Are there part time positions available for patient care technicians?

[Cheystarr2010]

Sorry if this is in the wrong section, I am new to the forum.

i am approaching my first year in the RN program at my community college. I have had many professors and co workers tell me that I should leave pharmacy and become a patient care technician, since it will provide better experience for nursing. I haven't been able to find any part time positions available locally as a PCT, and I know that working full time is not the best option while I'm taking classes. Does anyone work as a PCT part time? Is it worth it?

Currently I am a part time licensed pharmacy technician. Really considering making the switch but I am worried it will be a full time commitment.

[achurley]

Hi Cheystarr2010,

Not only are part-time PCT positions but there are also per diem positions (which provide even greater flexibility but usually no benefits).

In my opinion, it is worth it. My story: I was working full time as a Medical Assitant when I decided to pursue Nursing. I cut back to part-time to do my pre-reqs and then to per diem during school (working 1 day a week and more during school breaks). During my 5th of six semesters, I realized too (with the advice of instructors and other students, that I should get acute PCT experience). I was worried about about making the change also because I adored my coworkers where I was at, the mission of the organization that I worked with and the patient population but I had outgrown my position and desired new challenges. I left on great terms, asked for letters of recommendation and references. Even though the pay was $3/hr less, I knew that the networking and internal status at the hospital would give me an edge when it came time to apply for the new grad residency program there and that in the long run would be worth it. After only 3 months there and still on orientation, I applied for their NewGrad RN Residency, interviewed and was offered a position!

You could still continue your current role and make the experience relevant during an interview. However, you won't have to make a full-time commitment to become a PCT and it will likely make you a more desirable candidate (especially if you apply to hospitals you want to work at, you will already know their mission/culture, charting/EHR system, policies etc etc).

Good luck!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Great advice & information from PP.

In my organization, PCT positions are ONLY for RN students, so they are all part time & scheduling is based on school schedules.