Phlebotomy course?

dunwanna · Jan 4, 2010

I learned on the job in med/surg...sorry I can't help you!

Enfermera85, BSN, MSN, NP · Jan 4, 2010

Most nurses learn on the job especially if they are a new RN, should be part of your orientation, you shouldn't have to pay for a course right off the back (in my opinion). Seems like a red flag if they are not willing to train a new grad especially since you may need training in other areas as a newbie that they may not be willing to offer you in the future should you be offered the job. Hope everything works out for the best.

Blackheartednurse · Jan 4, 2010

OMG the same thing happend to me ONCE...I applied to one and only Nursing home that was affiliated with a hospital system I originally wanted to work for..so I got a call back for an interview and they asked me if I'm able to draw labs,blood whatever and I said NOPE,of course they never made me a job offer...

GeauxNursing · Jan 5, 2010

I am going to be bridging to my RN in the future, and one of the "bridge" pre-reqs is either 1) proof of an IV therapy, venipuncture component in my LVN curriculum (there was not) or 2) current IV certification. I have no idea where to get this! I saw a link previously about this topic and someone told of a company that basically travels around the country and offers a day-long course and certification.

If TheCommuter reads this post, she might remember. I think it was she who gave the company's info.

Try doing a search for "iv certfication" or something similar to find related threads here.

NurseStephRN · Jan 5, 2010

when i was hired at my hospital they sent me to a week-long phlebotomy course at the local community college. they also do this with the PCAs when they get hired.

i don't understand why they wouldn't provide on the job training or send you somewhere to learn...

April, RN, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2010

I didn't learn how to draw blood in school. In fact, I don't think anyone I know learned how to while in school. When I was a new grad, one of the PCAs showed me how to draw blood one night shift. It's really not that big of a deal. That would raise a red flag for me, too. What kind of training DO they provide you as a brand new RN, then?

I know, I know... jobs are scare and you have to take what you can get these days.

horrorxgirl · Jan 5, 2010

We had to practice drawing blood on each other one day in LPN school, so I had training in school. But really that's an on-the-job type of skill. The actual process of teaching what you are supposed to do would take them perhaps 10 minutes if that. It's practicing it over and over that makes you good at it, just like every other nursing skill. I think it's kind of stupid that they wouldn't just train you there. I doubt there are many new grads, even ones who practiced blood draws in school, as I did, that are good at it. They would probably still need the about the same amount of training as it would take to teach you I bet.

MrsMeg · Jan 5, 2010

You could try checking into your local community college. Mine offers a Phlebotomy class that is seperate from the Phlebotomy program. It's intended for Allied Health Professionals, you just have to show proof of your certification or registration before registering for the class.

mlisk589 · Jan 5, 2010

Thanks everyone. I was able to find a class at a local community college but unfortunately I don't think the next one is until March. And about why they won't train me....It isn't a hospital or LTC job. It's working in occupational health. I would be working along side the one nurse they have at this huge company. She does employee physicals, vaccinations, etc. She just needed someone to do the labs, vitals, go over health history, etc. I guess she just wanted someone who already kind of knew what they were doing. I am looking into the class but it is frustrating knowing that in MA school you can get phlebotomy training but for some reason in nursing school they tend to just skip over it and expect everyone to land jobs in hospitals where you will definitely get the training.

MBA2RN, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2010

Hi, I started in med-surg about 9 months ago, and am in the same boat (needing IV start training). During nursing school, we (the students in my class) were told that the CA BRN issued a ruling that only licensed RNs (not LVNs or students) could start IVs. So the school said that we would have to receive that training when we were hired by our respective hospitals. When I got my first hospital job, I was told that we would receive IV training during new grad orientation. But like alot promises in orientation, the training didn't happen, and I've been struggling with starting IVs ever since. I know times are tough, and hospitals are always looking for ways to save money. But sometimes it seems like Hospital Management is penny-wise and pound foolish:(

I'm trying to find a reasonably priced phlebotomy course in the SF Bay Area (preferably East Bay).

Anyone have any info?

Blackheartednurse · Jan 5, 2010

when i was hired at my hospital they sent me to a week-long phlebotomy course at the local community college. they also do this with the PCAs when they get hired.
i don't understand why they wouldn't provide on the job training or send you somewhere to learn...

Cause some hospital,especially those without new grad programs expect you to learn on the job....I was told by the place that hired me that the nursing assitants do blood draws,accu check,BP--I wish they could send me to a week-long phlebotomy course but this place doesnt hire too much new grad--especially the floor I will be working on.