Phlebotomist to LPN?

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jul 29, 2008

I was a phlebotomist-obtained my certification about 15 years ago. I was also a CNA, Medical Assistant, Patient Care Associate and Home Health Aide. I worked as a phlebotomist through agencies where I did phlebotomy only, but I obtained my certification around the time where they started merging the phlebotomy, EKG and CNA training into one and people were hired as Patient Care Associates, Patient Care Technicians, etc; which is how I started working as a PCA.

I was working as a PCA for about 7 years before a program was initiated where people accepted were offered a leave with pay and paid tuition to become LPNs or RNs. I was accepted and did not have to show up at work the entire time I was in the program and became an LPN in 2006. I don't intend to become an RN, but I am glad I did this. I have more opportunities to get money from outside sources such as homecare, med-surg per diem and as a vaccination nurse versus before, as a PCA, I was limited to just working overtime within my department because my CNA certification expired (hospitals routinely do not recertify CNAs, but the nursing homes do).

Having phlebotomy experience carried me a long way. I was a popular blood drawer within my clinic, and it helped to have that experience to become IV certified. I still draw bloods in my clinic-which is an asset, because I don't have to ask the PCAs or phlebotomists to draw my bloods for me.

I would also advise to take an EKG course if it is available. EKG interpetation is a talent that nurses need. I took it as a continuing education course since I became an LPN. Haven't had too many chances to display any skills with it, but once, I did see that a patient with chest pains needed to go to the ER and the doctor was so appreciative that I noted that. Time is of essence when seeing dangerous rhythms. They don't seem to teach EKGs in LPN programs (at least not the ones in my area), but it is great to know, and it would be one less headache to conquer if you enter into an RN program. I have heard that occasionally, NCLEX-RN had pics of EKG strips on their exam, and at least, you would be a bit more familiar with the rhythms by then. Good luck!

Jules A, MSN · Jul 29, 2008

One of my best friends from nursing school was a phlebotomist. Loved her! I think it is a great option to increase your skills while having a good job during school. Good luck to you.

ink10300 · Jul 30, 2008

Nearly every job I have had has been a stepping stone to my nursing career.

I was a CNA for 10 years.

Back injuries made me go back to school where I obtained a certificate in medical billing and coding and then right after I finished that I found Phlebotomy and obtained the national certificate.

The lab I worked at hired me as a certified phlebotomy tech/clinical lab assist and because of the medical billing and coding I was a medical billing assistant for them also.

The coding knowledge was a huge help!

But 2 years later I finally seized the opportunity to make the LPN transition.

I am a single mom. My daughter was 3 at the time I went to nursing school. She had just had major bilateral eye surgery, exactly 3 months before I started.

It is possible to work while you are enrolled. The majority of my graduating class worked.

It is not easy. But Phlebotomy went over the cardiovascular and blood system so intensely, I really felt that I was one up on the class.

Plus with the experience of working as a phlebotomist you can really pay attention to the diagnosis and tests associated with them and learning the lab values from the Clinical Lab. Scientist's. The majority I have known love questions..

Long story short, I would highly recommend it to anyone. It has definitely been worth it for me!

Good luck to you!