Phelebotomy while in Nursing School?

[Strwbrywne]

I am applying to clinicals in the Spring, which means I will not start the program until January 2011. I'll have the summer and fall semester as a break before I actually begin nursing school. I was thinking of using those semesters to get certified in phelobotomy and work part-time while attending nursing school. My thinking is it will help me get a foot in the door as well as have some work history in the medical field. (My previous experience is banking/finance and have been a SAHM for over 3 years).

What do you think? Will I have an advantage by doing this? My husband does not want me to work while in school. He also thinks it is a waste of money and should just stick to being a student and focus on the end goal. My kids will be in school all day while I am in clincials so I will have some extra time to work. I think this will give me great experience as well as extra income. I need to convince him this is a good idea.

Thanks for any input and experiences you can share.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I am a full-time student who also works full-time because I must do so. I have no spouse or kids, so I am my own sole source of financial support. However, I definitely wouldn't be working if I could get away with it.

If your husband is going to support you financially and emotionally while in school, I wouldn't work. Nursing school is a tremendous job in itself. However, if you are determined to get a foot in the door with training and experience, phlebotomy or the CNA course would be good options. Good luck to you!

[K nurse-one-day]

You sound like my twin lol:) Im also applying in the spring, starting in January and I have been trying to squeeze in a phlebotomy or cna training somewhere in my schedule. Ive been a student/stay at home mom, and on-and-off part time cashier for the last 3 years. Some med. experience would def be great. I will have the fall off but unfortunately I will be squeezing 5 more classes into spring and summer and will be taking prereq's all the way up until the application period starts. It's getting down to crunch time, only 8 more months until we can apply! A phlebotomy class doesn't cost much money to take, you would earn the money right back, and you'd have a head start at nursing school and already know a few friendly faces at the hospital. You wouldn't have to work much at all if you didn't want to and it wouldn't take away from your studies. This is what I told my hubby and he was fine with it. I'm certain that your husband will come around, just give him time to warm up to the idea!