Nursing school student: Should I work as a Phlebotomist or CNA?
Asked by Dan
Hey! I'm going to start nursing school in Fall 2009, and I have the option to take a course as a CNA or Phlebotomy Technician. Which would be the better route to take? Most people I know with experience in nursing and health careers say I should take Phlebotomy. Just checking online for further thought and perspective. Personally, I think phlebotomy gets me more technically involved and would be better experience. Thank you for the insight! :)

Best Answer:
I would steer clear of the CNA position and go for phlebotomy. When I was in nursing school I went for the CNA, worked in a hospital and quit within 3 months. Four of my classmates, that went the smae route as me, quit even sooner than I did. Unfortunatley, and this really is unfortunate, CNA's are the "kick arounds" of the hospital. The nurses will look at you like you are "dumb worthless help" and the CNA;s will all hate you because you are in nursing school and will be their bossess after you graduate. In addition, most hospitals and nursing care facilities do not employ enough CNA's so there is always going to be an immense amount of work on your plate, for most likley, little money. When I worked as a CNA I had three or four different nurses pulling me in every different direction trying to get me to do all the repugnant jobs that they didnt want to be bothered with. Cleaning poop out of a bed, washing vomit out of someones hair, helping a patient to the bathroom as they crap down their leg (which you will have to clean up), doing the "death care" (which is the washing of the cadaver, the placing of them in a body bag, and the delivery of them to the mourge), and more! It was the WORST job I have ever had in my life. On the other hand, all the phlebotomy students got to walk around in nice clean white coats and "swab and prick" all day long. A much better deal, in my opinion. Please...go for phlebotomy.
nurse - aka - been there, done that..learn from my mistakes dammit!
Answered by pittypassion

I don't know about phlebotomy but I do know that if you're a CNA there are sooo many countless job offerings.
Answered by Amanda C

phlebotomist CNA's dont get paid enough to do the amount of work they do.
Answered by girl09

Hey! I just finished nursing school, but before that I worked as a CNA for 4 years. But right now i'm working as a plebotomist, and I love it! It just all depends on your expertise, and what you like doing more! I worked as a CNA in a nursing home, so sometimes, things weren't so fun ;) But i work at a hospital currenty, and love it also. But yes your correct, being a phlebotomist would give you much more perspective, for me it has helped SO much!
Answered by Bri★

CNA degrades your skills from nursing. being a phlebotomy technician will enhance your skills from drawing out blood and to get rid off of your fear of blood in case.
Answered by jack

How do you feel about drawing blood and doing it day in and day out? If you could handle it,(as a cna myself), I think a phlebotomists would have alot more career opportunities and advancements. However,if you ever decide to become a nurse some day, I believe it's required now to do so many hours as a cna first. I'm not sure, It may just be the policies in Montana. Cna's (In nursing homes)deal with continual lifting of people, understaffed facilities, and stress from every direction. It can be physically, mentally and emotionally draining. It can also be a very rewarding job knowing how much you're helping others. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Answered by mtmom

I don't think many places require CNA before nursing school as the poster above me mentions. If that is so I'm sure your nursing school would tell you. I am a CPT (Certified Phlebotomy Technician) and worked as a phlebotomist all through college, and it was great. The pay was pretty decent and I got to see the goings on of the hospital lab as well as get to go out onto the floors. So I got a good sense of what the entire hospital was about.
Answered by Jen F

Congratulations on your entrance into the nursing program! Is it the LPN or RN program? Either way, good going! You should take the CNA course. Phlebotomy is hard to find a job in. I have 2 friends who haven't found a job in 2 years. One was offered $8/hour. She did not accept, that's not enough to survive. Working 40 hours a week for a $250 check is not worth it. CNA is an aide for the nurse. You would get SO much experience. Also, you will learn how to do phlebotomy in your nursing program. So don't pay for it or waste time now. Also, if you become a CNA, you could possibly get your foot in the door so you can become a nurse when you get your license. And some employers provide tuition reimbursement - that means you could potentially get them to pay for your nursing courses. My cousin and another family member became CNA's before starting their nursing programs and it turned out to be very beneficial. You get to see the not so great sides of nursing, and you will be working in the same setting as you would when you are a nurse. Maybe it will be a chance to see if you really even want to do this? Phlebotomy is a waste of time. I would become a CNA. Their work is hard but its better if you plan on being a nurse. You aide the nurse so you will learn the procedures in hospitals or nursing homes, how to mark charts, how to read charts, how to take vital signs, and sometimes you collect samples like urine or take blood sugars. These are needed skills for nurses. They are highly in demand so you know that finding a job wouldn't be a problem. Phlebotomy is not in demand and there are not many places that hire people that just have 1 acquired skill (drawing blood). Good luck!
Answered by whoknewthecolorcouldbeblue