Phlebotomy?

stellina615 · Jan 7, 2009

The BD website has some useful information, including newsletters focusing on different lab issues (http://www.bd.com/vacutainer/labnotes/Volume18Number1/). Their website also has information on what color tube is for what test, which can be hard to pick up when you're first starting to do draws. I would also recommend that you check out a book called Davis's Comprehensive Handbook of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests with Nursing Implications. It was required for nursing school and I initially felt it was a little pricey ($40), but now I don't ever go to clinical without it. It has all the phlebotomy tests with their normal values, collection procedure, disease processes that would affect the levels, etc. It also has other diagnostic procedures and lots more. When you go for your long-term goal of nursing, it well serve you well then, too! Best of luck with your career path!

CLASSOF09 · Jan 7, 2009

Hey, I'm a MLT and a nursing student. The only bit of advice I give you is that there are alot of Phlebotomy schools and students and that may cause a problem finding a job so you can financial stable for nursing school. I go through ten to fiveteen applications for jobs as phlebotomy. But I can't hire them because the job demand for them is so slow in my area (Mrytle Beach area of SC). Being a Medical laboratory Tech is a good job you run the test and get more classes in anatomy and the pay is good. I know you will get a job in that field. Every hospital in the area needs MLTs. Being a MLT will give you a better understanding of the nursing process just a word of advice.

wish you luck

Body Reader · Jan 8, 2009

Thanks a lot for the help guys!

RN007 · Jan 8, 2009

The first hospital I worked at as an RN had done away with phlebotomists, so we had to do all the lab draws. I sure would have been more comfortable if I'd worked in phlebotomy first! I work in an occupational setting now and still have to do them, although I've gotten better over time, thank goodness. It will be a skill you will find valuable when you become a nurse. I think it's a great idea -- good luck!

:up:

kayleeray · Jan 8, 2009

I'm planning on completing a CNA course this summer before I go on to nursing school.

Have you considered becoming a CNA?

I've only heard negative things about Phlebotomy..mostly about how hard it can be to find work & how many places aren't using people just skilled with phlebotomy anymore. That could be completely different where you live, though.

All in all, there are valuable skills that you will learn if you take the course(s) and they will definitely NOT hurt your nursing career at all.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jan 8, 2009

It seemed to be easier to find a phlebotomist position say 15 years ago in my area. In fact, at that time, after taking the certification exam and getting hired at a hospital, the supervisor was already telling us within the orientation period that they were doing away with them and training CNAs to draw and upgrading them to PCAs. I had plenty of agency work as a phlebotomist back then, but most of them were per diem or part time. I have to say it is an excellent skill to have towards nursing, however. In fact, since I am now an LPN that also draws blood, I am considered very often for certain agency assignments because so few nurses do this well. I would take a CNA course that includes phlebotomy and EKG. The chances would probably be higher for you to obtain a position in a hospital setting.