What do PCTs or clinical assistants do when they aren't working?

Nursing Students Technicians

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So a full-time position for a PCT or a CNA or a CA is going to be generally either 7a to 7p, or 7p to 7a, and it's 3 days a week.

That leaves 4 other days. The problem is that these nursing assistants have to schedule their days as they go along, right?

So what other careers do they pursue while working full time as PCTs/CAs/etc?

I don't know of too many jobs that hire people for 4 days a week, plus offer the flexibility to adjust their hours because their employee may have to switch around dates for his or her CNA/PCT/CA job.

Let's get real, because 10 to 12 bucks, times 36 hours, is not that much money.

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I work with some FT techs and this IS their career. They have no desire to further their education. I work with other FT techs who are in school part-time, both in person and online. On my floor, the FT techs get "first dibs" on scheduling so they usually work the same hours/days every week.

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

Well, some have another job or go to school. Just as some make Walmart and gas station type jobs their career, some make CNA/PCT their career.

At my hospital the FT CNAs don't schedule themselves.

Besides the low wage, hospital nurses also work similar schedules, so what do they do in their free time?

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Specializes in Pedi.

I never worked with a full-time CNA who worked another job. For them, it was their career. And, full-time CNAs do not necessarily work 3 12 hr shifts. When I worked in the hospital, the majority of our CNAs were on 8 hr shifts. If they worked 40 hrs, they worked either 2 12s and 2 8s or 5 8s. They weren't allowed to flex their hours like nurses were (a 40 hr nurse could work 48 hrs one week and 36 the next two to average out to 40 hrs) because the hospital couldn't disguise CNAs as exempt, salaried employees. When I worked as an aide, I only worked 8 hr shifts because the floor I worked on did 8 hr shifts.

I imagine full time CNAs do what any other full-time employee does on their day off... they go to the grocery store, have lunch with friends, clean their house/apartment, etc.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

When I was a Clinical Assistant, I made 17 dollars per hour...that was after experience, steady COLA and merit raises over a period of five years. Depending on the area and the facility, PCTs are now making LPN money...I know a former co-worker who works at a Magnet facility who is making 22 dollars/hr and do not hire LPNs inpatient...so there are many CNAs who can invest their living by making 22 dollars/hr...those who want to take on more nursing scope decide to be LPNs or RNs. I work with Clinical Caregivers who have two jobs, and were working overtime at my facility at the same time. *shrugs* That's life...

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Many people choose this type of work because of the schedule.

Right now I'm in school and when I'm not working or studying I'm skiing or climbing or doing something with my dog and or girlfriend.

I do not have a mortgage or any children so my scenario might be different than yours.

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Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

The CNAs that I work with ( well, some) have been doing it so long they make close to what a new nurse does. I make 10 an hour and go to school when I'm not working bi also pick up shifts as clinical secretary because I learn a lot. I work 12 hour shifts. I'd make this my career if my body would hold out and if I could pay even half of the bills LOL. I really do enjoy it though and my nurses seem to love me. I like it when they fight over which assignment I get to work, makes me feel good :)

"No day but today"

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Working as a PCT I was able to go to school part time taking classes I needed to apply to nursing school. For the most part I am able to self schedule. I am currently in Nursing School and will start my second semester Monday. I work 3 12 hr shifts and I love it. On my days off, when I actually have a day or two of during the week I go to appts, meetings, study, what ever I need done in the house and any events my children may have.

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