Phlebotomy or CNA while you wait for NS?

I went to work for United Blood Services as a phlebotomist and worked on mobile blood drives while I was waiting to get into NS. They train you and it was a fun job; however, it would be tough to do if you have little kids as the start times are different every day.

Now that I am in NS I can see where being a CNA and working in a hospital prior to NS would be an advantage, especially when it comes to clinicals.

Hi, Groovy jeff. Thanks for your post. I was thinking about CNA or phleb course for spring and was going to register this week but I think I will wait at least another semester until I'm almost done with the prerq's. I have all the documentations ready to register for phelb at Phoenix College but from your post & other's I've read, CNA may be a much better option for me. Will there be job opportunities in the hospital setting as a CNA when I complete the program?

How is NS going for you, groovy jeff? I am also going back to school after a couple of decades so am bit nervous but so far so good. I am really enjoying the classes I've taken so far. Good luck with your NS!

Lizzyru :)

I am doing what I have wanted to do for over 35 years and NS is one of the hardest, craziest, not-sure-how-to-describe-it experiences I have ever been through. Just go for it!! Don't wait-DO IT NOW!!!

Good for you, groovy jeff! Me, too. I was accepted at Vanderbilt's MSN program ions ago then found out I was pregnant with my child #1 that same week! We then ended up relocating to various states and now with 3 homegrown teenagers & 1 Russian princess in kindergarten, I am definitely ready! The only thing is, 16 years ago, I would have been able to walk in (granted I was accepted to the program first) & start a masters in Nursing had I complete my prereq's but now I have 18 mo - 2 year wait. lol How ironic! I am not getting any younger.. but like you said, I am just going to do it this time!! :)

I have previous experience working as a CNA from being on staff at a Rehab facility, to float agency CNA work at nursing homes, to working on a med/surg/onco floor at a hospital. ( then took 8 years off of CNA work) Now that I have submitted my application to NS I am back to working as a CNA, now however I will be working in a SNF with younger patients and can't wait for the new experience working with peds and young adults. Hopefully my wait won't be too long, perhaps a semester at the most... but its def a way to get used to the Nursing hours and get all those fundamental skills down, like bed baths, vitals, positionings, transfers... ect. ( Most hospitals around here want experienced PCT's) PCT higher than CNA because they are trained for phelebotomy, foley, EKG, & sterile dressings, above and beyond. Now THOSE skills really help with NS.