I'm an RN but thinking of applying as PCT.

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It's really hard to find as a New Grad RN right now. Thats why I was thinking of applying for PCT first. I have a certificate in PCT and I'm going to take the exam this coming feb. 17. I'm going to use the exp. that I'm going to gain as PCT to apply as RN. Good or bad Idea?

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Are you a licensed RN? Hypothetically if I were in a position to hire a PCT and an RN applied I would not be interested in them because I'd know that as soon as an RN job came along they'd be out the door.

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Yeah but there is no harm in trying right? Besides I already spoke with the manager, he already know my situation.

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There is no harm in trying. Besides I can work as PCT/RN, but my primary work is PCT but I can help the RN with catheter. The manager already knows my situation.

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I'm pretty sure that even if you were to be hired as an RN, unless catheter was in a PCTs scope, you wouldn't be able to help. You would be operating under the scope of practive of a PCT, not RN. It's like I have EMT cert. I work at a nursing home. Now EMTs can give O2, can I give O2 where I work? No cause I'm operating as a CNA's scope, not an EMT.

Although I highly doubt anyone would hire you as a PCT because of job issues and all that.

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Ok I decided to just work as PCT. I was reading this magazine about nursing. It says there that New Grad RN should start in Medical surgical Area. To build up the foundation and open the opportunity to other area.

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I'm in the same boat, having trouble finding job. I take my NCLEX in two days. And I'm thinking of applying as a PCT. I've had my CNA for 5 years, worked as CNA for almost two years before I started nursing school. I hope that they will still consider us b/c I need a job fast! One income is not cutting it for me and my husband and some ppl say it took them a year to find a job in my area after graduation. I CANNOT wait that long.

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I'm a PCT at a hospital and I'm pretty sure they will not hire an RN/LPN as a PCT due to their position being out of their range of practice. It might depend on the hospital though.

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We were warned in my BSN program that when working in a (PCT) or (CNA) position, we are not allowed to exceed our scope of practice in that capacity, even though we are held to the accountability of the higher license. While certain employers might love to have a person doing more or less RN duties for PCT pay, you are jeopardizing yourself. This is why many hospitals and other employers will not hire people in this situation and will dismiss newly minted RNs from their CNA or PCT jobs. Liability issues.

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Specializes in med-surg.
We were warned in my BSN program that when working in a (PCT) or (CNA) position, we are not allowed to exceed our scope of practice in that capacity, even though we are held to the accountability of the higher license. While certain employers might love to have a person doing more or less RN duties for PCT pay, you are jeopardizing yourself. This is why many hospitals and other employers will not hire people in this situation and will dismiss newly minted RNs from their CNA or PCT jobs. Liability issues.

I've heard the same thing here in NJ--not sure if the rules are different in other places. You cannot work "below" your license, so to speak. A lot of girls I know who are PCAs are being let go from these positions as soon as we graduate and get our licenses in May.

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Specializes in OR.

if you were hired as a PCA/PCT..you could not perform any of your RN duties..you would be hired as an aide, not an RN. Its called "changing hats"...I know lots of nurses who also work as EMTs and when they are working on the ambulance, they are EMTs and perform according to the policies of their job there. no liability issues because you are only expcected to perform at the level you were hired.

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