PCT Patient care tech ?????...

Nurses General Nursing

Published

OK, I have read a lot about this but I have a question for anyone who knows anything about this.

From what I read...

a. you should have (and it is required for hire) at least 1 semester of clinical under your belt if you are an RN student (or LPN student)

b. if you are a CNA/LNA then you should have at least 6 months to a year of experience behind you.

I was a CNA/LNA for a few years before my kids were born and I quit. I then went to nursing school when my daughter was a year old. I took 3.5 years and was 2.5 semesters from graduation before my husband asked me to leave. I do plan on going back to finish very soon, but, in the meantime I want to get a job right now as a PCT as we need the money and it would help to pay for school. I have 2 semesters of clinical under my belt from school and I was a CNA/LNA with 4 years experience under my belt. (Home health and nursing home) Even though my cna/lna experience was about 9 years ago and my nursing clinical were last in the fall of 2005, do you feel that this should be enough for me to be able to call a human resources department and see if I would qualify to apply for a CPT position??

Any replies would be very helpful right now. thank you..

Altra, BSN, RN

6,255 Posts

Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

I encourage you to apply. Be upfront about your experience. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Good luck to you. :)

KibbsRNstudent

172 Posts

I encourage you to apply. Be upfront about your experience. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Good luck to you. :)

Thanks! I will call some hospitals today!! :wink2:

KibbsRNstudent

172 Posts

bump bump

MiaKeaRN

178 Posts

I think that they would definitely consider you for a job either as a CNA or as a PCT. You have a strong background, just with some time lapsing since you last worked. Go for it!! Good luck.

Pediatric4077

53 Posts

Specializes in Pediatrics.

I defintely think with your experience and interest to continue in nursing school will help you to find a PCT position. Some LTC facilities do not require you to have your CNA. Where I work they will take someone who is motivated to learn even if they don't have any health care experience (although it hasn't always worked out!!). Good Luck to you!!

:nuke:

Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

Apply, you definitely have experience.

mizfradd, CNA

295 Posts

Specializes in med/surg, psych, public health.

Go for it, you have experience and semester hrs. that qualify. Apply or email the places you're interested in, rather than calling human resource dept.'s where all you'll get is usually, "press 1, press 2, etc.".

Good luck!

wonderbee, BSN, RN

1 Article; 2,212 Posts

Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

I don't see why you would not qualify.

KibbsRNstudent

172 Posts

I think that they would definitely consider you for a job either as a CNA or as a PCT. You have a strong background, just with some time lapsing since you last worked. Go for it!! Good luck.

Thank you! That made me hopeful and smile!!:nuke::wink2:

Specializes in Orthopedics/Med-Surg, LDRP.

I think that more than qualifies you. I've seen people who have had NO healthcare experience who are just changing jobs and trying to "feel out nursing" by becoming PCT's and they've gotten hired, then used the hospital to pay for their nursing school and become nurses in the end. I say certainly peruse those hospital websites for jobs. Good luck!

KibbsRNstudent

172 Posts

I think that more than qualifies you. I've seen people who have had NO healthcare experience who are just changing jobs and trying to "feel out nursing" by becoming PCT's and they've gotten hired, then used the hospital to pay for their nursing school and become nurses in the end. I say certainly peruse those hospital websites for jobs. Good luck!

Thant means so much to me to hear!! Very encouraging!!:up:

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