Hired as trauma PCT without prior experience!

[JKChilds]

Hello!

I am 1 course away from satisfying the prereq's to apply for nursing school, though I have completed roughly 90 credit hours of college coursework - including lots of math and sciences. I used to be a high volume bartender, though for the past two years I have enjoyed the role as head coach of a youth rock climbing program at a climbing gym, programming and leading practice for nearly 100 kids per week, ages 6-16. Thankfully, after 6 months and 13 applications to 2 local hospitals, I have just accepted a job as a PCT on a trauma floor - a floor that apparently houses "some very sick people". I start in 1 month. Does anyone have some advice for me? Things to brush up on or to begin familiarizing myself with over the next month? I am terrifically excited and would like to show up at least *somewhat* in the know. Thankfully, the team I interviewed with said that they all love and admire their floor, and are all willing to help. Still, any advice and whatnot would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks in advance. :)

- Jonathon

[ButterflyRN90, ASN, RN]

Have you taken a CNA/PCT course? You didn't really specify and you need to know how to do patient vitals, blood draws, measuring intake and output, how to collect certain specimens etc. Look over those skills, however those are the skills covered in an 8-10wk CNA course. The trauma part will be OJT. You'll definitely be running around. Good luck! í ½í¸Š

[Stephanie_C]

I wouldn't stress about it. Have you taken a CNA course (our hospital requires it) We've hired many PCTs with no hospital experience and they do fine. You will learn what you need to during your orientation-thats what it is there for. I'm sure you will be fine. Congratulations on the job!