Can I still work as a PCT in MA if I passed my boards?

ukstudent · Jun 3, 2008

Most hospitals will not let you stay on as a tech once you have passed your boards. At that point you will have a RN license but be working under the rules of a tech. This means you would be held to the standard of an RN, assessing pts, while not being allowed to assess, etc. This provides a huge liability to both the hospital and you if anything should happen to a pt. To save them and yourself from this most hospitals let you go.

I wish I had know this prior to taking the ncelx, it was quite a shock when all of a sudden I was out of work and had no pay check coming in.

CalypsoRN · Jun 3, 2008

Ugh so frustrating because I need to make money and MA does not let graduate Nurses work so what am I to do??? I don't want to push back my boards.. thanks for the heads up

Nightinmale, BSN, MSN, DNP · Jun 3, 2008

I work as a PCT at BIDMC and anticipate passing the NCLEX in the next few weeks. When I asked my nurse manger what the hospital's policy was regarding RN's working as PCT's, her response was basically "Don't ask, don't tell". I can continue to work as a PCT until I disclose the fact that I'm licensed as an RN, then I have to quit. You may want to check with your nurse manager on what your hospital's policy is, but I wouldn't tell him/her the date of your exam.

CalypsoRN · Jun 3, 2008

I work there also so I guess I will do the same

ukstudent · Jun 3, 2008

Be Very Very careful with the "don't tell" idea. If anything happened to a pt while your are working as a tech, your brand new license could be in jeopardy.

If you are going to be working in the same hospital that you are working in as a tech it is not a good idea to start your RN relationship with a lie. They will know the date that you passed the nclex when they check your license prior to your start date as an RN. What will you tell them if they find out your an RN while still working as a tech and haven't told them?

Nightinmale, BSN, MSN, DNP · Jun 4, 2008

I totally agree, ukstudent. My policy has always been one of full and open disclosure. I will definitely seek other employment once I get my license. Unfortunately, in the Boston area, it may take months to find employment as a new grad.

CalypsoRN · Jun 4, 2008

I dont plan on working at BI I am moving to NYC but yes I totally understand just what am I to do I have been working there for almost 5 years but I dont like the way the nurses are treated there Nurses there take on too darm much and all I keep hearing about is the darn budget. I swear the coworkers are pooper scoopers and the nurses are over worked and underpaid but or just lazy :argue: is exactly what a day on my floor is like

Boston-RN, RN · Jun 4, 2008

I'm pretty sure you can't in Mass. I know for example if you are and LPN and get your RN you can no longer work as an LPN. I don't know if the same holds true for the PCT as there is not license per se (not in mass anyway) but I would have a heart to heart with the mgr and let them know your dilemma. Don't want to lose that brand spanking new license. You can always call the BON and ask because in all honesty if it's OK with the BON and OK with your hospital then why not.

Nurseismade RN · Jun 5, 2008

Most hospitals will not let you stay on as a tech once you have passed your boards. At that point you will have a RN license but be working under the rules of a tech. This means you would be held to the standard of an RN, assessing pts, while not being allowed to assess, etc. This provides a huge liability to both the hospital and you if anything should happen to a pt. To save them and yourself from this most hospitals let you go.
I wish I had know this prior to taking the ncelx, it was quite a shock when all of a sudden I was out of work and had no pay check coming in.

this happened to me...but thankfully I was paid cash out for accrued vacation and ET. The hospital could not hire me as RN as there was a hiring freeze. I did not even get a chance to tell them..but they knew I had finished school and They actually looked me up on BON site and found out that I passed, called my house congratulated me and told me I could no longer work as a tech.

Also as UKstudent said....staying and working as tech when an RN is not worth jeopardizing your new license.

CalypsoRN · Jun 5, 2008

I want to thank you all I guess I have to start looking for another job:bluecry1: But hey I will be moving on to something more rewarding than poopin scoopin lol. Hey maybe this is the break I am suppose to take.

Thanks again yall

Bill E. Rubin · Jun 6, 2008

I have personally known someone who passed her boards and worked as an aide for a couple of months before getting a job as an RN. I don't see how it jeopardizes your license since you are held to the standard of a reasonably prudent nurse with the same amount of experience... which would be zero experience... and you are limited to your scope of practice.

As aides, we're all trained in basic life support, so if someone needs CPR, we are theoretically qualified to do it. If someone needs administration of medications, we are not at liberty to do that, license or not.

People need the ability to work. It may take someone months to get a job as a nurse.

On the flip side, I have heard that once you start working as a nurse, you can't go back to working as an aide, which makes sense. In this case, you are an experienced nurse and would be held accountable for that experience, which is too much of a liability for the hospital.