Thinking of taking a phlebotomy class while waiting...

kmrmom42 · Oct 12, 2004

Since I will have almost a year before I can even get in the RN program, I'm thinking of taking a phlebotomy class? Has anyone done this and found that it helped? As this is one of the areas that worries me a little, I thought if I could become proficient in it, I won't let that anxiety hit me when I am in nursing school.
I'm finding myself trying to face those areas that cause me the most anxiety rather than avoiding them.

Sounds like a great idea to me! Personally, I worked as a PCA while I was in nursing school. I did complete patient care, put in foley catheters, did phlebotomy, changed tube feedings, did simple dressing changes and got to work on every unit of the whole hospital including the ED and ICU. It was invaluable experience and I got to do far more than any of my classmates had gotten to do when in school. I was much more comfortable in my role as a new RN because I had had so much patient care experience. I highly recommend any opportunity you can get to work with patients. It helps you to have a more realistic and unbiased view of the role of a nurse.

MZachry · Oct 12, 2004

As a Medical Assistant, we did phlebotomies as a part of the class. Some places I worked I had to do blood drawals, and some I didn't.

Call me weird, but phlebotomy was my favorite part of MA school. I guess it was the goal of trying to get the hardest veins. I was great at it....lil babies, older pt's, and any rolling vein.

I'm not sure if this would help in nursing school, as I am just starting out as well. I'm interested in knowing if it would as well. (I know for IV's the skill of finding the vein, and not going all the way through it may help...)

Good luck in your education! :)

SarasotaRN2b · Oct 13, 2004

As a Medical Assistant, we did phlebotomies as a part of the class. Some places I worked I had to do blood drawals, and some I didn't.
Call me weird, but phlebotomy was my favorite part of MA school. I guess it was the goal of trying to get the hardest veins. I was great at it....lil babies, older pt's, and any rolling vein.
I'm not sure if this would help in nursing school, as I am just starting out as well. I'm interested in knowing if it would as well. (I know for IV's the skill of finding the vein, and not going all the way through it may help...)
Good luck in your education! :)

Actually, way, way back I took a Medical Assistant course and the instructor only covered phlebotomy over the course of one class period. I didn't mind being the guinea pig, but I was hesitant to do it myself. This course I'm planning on taking is totally on phlebotomy over an 8 week course.

It is also because of having to do IVs that I want as much training as possible.

happystudent, RN · Oct 13, 2004

heres my 2 sense (lol) If I were you, I would do the CNA thing...The phleb idea is cool, but you will get that training on orientation. If its a free course, I say go for it. If not, I would definately work in a hospital as a PCA. It takes practice, practice and more practice to hit a vein, I wouldnt focus too much on that....I would direct my energies on patient care. What ever you decide...Im sending you positive thoughts!!!

HAppy :)

ERRN1028 · Oct 14, 2004

Since I will have almost a year before I can even get in the RN program, I'm thinking of taking a phlebotomy class? Has anyone done this and found that it helped? As this is one of the areas that worries me a little, I thought if I could become proficient in it, I won't let that anxiety hit me when I am in nursing school.
I'm finding myself trying to face those areas that cause me the most anxiety rather than avoiding them.

I went to phlebotomy school while waiting for RN school, It gave me a job, really good practice with patients, sticking for blood, learned the hospital routine, got to know people and established my self in the hosp. system.

I HIGHLY recommend it ,best thing I ever did, while waiting to get in school.

good luck to you.:)

not now, RN · Oct 14, 2004

Both hospitals I worked at (as a phlebotomist) paid me more than they did the CNA's. I'm actually a CNA now because I wanted to spend more time with patients.

The down side to being a phlebotomist is you don't really get alot of direct patient care, it's basically "Hi, I'm here to draw your blood....Ok, done I'll see you later" and that's it. You don't gain experience in other areas. You may be able to hit a vein from across the room but you don't get to practice or observe any nursing skills.

tonicareer · Oct 15, 2004

I wish they had 8 week phlebotomy classes in my state. Here it is a 2 year program!

payday · Oct 15, 2004

If you have the time and money I would go for it.

okie2 · Oct 15, 2004

Have you already been accepted?? if not.....

At the CC where I'm applying, a certification like CNA, CMA, or PCA gets you extra "points" on your application. The admissions are based only on points, no interviews, letters of recommendation etc. Points are earned by high gpa, entrance test scores, courses, degrees earned, certifications, etc. I'm not applying until 06 so, I'm going to do an independent study for a CNA. You can schedule your own times for lab and clinicals--it just has to add up to 100 hours. Most people do it in 2 weeks. It's worth the extra points to me. PLUS, I'll have a head start on skills labs when I finally start NS!!

Good Luck!

Kaelie · Oct 15, 2004

Since I will have almost a year before I can even get in the RN program, I'm thinking of taking a phlebotomy class? Has anyone done this and found that it helped? As this is one of the areas that worries me a little, I thought if I could become proficient in it, I won't let that anxiety hit me when I am in nursing school.
I'm finding myself trying to face those areas that cause me the most anxiety rather than avoiding them.

Nothing wrong c learning phlebotomy before nursing school. You have a good head on your shoulders. More power to you! :)

Sheri257 · Oct 15, 2004

You might also want to check into the cost of different courses mentioned here. For example, the CNA course at my school was a lot cheaper because it was a college credit course subsidized by the state. The phlebotomy course was not a credit course and, since it was contracted with a private agency, it cost a lot more.

:clown: