Question for the nurses/phlebotomists/EKG technicians

sarahp

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I've done my CNA class, but have had no luck finding work yet. I was thinking of doing another course during my 4 week break from my university study.

I can do a 2 week intensive phlebotomy technician course or a 2 week intensive EKG technician course (I believe you still need to do so many supervised blood draws before you're qualified for the PT).

So I can't decide which to do. The phlebotomy technician is more expensive, and involves students practising on each other (EW EW EW EW EWWWWW), but there's plenty of work available, and it's something I would need to learn if I get into nursing anyway.

The EKG technician course would be good because I would like to end up in a cardiac area, so this would be useful, the course is cheaper, and EKG technicians get paid more. The downside is that EKG jobs are harder to find, so I'm not sure if it would do me much good.

I can't decide, and would appreciate any input!
 

snake_lady

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Personally, I would go where the work is...with the way the economy is.

Perhaps you could take the EKG course later on?
 

sneakymom

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I've seen jobs here for phlebotomy technicians. Nothing really for EKG techs.

However, I've seen a whole lot of CNA positions posted here.

I'm starting school in August for my RN. My main concern right now is getting a job, there's not a whole lot out there for new grad RN's. Hopefully in 22 months when I graduate there will be something out there.

Cheryl
 
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sarahp

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Thanks guys. I'm not desperate for work - hubby earns enough to be able to support me, and he's supportive of whatever I do. I want something that will help me in the long run, but I obviously do want to get work sometime soon - useless taking courses if you cann't get work!

There's CNA jobs here too, but they all want experience.
 

natalie_ca

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Originally Posted by Snake_Lady

Personally, I would go where the work is...with the way the economy is.
That's my advice too! You can always do the EKG course later one. And if you decide to go into nursing and work in cardiology, they will even put you through a course that includes reading EKG strips.

If there is work for a phlebotomist, then that is the route I'd go.
 

natalie_ca

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Originally Posted by Sneakymom

I'm starting school in August for my RN. My main concern right now is getting a job, there's not a whole lot out there for new grad RN's. Hopefully in 22 months when I graduate there will be something out there.

Cheryl
Come work up here! There are lots of positions where I live. We are in such a staffing shortage
 

sneakymom

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Originally Posted by Natalie_ca

Come work up here! There are lots of positions where I live. We are in such a staffing shortage
I guess that's about the ONLY good thing about having to repeat a course and pushing back graduation. Because I'd be sweating it out right now if I was in my original class (graduation in October). I heard that one hospital's having a hiring freeze, and another one only has a handful of new grad RN positions.

Cheryl
 
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