Phlebotomy Course

TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP · Apr 21, 2011

Why? You're an RN, you're covered for phlebotomy and then some. You'll learn on the job (or not) and be fine either way.

TinFL · Apr 21, 2011

Most hospitals give new grads a 2-4 week course in blood draws and IV starts. I wouldn't worry to much about unless you needed "fluff" for your resume.

WIN007 · Apr 21, 2011

I just passed the nclex. Now I am getting together my resume to apply for jobs. My school did not really prepare me in learning to draw blood. I am looking up courses to take in NYC. My question is, if I do take this course, do I have to take the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam? Or am I good to go with just the certification?

I agree with the others. If you're looking to put more time in studying :-), I'd start studying for the ACLS.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Apr 22, 2011

You shouldn't need to take an IV course. A lot of nursing schools do not include blood draws or IV's, as students are not usually allowed to do them in the hospital. It's silly to waste time and money being certified in phlebotomy and IVs when your hospital will require you take their certification course anyway. You don't need a phlebotomy certification to draw blood in the hospital, becauseyou are automatically allowed to do that as an RN.

ChuckeRN, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2011

As my pharm prof used to say, any monkey can be taught to start IVs. I wouldn't worry about it. If you start in the ER, you'll get plenty of practice. If you're in any other department, if you get a hard stick, you either call the lab for a blood draw, or the ER to start an IV.

I lucked out in that our school's phlebotomy instructor opened up his class to RN students and I got to practice as much as I wanted before my externship in the ER.

Really, this is a non-issue.