CNA/ PCT/ Hiring Questions

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Specializes in Rehab, Orthopedic, Urogyn, Gyn.

These may be silly/common sense questions, but I am kind of confused! :uhoh3: Sorry if these answers can be found somewhere else on the site; I did a search but was having problems deciphering everything!

So I was hoping to get into a PCT program but the waiting list was too long. I needed to get into a class ASAP to start working. I am now in a CNA class that will end in about a month. I really would love to work at a hospital as a PCT, but I will only have my CNA. Has anyone personally been hired and then trained in the additional skills, such as EKG and phlebotomy? Did you already have CNA experience?

And I am unsure of the best way to go about applying to a hospital. I have seen different suggestions on here. I see openings listed on their website, but I hear they may not be actual openings, just expected ones. Is it best to actually send in my resume/cover letter or to apply to the jobs online? Or should I actually call HR prior to placing my application? Or after? As you can see, I am not familiar with the hospital hiring process and any information would be very much appreciated! :heartbeat

Most hospitals will train you to do the EKGs', ETC if you are hired as a PCT. A lot of the requirements for this position is to have your CNA/EMT something similar. Depending on your state is where it gets tricky on how much experience they want you to have...usually 6 months-1 year.

Call and talk to HR, that cannot hurt :)

When I was looking at the job openings around my house, the hospitals were hiring "PCTs" but wanted them to have a CNA. Once hired, the new employee then goes through a three week training program at the hospital. During this time, they will show you everything additional you may need to know, but don't already.

Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

Hey there!

I just got hired as a CNA in a hosptial, no expierence and recently cerified too! Next week is the begininng of orientation...I will learn how to draw blood, hook up an EKG, and since I working in Labor and Deliver, hooking up a fetal heart monitor.

Go ahead and start applying to hosptials! Seriously...2 weeks after you apply call them. Call them until they answer the phone and say you want a status on your application. That is how I was blessed with my job =) GOOD LUCK and remember no question is silly/dumb!

Specializes in Rehab, Orthopedic, Urogyn, Gyn.
Hey there!

I just got hired as a CNA in a hosptial, no expierence and recently cerified too! Next week is the begininng of orientation...I will learn how to draw blood, hook up an EKG, and since I working in Labor and Deliver, hooking up a fetal heart monitor.

Go ahead and start applying to hosptials! Seriously...2 weeks after you apply call them. Call them until they answer the phone and say you want a status on your application. That is how I was blessed with my job =) GOOD LUCK and remember no question is silly/dumb!

Thank you all so much on your responses! And congrats on the job srkerk! I hope I have a similar experience... Labor and Delivery would actually be my ideal job!

Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

Thank you and good luck you as well!!

Like I said call call call them LOL! They are swamped with applications and this is a good way for you to stand out.

=)

Specializes in Geriatric care and Med-Surg.

good luck with your applications. it took me literally a year to get hired at a hospital, which is understandable considering that i only had like 7months of previous experience at an assisted living facility...anyways, i am certified as a CNA and i also have EKG and Phlebotomy knowledge(i know how to do both but because i didn't get the required 100 needle sticks i am not a PCT yet)...it really just depends on the employer and if your resume/application seems creditable and iteresting???good luck again!!

It depends on your area. Some areas it's harder to get into a hospital without experience than in others. I think that's probably true in metro areas where there's lots of competition. I say if you can find an affordable EKG/Phleb program, like one offered at your local CC, go for it. It'll help your resume stand out.

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