I'm getting excited and nervous about this weekend! I signed up for a phlebotomy certification course and it's this Saturday and Sunday. I decided to take this workshop because sticking people is one of my biggest "fears" about nursing and I just want to get it over with! We finish up the workshop with live draws...Yikes!!! I'm not sure if I'm more nervous about sticking somebody or being stuck by somebody else who doesn't know what they're doing!
I'm quitting my job in August and I figured being a phlebotomist along with my CNA would help...and maybe open up a few more doors...
Has anybody else taken a weekend seminar for phlebotomy? If so, what was it like? Thanks!
Well the workshop went well and I'm now certified! I should be getting my certificate in the mail next week. Through this class I got about 40 "live draws" with syringes, vacutainers, & butterfly needles on the dummies and 2 draws on two different people in the class with the vacutainers. It was so great to see the blood come rushing into the tubes! Woo Hoo! Now I just need to find somewhere to volunteer to get more experience. I'm hoping to get a job in August as a phlebotomist somewhere and I want to get a bit more comfortable with the whole process. Anyway, I just wanted to update those who were interested in the class. Overall, I enjoyed it and I'm glad I did it before starting my program...I think it helped my confidence level!
I am a PRN phlebo. You all will do just fine. It will help you in nursing I know, as far as the sticking goes.
Wait until you get so good that you can stick yourself with a butterfly. When I am at work and want to test my cholestrol, I stick myself and have a Tech run it for me.
I too would like to take a similar seminar. Can you tell me please here are you doing this seminar? At a hospital or your school or what? Thanks a million!!!
In case others are curious, the name of the company is Medtexx and their web address is www.medtexx.com I'm really not sure why I didn't post it originally...but anyway, here's the link!
Kris, the workshop was actually held in a Hotel Banquet room near Midway airport in Chicago. It worked out well. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Do you think you are prepared to take an exam after 1 weekend. I'm only asking because I'm thinking about taking a weekend seminar my self. Every place around here takes at least a couple of weeks.
Just wanted to say that I start an ADN nursing program this fall and work at a hospital as a phlebotomist. Phlebotomy is a knack you have to develope your own technique. What works for you may not work for someone else. It's all about confidence. If you could get into a hospital as a phlebotomist even working every other weekend I would reccomend it. In my hospital the phlebs get to go to all the codes and I have seen and experienced so much from this. Not to mention I know all the normal ranges for bloodwork before starting my clinicals. Goodluck to you.
I've been thinking about taking a Phlebetomy and Medical Assistance course at Harrison Career Institute here in N.J. if I don't get accepted into the nursing program this Sept. I think it's great to have another skill, and possibly get a part-time job...lol. I have inquired about the program and they are going to send me some information.
I statred out as a MA after I graduated high school. It gets your feet wet a bit. However, in most cases it costs more to become an MA then it does for two years of college tuition. It was a total rip-off, but it did get me interested more in the human body and how it works. The pay is very low, I worked in a large specialty practice for 4 years and was only making $8.00 an hour when I quit with no benefits. I wish I'd have went for LPN instead of MA before I started nursing school. The LPN helps you to get into an RN program and somtimes yor can test out of the first semester.
I'm not sure if I'm more nervous about sticking somebody or being stuck by somebody else who doesn't know what they're doing! 
Hooligan
470 Posts
Well the workshop went well and I'm now certified! I should be getting my certificate in the mail next week. Through this class I got about 40 "live draws" with syringes, vacutainers, & butterfly needles on the dummies and 2 draws on two different people in the class with the vacutainers. It was so great to see the blood come rushing into the tubes! Woo Hoo! Now I just need to find somewhere to volunteer to get more experience. I'm hoping to get a job in August as a phlebotomist somewhere and I want to get a bit more comfortable with the whole process. Anyway, I just wanted to update those who were interested in the class. Overall, I enjoyed it and I'm glad I did it before starting my program...I think it helped my confidence level!
~Bean