Getting into the health field as a pct student....

[aaliyah23]

Hello can anyone tell me if they have just started in the health field as a pct student, and found a job with entry level skills in a ltc or hospital? The reason i ask this because I have read about people being techs in a hospital with no experience etc. I am in the NY area and was just curious as to how other students were going about getting their foot in the door etc. I finish pct program in january and then I will be starting my spring semester to get into a nursing program. Any advice will be so helpful.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

Apply and apply. See if you know anyone in the hospital system that could be used as a reference. It basically takes a lot of applications and attempts at networking to get into a hospital. Assume that every other person in your class and other schools want that position. Most schools in my area will hire you after you complete your first semester as a patient care tech or nursing assistant and after a year, they will hire them as a nurs extern.

[Stephalump]

I agree with the above poster. It's all a numbers game. I can't even tell you how many applications I've submitted over the years hundreds) and only got 1 interview until I got some clinical experience in nursing school.

Apply, apply, apply, and network, network, network!

[CPCTColeman]

Networking is very important. I am a CPCT and when I was job hunting I actually had 3 interview over the phone and with no exsperience I had a phone and face to face interview at ochner hospital on jefferson highway. I was hired with no exsperience. It took a few months but a job closer to home since I have a young son came up and I took that instead. No matter what still apply and try. I actually had a supervisor at Ochner in kenner want to higher me for a nurse tech postion because he really liked my resume and references that backed me up. So still apply and network as much as you can. With the right background even with no exsperience and references you will get a chance. If you go on many phone or face-to-face interviews that means you are one step closer.

[aaliyah23]

Thank you guys for your responses, they are very helpful. So Im going to continue to apply to hospital positions. Put it GOD hands.

[pkjftny4]

Hi, Thanks for great information. My daughter will also use these tips.

[jonesel]

This was me as well until today!! I received my certification August 1. I was applying, and applying, and applying. I had 1 phone interview and 3 formal interviews. I was well liked but bc I had never had a pct job before, I was overlooked bc of lack of experience. I was really getting discouraged but never stopped applying. I literally made a habit of searching for jobs before I went to sleep every night. I prayed and asked God to give me the job that he would have for me. And needless to say I received a call saying I had the job for a cardiac telemetry floor the day after I was interviewed!! I say all that just to say keep applying and stay encouraged!! Someone will give you that chance!!

[aaliyah23]

This was me as well until today!! I received my certification August 1. I was applying, and applying, and applying. I had 1 phone interview and 3 formal interviews. I was well liked but bc I had never had a pct job before, I was overlooked bc of lack of experience. I was really getting discouraged but never stopped applying. I literally made a habit of searching for jobs before I went to sleep every night. I prayed and asked God to give me the job that he would have for me. And needless to say I received a call saying I had the job for a cardiac telemetry floor the day after I was interviewed!! I say all that just to say keep applying and stay encouraged!! Someone will give you that chance!!

thanks so much for that... You lifted my spirits with this.. Much CONGRATS to you lady!!!! :). Hope you get as much good experience on your new job...

[sdawana]

This was a great post with good information. I completed my certification in Oct last year and have not been able to find anything. But this is my passion I quit my IT job to do this so there is no turning back