A typical day in med surg as a pct on nights!

Plutonium261 · Jan 10, 2016

Welcome to AllNurses! The first piece of advice I'd like to give, as excited as you are, is to not put any of your personal information on here (I.e. First and last name).

Secondly, regarding your position, remember first and foremost that at the end of the day we are all apart of the team together, to help each other, in the best and most efficient way possible, to have the best possible outcome for the patient.

Prioritize. Just know up front, you'll likely throughout the day/night be getting called and pulled (and asked for help) in all different directions, that's ok, just stop and think "Who NEEDS me first?" "Who needs me right now?", and go from there.

If you say you're going to do something...do it.

If you can't do something, or you can't get to something, don't be afraid to say so.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Especially if it's something you haven't done before, are uncomfortable doing by yourself, or something that having help may prevent an injury (I.e. lifting/moving a heavy patient). I'm a strong guy, and I can lift, move, and reposition on my own in certain circumstances (and with the help of these fancy new-aged beds that tilt which help out a ton). However, I have no shame in asking for help to reposition a patient if need be, and the nurse for said patient should have zero problems helping you if you ask.

And don't EVER let anyone make you feel less than, or make you feel like you are "just" a PCT/PCA/CNA. This is a vital role in patient care, as well as on the team!

Go to staff meetings.

Go to in-services, or any other training your facility offers.

Know your facility's policies for your position.

Work hard, be diligent, and keep up on your documentation (depending on your facility, and the policy for your pct's).

Congrats! Good luck! Best wishes!

Missfuturern85 · Jan 10, 2016

Thank you and I'll keep that in mind. How do I edit my post?

Xlorgguss · Jan 11, 2016

On day shift I do things like vital signs, perform ADLs, answer call bells, and basically help the nurses with whatever they ask. Occasionally I will need to transport patients to another unit. Our nightshift doesn't have to do as much but they do things like restocking carts. They do often have to deal with demented patients screaming in the middle of the night. It's not cake either way.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2016

Thank you and I'll keep that in mind. How do I edit my post?

Welcome! I have edited the aforementioned post for you. Good luck with this new job!