Phlebotomy while waiting to get into nursing school?

SarasotaRN2b · Aug 11, 2007

Hi Zoek,

Go for it! I think you can get a lot out of it, and you can probably work it in while you go to school. I know that in the hospital I work at, there are many inpatient phlebotomist openings.

Kris

SmetRN2008 · Aug 11, 2007

I worked as a phlebotomist while taking my pre-reqs. It's really good experience and I would highly recommend it. The skills you learn are helpful when it comes to learning how to put in an IV. Also, where I'm from (illinois) a phlebotomist makes a little more than a CNA. I say go for it!

JakeyWakey · Aug 11, 2007

I'm currently working as a phlebotomist while doing my pre-reqs. I think it is a really fun job. Being a CNA would be valuable experience also, but I chose to pursue phlebotomy becuase I was honestly very nervous about having to poke veins, and while starting an IV is a different skill than phlebotomy I believe it will really help in the long run to be comfortable finding good veins and feeling more confident about starting IVs.

It also gives you a perspective about how a hospital lab works, and you learn all about all the different types of blood tests. It is also a good challenge; you have ALOT of patients to work with everyday, and you generally have about 5 minutes (+/- ) to get in there and get your blood before you need to get to your next patient, so you get fast!! I used to get so nervous while drawing blood that my hands would shake, which made me even more nervous. I was a wreck!! but...I've been working as a phlebotomist for about 5 months now, and I'm not nervous at all anymore. No hand shaking problems! So this was a good job to conquer my fear.

and it pays pretty good with LOTS of flexibility in hours! California requires a license to practice phlebotomy so it does take a little bit of time to get your license, but i think it is worth it. That is also one reason why phlebotomists in California probably earn more than other states.

Nurse-One · Aug 11, 2007

I went to an adult vocational school to get my phlebotomy certificate.

I was done with it in May but haven't tried to look for a job as a phlebotomist until now (early August). This is because I was attending summer courses.

I can't wait to start working. I agree with the above post-you will get great experience working with needles. I've drawn blood at this major hospital (they didn't require phlebotomy school)when I was working as a CNA with them because that was one of the duties and I loved it; I always looked forward to that part of my job.

Go for it!

blkgurlwithwings · Sep 18, 2007

Jakey,

Can you give me an idea what phlebotomists make in your part of California? I'm in Oakland / San Francisco. Also, where can I go to get the degree quickly?

neenja · Sep 18, 2007

well you become familiar with some of the labs, youre in the environment, you might get to roam all over the hospital, you get to interact with pts, get to interact with the nurses a little, sometimes get to see what they do, you get practice hitting veins (though i hear sticking IVs is a different ballgame), etc. its alright. personally, i dont like how routine the work can be but eh..sure if you have the time, couldnt hurt to do the training and see how you like it.

Carebear77 · Sep 18, 2007

Def. go for it. I did it. I am about to start nursing school on monday and while I was waiting to get in over the beginning part of the year I got my cert. in phlebotomy. I think it will help me in nursing school, having expirence with patients, knowing how to work with needles I will have a upper hand. Good luck :) You will definatley like it.

rnmomtobe2010 · Sep 19, 2007

I was considering CNA, but now I might get my certification in both. I want to become a l&d nurse and I hear that you have to have at least a year's experience and I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can get hired in a l&d department as a cna. I also have a fear of needles and phlebotomy sounds wonderful also. Gotta Love allnurses. I find so much valuable info. here. Can't live without this site!

JakeyWakey · Sep 19, 2007

Jakey,
Can you give me an idea what phlebotomists make in your part of California? I'm in Oakland / San Francisco. Also, where can I go to get the degree quickly?

I live closer to Sacramento, but where I work starting out, phlebotomists make about 17 bucks an hour and good benefits. I work at a small laid back hospital. Our volume of patients isn't as high so we don't make as much as phlebotomists at busier hospitals. I know some a few people in the bay area that started out around 24 dollars an hour.

If you want a CPT-1 certificate quickly I'd suggest a school call Fast Response in Berkeley. It's where I went. It offers intense 2-3 week phlebotomy courses. I went there, and I will warn you.. it is a bit too FAST(at times I wished the course was slower so i had more time to practice drawing ), but you get your training done quickly. Keep in mind.. you need to complete an externship at a hospital before you get your license. waiting for your license from the state is actually takes the longest. The whole process ended up taking about 5 months.

There are also some good ROP programs out there that cost less money, but take longer.

stars77 · Jan 17, 2011

Does anyone have any advice on whether phlebotomy is a good job to have while waiting to attend and/or attending nursing school?
Thank you!:monkeydance:

I'm wondering the same thing! If doing phlebotomy before nursing school is a good idea.

stars77 · Jan 17, 2011

I'm currently working as a phlebotomist while doing my pre-reqs. I think it is a really fun job. Being a CNA would be valuable experience also, but I chose to pursue phlebotomy becuase I was honestly very nervous about having to poke veins, and while starting an IV is a different skill than phlebotomy I believe it will really help in the long run to be comfortable finding good veins and feeling more confident about starting IVs.
It also gives you a perspective about how a hospital lab works, and you learn all about all the different types of blood tests. It is also a good challenge; you have ALOT of patients to work with everyday, and you generally have about 5 minutes (+/- ) to get in there and get your blood before you need to get to your next patient, so you get fast!! I used to get so nervous while drawing blood that my hands would shake, which made me even more nervous. I was a wreck!! but...I've been working as a phlebotomist for about 5 months now, and I'm not nervous at all anymore. No hand shaking problems! So this was a good job to conquer my fear.
and it pays pretty good with LOTS of flexibility in hours! California requires a license to practice phlebotomy so it does take a little bit of time to get your license, but i think it is worth it. That is also one reason why phlebotomists in California probably earn more than other states.

Yeah! I thought this would be valuable experience and help me conquer my fear of needles! And give me more practice before I do it as a nurse. Thanks for sharing!