PCT to RN

Nurses Job Hunt

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I'm just curious...

How many people worked in a hospital setting (PCT, CNA, sitter, tech, etc) then got hired by that hospital as an RN?

It seems like that's the best and easiest way "in," or so I've heard.

I just got a job as a PRN PCT and am wondering if this will really help me land a position as an RN with this hospital when I graduate in December.

Anyone who's done this find it pretty easy? Any tips?

Thanks :)

I guess you could say I have slight anxiety about making sure I do get a job once I graduate!

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I was a PCT before RN and so were 3 of the other nurses in my clinical group. All of us were hired for the hospitals we worked for as PCTs. All hired by the floor we worked on.

Tips/Tricks

It's still a bit early for me to say, because I'm still feeling omgoverwhelmed every shift. I guess just if you do work as a PCT first, don't let them skip things in orientation because they assume you know them. They didn't start me off like they do most people, by day 2 of orientation I was managing a full patient load and I never got that time to really slow down. I am bad at speaking up and I so wish I had said that I wasn't ready for it, because I am having to make the time now to really search through orders and whatnot.

but first step first - look for a pct/cna job because yes it will help you a bunch!

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Think of being a PCT like a job interview, and try to get along with the staff on the floor. Ive seen PCT's not get hired on as RN's even though they worked on that floor for over 5 years. I've also seen PCT's that the nurse managers practically begged to stay on the floor as an RN. It all comes down to how hard you are willing to work and prove you will be a great PCT and an even better RN. You have a great opportunity however and best of luck with it.

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Think of being a PCT like a job interview, and try to get along with the staff on the floor. Ive seen PCT's not get hired on as RN's even though they worked on that floor for over 5 years. I've also seen PCT's that the nurse managers practically begged to stay on the floor as an RN. It all comes down to how hard you are willing to work and prove you will be a great PCT and an even better RN. You have a great opportunity however and best of luck with it.

Awesome. Great to remember :)

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I worked as a PCT for 2.5 years and didn't get hired at my hospital due to a hiring freeze. Several other PCTs who were hired before the freeze were automatically put into the program. Like the others mentioned - you have to be liked to get recommended, but situations may arise where it isn't guaranteed. But no matter what, that experience puts you way ahead of everyone else!

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I worked as a PCT for 2.5 years and didn't get hired at my hospital due to a hiring freeze. Several other PCTs who were hired before the freeze were automatically put into the program. Like the others mentioned - you have to be liked to get recommended, but situations may arise where it isn't guaranteed. But no matter what, that experience puts you way ahead of everyone else!

Very true, thanks! Luckily there are a few hospitals within the hospital system I am working for. So - it at least gives me some more options when that time comes! :)

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Quick question? Did you have to go threw extra schooling when you did PCT to RN, such as lpn or get associate? Im just trying to figure out if i have to do more schooling

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Specializes in Telemetry, Med-Surg, Peds.

I worked as a PCA for one network. I was a part of their float team. I floated to all the different facilities, theres like 6 of them in our network. I was able to see and get a feel for the different facilities and units. I really loved this one hospital, all the staff, their relationship with one another, etc. I love the work I did as a PCA. And everyone knew it. I made it a point to schedule myself at the hospital I liked during my last semester. I got to know everyone. I introduced myself to the ICU and the Tele/PCU directors. I even made it into their satisfaction surveys as being a "Great assistant!" "Best care ever!". Not once but 3 times. They noticed that. Soon they were asking me when I was graduating. Where I was thinking of applying. I told them, I would love to work with them. As soon as I passed boards and let them know - I was pulled in for an interview, and hired on the spot. I am 2 weeks in and loving every minute of it. Being a PCA is a great opportunity for you to network. Get to know the different units. Know the staff, etc. Use it!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I was a PRN PCT/Nurse Extern in school and hired into the same facility when I got my RN.

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