOT of practice in a hospital setting. The hospital where I work gives tuition rmb. up to $4,000 per year. I am also a mom of 4 who didn't take my first college class until I was 38! I am 42 now and plan on getting my RN.

gwt · Nov 23, 2005

Venipuncture was the most awesome job!!! The best part about it is dealing with people within that 18" personal space you will touch on in proxemics in nursing school. Best interpersonal communication experience you will find!