Introduction

Many professionals aspire to combine their interests by pursuing multiple roles in healthcare. One such intriguing combination is that of a phlebotomist and a nurse practitioner (NP). This article explores the feasibility of such a career path and the reasons (if any) to pursue it.

The Possibility of Dual Roles

It is indeed possible to be both a phlebotomist and a nurse practitioner simultaneously. However, it is important to note that these professions require distinct skill sets and career paths. Phlebotomy, the practice of drawing blood, is not typically a focus in nursing courses. The role of a nurse practitioner involves advanced diagnostic and therapeutic skills, making the transition between these professions complex.

Professional Pay and Scope of Practice

The financial aspect is a significant differentiator between these roles. A phlebotomist’s average hourly wage ranges from $15 to $25, while a nurse practitioner can earn significantly more, between $50 and $75 an hour. The comprehensive scope of practice for an NP allows for a wider range of responsibilities, making it a more lucrative profession.

Reasons to Combine Roles

There is no inherent benefit to adding a phlebotomy certification to an NP licensure. While a phlebotomy training course could offer some new insights, there are no substantial reasons to pursue this combination from a career or financial standpoint. For instance, a phlebotomist typically works under the lab services, leaving more time for NPs to engage with patients.

Professional experience in emergency departments, board certification in critical care, and teaching experience in nursing further solidify an NP's skills, making the transition to phlebotomy less appealing. In addition, serving as a phlebotomist would likely result in a significant salary reduction compared to an NP position.

Conclusion

While it is feasible to be both a phlebotomist and a nurse practitioner, the substantial financial disparity and the differing scope of practice make this combination challenging. Nurse practitioners often choose to focus on their advanced role, which typically aligns with higher salaries and a broader scope of responsibility.

However, there are scenarios where having phlebotomy skills might be beneficial. For example, some NPs order certain blood tests and perform some of the draws themselves as part of their practice. The skills might also enhance their overall patient care and management capabilities.