PCT and student problems

Nursing Students Technicians

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I have been a tech for about 2 years and work as a scribe (fancy transcriptionist) in the ED. I started my RN program last semester and have been catching a lot of crap about my previous work history. With the scribe position, I know a good deal of medical terminology and see physicians work everyday so I am familiar with care plans and procedures. As a tech I know how to deal with problem patients and have my own bedside manner that is evident in clinicals. I was just wondering if any other students that have worked in the medical field previously have dealt with this issue in their RN program.

The biggest issue I face is answering questions in class. By no means am I a straight A student but I often know the answer to a question that professors ask the class. If no one answers the question, the instructors often look to me and the other techs in the class to answer. I can't tell you the amount of times someone would chime in with "of course you'd know" or "why even study for the NCLEX, you could take it right now".

Don't worry about what others think or say. You have a leg up because of your past. I did too as a paramedic for many years.

There is still a lot I don't know, and that is what I focus on.

I am in the 3rd semester of my nursing degree, and even though I do not have your experience I am also one of those students who the teachers call on when no one else is answering. This is a combination of me recalling information from the reading assignment and my fear of awkward silence. Haha. Honestly, if you are worried about what your fellow students are thinking about you, then it would not hurt to just leave questions unanswered. I tend to take that route about 50% of the time because I don't want to be known as "one of those" students, and because it gives my fellow students more time to verbalized an answer themselves. I have also started to guess at teachers questions when I did not know the answer as it helps the dynamic of the classroom when "that student" is wrong. More people realize that you aren't trying to be a know-it-all but instead you are just trying to confirm your understanding of the subject. Both of these tactics have greatly helped and lately my fellow students are becoming more verbal when the teacher asks questions by attempting to answer the questions themselves. Also, the types of responses you stated that you were receiving from your peers have ceased completely. I'll be honest when I say that I even become annoyed by "those students," so it was easy for me to understand the negative energy.

I have been a tech for about 2 years and work as a scribe (fancy transcriptionist) in the ED. I started my RN program last semester and have been catching a lot of crap about my previous work history. With the scribe position, I know a good deal of medical terminology and see physicians work everyday so I am familiar with care plans and procedures. As a tech I know how to deal with problem patients and have my own bedside manner that is evident in clinicals. I was just wondering if any other students that have worked in the medical field previously have dealt with this issue in their RN program.

The biggest issue I face is answering questions in class. By no means am I a straight A student but I often know the answer to a question that professors ask the class. If no one answers the question, the instructors often look to me and the other techs in the class to answer. I can't tell you the amount of times someone would chime in with "of course you'd know" or "why even study for the NCLEX, you could take it right now".

Keep your head up. People throw rocks at things that shine. ;)

I'm starting RN school next week and I'm nervous this may happen to me bc I've been in the field as a PCT in Peds and Adult med for about 8 years now. I've picked up a lot but in no way does that make me a know it all. I feel your pain and am sending you good vibes!

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