Starting Phlebotomy school before nursing school

[Zachtaylor1221]

I guess it's finally dawned on me that in less than a week I'll be starting my Phlebotomy class. I'm finishing up my Anatomy II lab and lecture and all of my other Gen Ed. pre-reqs in just 6 weeks and then I'll be done for the summer.

In the fall, I'll take Micro and then I'll be ready to apply.

I can't help but feel so excited that I'm this close to nursing school.

I'm a pretty solid candidate I think. 3.5 GPA with an A in Anatomy I and so far the same in II as well. It's not a perfect 4.0, but I've never been a 4.0 student even in high school.

I've started the Phlebotomy course to get some hands-on experience (and some income ) before then. I was wondering if anyone else has went down this road as well and if it would be something they recommend doing while in nursing school or if they'd advise against it?

I guess it is pretty strange I didn't go for the CNA or PCA classes and opted for Phlebotomy instead in hindsight, because I'd probably get more patient contact training.

Do you think it's manageable to hold down a weekend job while in nursing school? I'd ideally be working weekend graveyard shift with the weekend and shift dif pay because I don't see myself getting more than 30 hours a week while in nursing school.

Thanks for any advice you might have!

[Veldtor, BSN, MSN]

Hey Zach,

Regardless of what you are doing, just getting your foot in the door at a hospital or medical facility is a plus. Many hiring managers just want to see you are being proactive. Even being a hospital volunteer will benefit your resume.

When considering working during nursing school, it really depends on the individual. Some people just can't handle that kind of workload or stress. I personally worked as a NA per diem while I was in school and it was doable. When I got hired, I was offered part time or per diem, and the HR director strongly suggested per-diem. I know people who worked part time, and the only downside to that is you don't have much flexibility with your scheduling. At least as a per diem you make your own schedule, allowing you to not work around a big test or project.

Hope this helps!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

You may want to double-check if you're counting on a phlebotomy job on weekend nights. In my area, most hospitals expect night nurses to draw their own labs... it's a very common cost savings measure.

[Zachtaylor1221]

That's great advice actually, thank you! It would be pretty frustrating to get certified and then not actually be able to do much.

[ItsThatJenGirl, CNA]

I'll have a gap between finishing up my prereq's and starting nursing school, so I'm doing a 10 week EMT B program, with the hopes I can work as a tech in the summer (around here you need to be an EMT to be an ED tech). I think it's smart to take steps to get your foot in the door. Good luck!

[Phlebmom]

From my experience I would say "yes" to phlebotomy! Getting a "shift" job in a hospital if you are planning on working during school is a great option, because hospitals are 24/7 operations and you can work it around your school and clinical schedules.