Medical Assistant at Kaiser?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Is anyone a MA at Kaiser? We have a brand new clinic here and it's beautiful and I always think how I'd love to work there. They are closed on weekends and holidays, 8:30-5:00 hours.

I'm debating between RN and MA. Currently taking prereqs foe RN. I KNOW these are two totally different professions. And I have wanted to be a RN, but the fact that MA school is way shorter and the job would have better hours sure is enticing. I have 3 kids so I do worry about the RN hours.

Just curious if you work for Kaiser, what do they pay their MAs? I live in the SF Bay Area in CA. Do you enjoy it?

Thanks!

Specializes in Emergency.

Does Kaiser even have medical assistants? On our floors on Geary, San Francisco, we have Patient Care Techs. Or are PCTs the same as MAs? Granted, my rotation is at a hospital, so Kaiser could have MAs in a normal clinic setting. <_>

I believe the clinics have MAs but not the hospitals. What do PCTs do?

Specializes in Emergency.

I think they're very similar to the nursing aids. They help with delivering food with dietary as well as help clean patients and the rooms. I love our PCTs.

Do you know if Kaiser hires people (non nurses) to work in L&D and/or mom/baby? I want to get experience in those units but I'm not sure if it's possible since I'm not a nurse yet.

Specializes in Emergency.

I'm sure you can if you're certified as a CNA or work there as a PCT. I don't know how long it takes to get certified, but, that's actually a great way to get hired as a nurse. PCT -> Nurse. :x

Kaiser treats their MAs very well. The pay is well above the average of anywhere else you would work as an MA and the benefits are nice. Also, they are union. I have been an MA for 5 years an love it, BUT, I am going back for my RN in the summer. RN degree opens more doors and better pay if you are on your own. If you need a decent paying job just for a 2nd income in the house, going to school for an MA is quick, easy, and the hours are not as demanding.

Thank you!! I'm considering MA since I have young kids and regular hours would be nice. Was it tough to get hired at kaiser as a new grad?

Do you know what the starting pay is in the SanFrancisco area?

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