Should I just bite the bullet?

Nursing Students Technicians

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Hello! I'm a pre-nursing student who is currently finishing up her prerequisites. I came up with the idea of getting my CNA certification so that I may work and gain valuable experience as I am going through school to get my BSN. I just finished up my CNA class about two weeks ago and will be going for my CNA state certification test in a week. My question is this: do you think I have any chance of being hired on as a PCT/PCA without any experience in this field? Or do you think I should just bite the bullet, work in an assisted living/ltc/rehabilitation facility, gain a year or so of experience and then try to go for PCT/PCA positions?

There are many hospitals around town, and not all PCT/PCA positions they offer require a CNA certificate. About half of the listings I find say no certificates or experience necessary. I do have my Basic Life Support certification from AHA, and I will eventually have my CNA certificate, just not right now.

I'm just asking this question because since I first finished my class, I have been applying to PCT/PCA positions, but I've hardly been applying to ltc or assisted living positions, simply because I would rather not work there if I don't have to. But as I've yet to receive any calls back on my applications, I'm starting to wonder if I should start applying to these other facilities as well, even if I really would rather not.

Any advice anyone could give would be much appreciated. I'm planning on calling HR departments tomorrow about the applications I've sent in thus far, as well as going around town and applying to different positions in person instead of online.

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Specializes in NICU Level 3.

I just recently starting working as a PCT here in Austin with no prior experience and no CNA license. I was lucky and met someone in one of my college classes who worked at the hospital and gave me a good recommendation to her supervisor. But it took FOREVER to finally be called for an interview. I think it was about 6 weeks before I heard from the recruiter to come in for an interview.

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Specializes in ICU, neuro ICU.

Totally depends on where you live. In Pinellas County Florida, no way you would get hired as a PCT with only a CNA license (unless you knew someone...) But that is a very strict hospital system they have. (I used to live there.)

In Palm Beach County Florida, I was called by recruiters and told that I would be perfect for PCT positions (with only 6 months experience as a CNA.)

I have to say, LTC was hard, hard work, but you will learn so much about yourself and nursing. Don't be too scared of it, because it can only make you stronger! :) Yes, the work is hard, but think of how easy everything else will seem by comparison, ESPECIALLY for nursing school. ;)

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Specializes in ICU, ED.

Pretty much half of my nursing school class had PCA/PCT jobs with no CNA license or experience in the field. I think a lot of hospitals hire nursing students with the hopes they will stay within their system when they become new grad RNs - at least thats how most of the hospitals in my area seem to be. I don't know a single person who had a PCA job who didn't get a job in their own facility if they wanted one.

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Specializes in ICU, neuro ICU.
Pretty much half of my nursing school class had PCA/PCT jobs with no CNA license or experience in the field. I think a lot of hospitals hire nursing students with the hopes they will stay within their system when they become new grad RNs - at least thats how most of the hospitals in my area seem to be. I don't know a single person who had a PCA job who didn't get a job in their own facility if they wanted one.

In Florida after a semester of school you are "qualified" to work as a PCT. Wonder if it is the same where you are.

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Thank you for the responses! About the nursing class, I am currently just doing my prerequisites at a community college. In my city, hospitals have no problems hiring you on as a PCA/PCT if you're in nursing school. The problem is, I technically am not. Like I said, I'm still just working on my prerequisites, so I cannot use that path.

Do you think it would help my chances if I went to talk to the HR office in person, or even called about some of my applications? So far I've just been applying online.

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Specializes in ICU, neuro ICU.
Thank you for the responses! About the nursing class, I am currently just doing my prerequisites at a community college. In my city, hospitals have no problems hiring you on as a PCA/PCT if you're in nursing school. The problem is, I technically am not. Like I said, I'm still just working on my prerequisites, so I cannot use that path.

Do you think it would help my chances if I went to talk to the HR office in person, or even called about some of my applications? So far I've just been applying online.

YES. My mother in law is a nurse educator, and she said the nurses they hire are the ones who won't stop calling them ;) I'm not saying annoy them, but maybe a little enthusiasm wouldn't hurt. Haha

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