What to do for work during school

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My hospital doesn't have apprentice positions. I'm 38 and have been a CNA for ~3years. I'm looking at EKG (Tele) tech or phlebotomy. I want to do something different because I'm tired of being pigeonholed into rehab or similar units. I'm 6'2" 280lb. I'd like to save my back and have something in the tank when I graduate a program. I tried unit secretary but I always get pulled to the for for larger or combative patients. My hospital has EKG techs and lab techs (phlebotomists).

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ekg! phleb is a skill and easy to learn. ekg you can study for years and never master

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I'm a phlebotomist and its a great skill. I've never have had any trouble getting a job. It's also very useful for nursing, since most schools do not teach it anymore and there may be times that you will need to draw your own labs. Most of the time as a tech with ekgs you are making sure that it is accurate for the physician to read. If at all possible you should learn both skills, it makes you more valuable. I work as a pct in an ED and we are required to to both.

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Are you looking at an ekg tech where you only perform them or a tele tech where you monitor pts?

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I work at that popular coffee place as a barista. It's a good company to work for but it's very stressful. I am not sure I want to waste time there during nursing school. How long/how much to become a phlebotomist? That sounds perfect while I am in school!

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I'm looking at Tele Tech but I'm told the rad techs are cross trained. It looks like phlebotomy may win out. It's a one term program of 3 classes at a community college.

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How long/how much to become a phlebotomist? That sounds perfect while I am in school!

Not sure where you are located, but at my CC it's a total of 6 units and will cost similar to what my CNA did. About $700 + licensure exam fees.

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