Phlebotomy training for a Pre-Nursing student

[ssharifi94]

Hi,

I'm currently taking my pre reqs for Nursing school and was brainstorming ways to possibly make myself more competitive. Does Phlebotomy training help?

I've always heard it's a good idea for a Pre Nursing student to become a phlebotomist first but never knew why. Anyone know some good pro's and con's?

Thank you!

[Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN]

Honestly, I don't see how certifications in a medical related aspect could be detrimental. I'd say go for it! :)

[nolanurse88]

It won't make yourself more competitive, it will only give you the knowledge of how to draw blood and to communicate with patients. I've previously done this already, received CNA, EKG, phlebotomy and I'm a LPN still struggling to get into a nursing school.

[TexRN, BSN, RN]

I don't know but I've been a lab tech for 5 years, which I do about 100+ draws per week. I hope it counts. Well at least I'll be a nurse that gets a vein. I've always had trouble with nurses getting my veins as well as my mother and everyone else I talk with. LOL

[nolanurse88]

I don't know but I've been a lab tech for 5 years which I do about 100+ draws per week. I hope it counts. Well at least I'll be a nurse that gets a vein. I've always had trouble with nurses getting my veins as well as my mother and everyone else I talk with. LOL[/quote']

I find inserting IVs more difficult because you try to stay away from using the AC area and I sometimes blow the vein after flushing.

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

I got my phlebotomy certification before nursing school. I found it was helpful experience learning to talk to patients, explaining lab tests and having to do something that you know is an unpleasant experience and learned to make it more enjoyable for the patient. That's a good skill to have as you advance in your skills in nursing school.

While we haven't learned IV starts yet, I feel confident I'll know how to find a good vein when the time comes. I was certainly comfortable with syringes & needless when we learned SubQ, IM and ID injections.

I don't think there's any one "right" certification before nursing school. Each has their own pros & cons. Pick the one that interests you most.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

My state doesn't require phlebs to be certified and some positions will do on the job training. I had 1 day of on the job training.

[Natasha A., CNA, LVN]

Is it worth the 2K to take the training course? I also heard that WIA funding may pay for it too.

[CajunShrimp84]

Look around for some certified night courses maybe. I got my phlebotomy certification by a woman who also teaches at a local college but offers the accelerated night course through her company for half the cost & time of doing the college course...also, the later time was more convenient.

[Natasha A., CNA, LVN]

oh wow thanks! if you dont mind me asking how much did it cost and how long was the course?

[CajunShrimp84]

I'm in North Texas and mine was a 6 week course that cost me $700. And when I say 6 weeks, that was either 1 or 2 nights a week (can't remember) for 3 or 4 hours each session, for a 6 week period. If I were to take it at the college where it's offered it is a full semester & $1500.