Nursing Student (R.N. Program) but interested in being a CNA/PCA for a Summer Job
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This is a discussion on Nursing Student (R.N. Program) but interested in being a CNA/PCA for a Summer Job in General Nursing Student, part of Nursing Student ... Hello everyone. I am a 28 year old male nursing student at Capital Community College in Hartford,...
by rmkieft Mar 4, '12Hello everyone. I am a 28 year old male nursing student at Capital Community College in Hartford, CT. I'm going to graduate next May (2013). I currently live at home & do NOT work but I would like to work during the Summer time in order to save money.
I was considering becoming a CNA. I understand that I can't just take the exam & that you need to be present for x amount of classroom & clinical hours. Is a PCA the same thing? How do you become a PCA? Which one is better?
I am sure that I would breeze through a CNA course. Should I just stick it out & attend the classes / clinicals???
Does anybody have any advice or has encountered a similar circumstance???Poll: How should I occupy my time during the final Summer of NOT being a Registered Nurse-
Become a C.N.A & work as a C.N.A.
0% 0 -
Become a P.C.A. & work as a P.C.A.
62.50% 5 -
Work in an unrelated field
0% 0 -
Relax
37.50% 3 -
Visit R.N. to B.S.N. Programs (***I'm staying in school to pursue a B.S.N. after I graduate)
0% 0
8 Votes
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Mar 4, '12 by Eagle2110Goodmorning! I'm not sure what a PCA is, but here is what I do know. I attend a ADN program in Mississippi, and here a student nurse is allowed to work as a student nurse during the summers after the first semester ( I'm not sure if the hospitals have a technical name for us). So maybe you could ask one of your professors if local hospitals, clinics, etc do the same. Hope this helps.rmkieft likes this. -
Mar 4, '12 by Nurse2bKimberlySometimes when I see postings for PCA's they require that you are a CNA..and then some PCA listings say that being a CNA is not required. A PCA basically is just another name for a CNA, patient care technician, etc.. Check with your state board of nursing and see if you can apply to become a CNA since you have completed your first semester of nursing school. Good luck
rmkieft likes this. -
Mar 4, '12 by Annachu512Here a RN student can take the cna test after the first semester and not have to go through the class. I would double check that you can't do the same thing. - Mar 4, '12 by rmkieftWhen did you begin the ADN program? Do you plan on working as a student nurse this summer??? Have you applied for the position yet?
- Mar 4, '12 by rmkieftI was just looking at the "Prometric" website,
which is the website that connecticut uses to administer the CNA exam. <br><br>Apparently there are different ways to satisfy the training requirements to be a C.N.A. <br><br>According to the CT - CNA Handbook:<br><br><em>"Route 2—Nurse or Student Nurse<br>
Select this route if you have successfully completed a course, or
courses, of no less than 100 hours of theory and clinical instruction in
an approved practical nursing or registered nursing program within the
past 24 months. Reminder. You will need to submit a copy of your nursing
school transcript or current LPN/RN license with your application."</em><br><br>I have successfully completed Nursing 101 & Nursing 102 & Pharmacology 221. <br> <br>Nursing 101: 5 hours of theory per week x 16 weeks = <strong>80 hours</strong><br>Nursing 101: 14 hours of lab/clinical per week x 13 weeks = <strong>182 hours</strong><br>Nursing 102: 5 hours of theory per week x 16 weeks = <strong>80 hours</strong><br><u>Nursing 102: 14 hours of lab/clinical per week x 13 weeks = <strong>182 hours</strong></u><br><strong>Total Hours: 524 Hours</strong><br><br>These are estimates but I would say that they are very accurate.<br><br><strong>Does anyone out there have experience with proceeding down this route to become a CNA???</strong><br>If so, please let me know about your experience doing this. I'm very interested.<br><br>Ryan - Mar 4, '12 by ♑ Capricorn ♑Umm..none of the above.
I would simply just find a job at a local hospital as a nurse tech. Sheesh, there are so many names for these titles but my understanding leads me to believe they are all the same thing in one form or another. Nurse tech/CNA/PCA/nursing assistant/nurse aide .... whatever!
When you apply, just state that you are a current nursing student who is looking for summer work, and then tell them your progress through your nursing program (what classes you've taken, where you are at in your program, what skills you've learned etc.)
No, there is no need for specific CNA classes or whatever. Most likely you have already learned all there is to know/do as far as CNA duties. In doing so, you'd just be wasting money. -
Mar 4, '12 by KelRN215In a hospital, a PCA is the same thing as a CNA. In the community, a PCA (at least in Massachusetts) is a Personal Care Attendant... someone who helps people with disabilities with their ADLs.
Most hospitals will hire nursing students who've completed clinicals into the aide role without actually having the certification. - Mar 20, '12 by jmiraHi!
I'm currently in nursing school as well, but in California. After I finished fundamentals I was able to get a job as a "Clinical Associate" which is basically just a cna but with a little more variety. I work in a children's hospital and LOVE my job.
They required a cna, emt, or completon of fundamentals and 1 year acute pediatric experience, which I did not have, but interviewed really well and got the job anyways.
I'm in so cal and making $16/hour with no certification. Student nurses, go for it!!!!
get your foot in a door, get amazing experience, and get paid while you're at itkgregg likes this.
