PCT : how long did it take?

SILVACH24 · Jul 3, 2016

I became a PCT after my first semester of nursing school in my state it meets the requirements as a PCT if the first semester is completed by a nursing student. As far as on a regular work day I usually start my morning off with report from the other tech, then I start my vitals and I usually have a patient load of anywhere from 8 to 12 patients usually 8 - 10. Once my vitals are finished I goto the computer and I chart for each individual patient and also have to chart about what they're doing, their position, and safety - if the beds in low position and if the call light was in reach. In my hospital we have to round on our patients every two hours and we have to do Vital Signs every 4 hours so in between my rounds I have to do patient baths and assist the patient to the bathroom or change diapers and empty Foley's. And not to mention get anything that the patient or the family asked such as crackers or water. I usually charge after every round so I don't get behind because it is easy to get behind. Also in between my rounds when breakfast lunch and dinner comes if I have a total patient and they can't eat then I have to feed them as well

kateee · Jul 4, 2016

I definitely suggest doing pct before nursing, it's good experience and it lets you know exactly what you're getting into so you can see if you even like it. I am a tech in the ER so my day is a little different than most units. I do not have a typical routine, but I can tell you things that I do on a normal day. I take a lot of vitals, lots of ekgs, blood draws, splints and clean wounds, and make sure to chart it all in the little to non existent down time I have! It's pretty hectic but I love it!

LotusPetals82, ADN, CNA, RN · Jul 13, 2016

Each day is exactly like SILVACH24 described. I became a PCA with CNA training, but no certification. I highly recommend getting into this work before or during nursing school, so that you know what you are in for. People don't realize how much poop nurses actually clean, how much of a hassle isolation rooms are, and not to mention the other gross things you will see or hear.