New PCA on a telemetry unit

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

Hi all! This is my first post so here goes....

I was recently hired as a PCA on a med/surg/telemetry unit (shift will be 2:45PM-11:15PM) in a busy inner city hospital. This will be my first medical job. I have worked in the same hospital for 3 years now as a catering associate and know most of my soon-to-be coworkers already, which is making me super excited to get things started. My biggest question is what the difference is between working on a telemetry floor compared to another floor..I've seen posts about how it seems much more stressful for RNs. I've also read that they can learn a great deal more information from being on this type of floor. Does the added stress carry over to the nurses assistants too? Will I benefit from working on this floor compared to another one?

Another question on my mind is what it'll be like working the second shift? The latest I've been on the floors for my other job is only about 7:30, so I'm not sure what life is like on the units late night. I would like to think it would be some nice downtime while patients sleep, but something tells me I'll still be kept perfectly busy haha.

What are some typical tasks that I would be put up to during this second shift? I know I'll still be taking vitals and answering call lights, but what else might I be doing?

Thank you for the help! I am looking forward to starting my career in medicine and can't wait to hear from you guys

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