Hired as PCT but only have CNA experience?

[Debbie1234]

Hey all! So I moved to Florida from NC and recently got hired as a PCT at a hospital. I was a CNA in NC, and I have never heard of the term PCT, as in NC it was just called CNA I and CNA II. As a CNA I in NC, our scope of practice involved vital signs, ADLs, blood sugars, and charting. The responsibilities of my new PCT job here state that when needed, PCTs are required to perform phlebotomy and EKGs. I’m worried that I may be under qualified for this job, even though it only requires a CNA license. Will I be trained on-the-job as a PCT and be taught these procedures? Please help me! Thank you!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

You should receive training as part of your orientation. Even if you had experience, you would still need to learn the devices and processes at a new facility.

[NurseJae19, BSN, RN]

Hi there,

I’ve worked as a Patient care assistant and it was basically like working as a CNA, except I was hired since I was a nursing student & got paid a little more. You should get on the job training & once you start training you should ask about EKG & phlebotomy since you’re not comfortable yet. They may also provide you with an option to take a phlebotomy course.

[Serhilda, ADN, RN]

On 2/26/2020 at 1:46 AM, saraclark62 said:

How do you give a bed bath? I always seem so incompetent. Are they done routinely in the hospital setting or only in long term care?

Hi there Sara. You'll typically have a basin full of soapy warm water and throw some wash cloths in, about 5 or so. You bathe them with the sheets still on the bed. You allow the patient to clean whatever they can and start head to toe using a couple of cloths per body section. You'll dry them off with a towel afterward then change their gown and sheets.

They are done everyday in a hospital setting, but most patients are able to bathe and shower themselves unless they're in PCU (step-down ICU)/ICU. You ask the patient if they've received a bath that day and if they would like one then chart their refusal or that you bathed them.

Hope that helps. I'm glad you're not afraid to ask questions but don't sweat the small stuff.