Phlebotomy course for RNs

Empress · Aug 10, 2006

In the hospital I worked at, the nurses didn't draw blood, the phlebotomists did, home health was where I learned how to draw blood. They were going to send me for a day of phlebotomy - drawing blood for 8 hours, but I'm doing fine with it. There have only been maybe 2 times in 5 months where I couldn't get a specimen. But hey, the more experience the better I say. As long as it isn't really expensive for you.

I wouldn't rely on lab phlebotomists either, I work as one right now and if we cannot get it then we kick it back to the nursing staff. It's a good skill to have.

Miss Ludie · Aug 10, 2006

For our phlebotomy course they handed us a paper that had the various color tubes to use for what and then gave us a rubber arm to try ONE time. If you can access a vein for IV you will probably do fine. You know how not to go through the vein wall.

If you blow the vein drawing blood, chances are you can still get the specimen but the patient ends up with a honkin BIG hematoma. I like using butterfly needles, but some places don't allow steel needles like that. A butterfly gives more control without having to support the vacutainer while drawing.

Meena29 · Aug 11, 2006

This is a technical skill. The more "training" and experience you have the better you will be. Being "good" at venous access for blood sampling or IV placement is a skill that all patients appreciate! Excellence here will add to their overall satisfaction with their care! A terrible experience may not make up for the best care otherwise!
As long as the "course" is not too expensive, I say can't hurt - might help - so why not? Now, I wouldn't "pay" for certifications/testing and such, because that is not a need and will not change your clinical practice as a nurse!
This is a "numbers game". Get the numbers and you will get good at IV placement and lab draws. IV's are a bit more difficult to place than "sticking" for just a lab draw, but all veni-puncture experience helps!
Good Luck!

Thanks. It really helped.

cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 19, 2008

In the hospital I worked at, the nurses didn't draw blood, the phlebotomists did, home health was where I learned how to draw blood. They were going to send me for a day of phlebotomy - drawing blood for 8 hours, but I'm doing fine with it. There have only been maybe 2 times in 5 months where I couldn't get a specimen. But hey, the more experience the better I say. As long as it isn't really expensive for you.

Not to sound like a jerk but then again its not really your fault or anything but IMHO I don't think one day of phlebotomy (even if it is 8 hours) is enough time to safely learn how to draw blood from a patient. As a phlebotomist I was in a year long training program to do that and although I don't think everyone needs a year to do that I just don't think a day is enough. I'm sure by now your good at it but the program/hospital/agency you were in shouldn't have just had you train for one day. Sorry, I don't mean that to offend anyone, its just my opinion.

!Chris :specs:

calledtodo · Nov 21, 2008

I am in nursing school to be an RN. Before I got into the bsn program, I got my cna certification. I then went through a 4 month phlebotomy program. I didn't take my exam until today and luckily I passed the exam. Two years later. I passed it and the thing is I have been working as a pca all this time not using my phlebotomy skills. I should have worked as a phlebotomist but it is ok. I am happy being a pca. I plan on taking an IV phlebotomy course to get me back on track with sticking people. I guess what I am getting at is with all of this extra training I have been feeling more confident as a soon to be nurse.

calledtodo · Nov 21, 2008

I agree that it comes down to how many sticks you do. The more, the better you get at it.