How do you let a friend know a nursing position isn't what she thinks it is?

[LRyder]

A friend of mine became interested in Nursing after I sort of found my calling for it. I decided I really wanted to become an RN, I'm currently enrolling into a community college so I can start working towards the RN program. My friend, actually she's more like my sister - I've known her for 18 years now, she's going to a tech school for a 10-month PCT program, that is costing her $14k. IMHO, that's a bit much.. but either way, she's decided to do it and that's great. It's awesome to see her ambitious again! My problem is, the school she's going to isn't giving her completely honest information, and I'm worried she's going to end up miserable or disappointed. She wanted to get an RN, but the school convinced her that PCT is the way to go, so conveniently one of their most expensive programs as well. Her teachers are telling her that a PCT is equal to an RN - that the only difference really is title, it's (supposedly) the same thing! Not to mention, they (once again, supposedly) make the same amount of money as an RN. Now.. I know this isn't true. I know quite a few nurses in our area, and around here a PCT makes a bit more than a CNA, and generally does mostly CNA work. Since she's going full-steam into nursing without knowing what goes into it whatsoever, these instructors aren't informing her of the not-so-glorious work that a CNA would normally do. So, I think she may be getting a false impression.

I was really hoping she'd join me at the community college to work towards an RN degree, but she's already locked into this school. I don't want to bring her down, or upset her... but she needs to know that there is a pretty steep difference between a PCT and an RN, she's not going to learn nearly as much in this tech school (I already spoke to admissions and I've read their course catalog), and she's going to be very unpleasantly surprised when she realizes that the position isn't what she thinks it is.

How can I talk to her about this without hurting her? She means a lot to me, and I want her to have a great education, not just a decent education from an unaccredited tech school. Any suggestions?

[Southern Magnolia]

Wow, that program is really taking advantage of people. Around here pct is CNA + a hospital in house training after. CNA costs around $1000. Pct is CNA w/ added skills but nothing like an RN. Pay is slightly better than CNA in LTC.

[CrunchyMama, ASN, RN]

OMG you've got to tell her! That's crazy that they've lied to her. How old is she? How does she not know that a PCT is no where near the same as an RN? A simple explanation is all it should take...it's not really that hard of a topic to explain. 2 totally different career choices. Good luck! Talk to her soon before it's too late.

[MissJulie]

In my neck of the woods, we don't even have PCTs, as the majority of what they would do is done by CNAs, then other responsibilities are divided between other staff (phlebotomy by lab, etc.).

I can't speak to the idea of the amount of money, but I do know that when I took the CNA class as a pre-req for my nursing program, I only paid for the three credit hour course (about $360) and the uniform (one set of scrubs only for clinical day) and then the exam. All in all, I was out about $500, at most!

I currrently work in a doctor's office, and make about $10.00, which is actually high for my area, but I also assist in medical billing, hence the "extra."

I had a friend that wanted to become an MD, but she thought that becoming a PA would be a good way to get "in..." So, I simply informed her of the difference, and the fact that the schools and exams are completely different! It was a hard thing for me to get across from her. It's not like becoming a CNA and working as one through nursing school!!!

Anyway, just be up front and honest with her, and if need be, try to get a meeting scheduled with your advisor (or a member of nursing staff) so that your friend can hear it from someone that undoubtly knows the difference between a PCT and an RN.

I have a quick question, though, does the program have her learning how to give meds, admin IVs, do tube feedings, etc.? If you ask her those questions, and she says no, maybe she'll get it!

Good luck :)

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

A friend of mine became interested in Nursing after I sort of found my calling for it. I decided I really wanted to become an RN, I'm currently enrolling into a community college so I can start working towards the RN program. My friend, actually she's more like my sister - I've known her for 18 years now, she's going to a tech school for a 10-month PCT program, that is costing her $14k. IMHO, that's a bit much.. but either way, she's decided to do it and that's great. It's awesome to see her ambitious again! My problem is, the school she's going to isn't giving her completely honest information, and I'm worried she's going to end up miserable or disappointed. She wanted to get an RN, but the school convinced her that PCT is the way to go, so conveniently one of their most expensive programs as well. Her teachers are telling her that a PCT is equal to an RN - that the only difference really is title, it's (supposedly) the same thing! Not to mention, they (once again, supposedly) make the same amount of money as an RN. Now.. I know this isn't true. I know quite a few nurses in our area, and around here a PCT makes a bit more than a CNA, and generally does mostly CNA work. Since she's going full-steam into nursing without knowing what goes into it whatsoever, these instructors aren't informing her of the not-so-glorious work that a CNA would normally do. So, I think she may be getting a false impression.

I was really hoping she'd join me at the community college to work towards an RN degree, but she's already locked into this school. I don't want to bring her down, or upset her... but she needs to know that there is a pretty steep difference between a PCT and an RN, she's not going to learn nearly as much in this tech school (I already spoke to admissions and I've read their course catalog), and she's going to be very unpleasantly surprised when she realizes that the position isn't what she thinks it is.

How can I talk to her about this without hurting her? She means a lot to me, and I want her to have a great education, not just a decent education from an unaccredited tech school. Any suggestions?

OMG! What the duck?! $14,000 for a CNA program? !!!! Is your friend an idiot? Geez, I wouldn't pay that for a year of an RN program, but a PCT?? I am at a loss for words. Why would it take ten months to do that? LPNs take 12 months here. I'd just point your friend to some reality. The truth hurts sometimes, and that person is obviously ignorant. I know that's harsh, but I'm steamed that some moron set up a $14,000 PCT school somewhere to take advantage of kids that don't have a clue about life.

[Nicole74]

Your friend will be much more upset when she realizes they sold her a pipe dream. I think you should tell her now. These types of schools pray on people's needs and wants to have a new career and literally con people into taking out these outrageous loans. It's terrible. That is ALOT of money.