Hi, I got offered to work as a PCT on days for a med-surg unit in a hospital! I'm so happy. I just wanted to say everyone out there who is still looking for a CNA/PCT job, keep looking. Get experience-nursing home, volunteer, anything and let them know how much you really want to do this!
I'm so excited. I shadowed the unit today before my interview today and I really liked the unit and the staff there. I felt like I was already working there and I had only been there for 2 hours!
I've been working at a nursing home for close to 9 months now. What can I expect in Med-Surg? The patients seem very demanding here too.
Congrats on getting a job in this horrible market! I actually have a question for you:
I am applying to Accelerated BSN-MSN programs, but its turning out to be WAY harder and more competitive than I thought. I'm trying to think of options if nursing school doesnt work out right away.
How do you become a Patient Care Tech/Assistant? Is it a community college course? And what exactly do you do? Is the pay decent? (I hope you dont mind me asking that : ) )
EmmaNP, I became a PCT by first becoming a CNA through a private school course 9 months ago. It was not a community college, but just a training course that was accredited for me to take the state exam. A PCT is the equivalent of a CNA, it's just the PCT is usually found in a hospital or clinic. Like a CNA, I assist people with ADL's(activities of daily living), like bathing, grooming, and meals. I am also the nurse's assistant, so I help out whenever I can. I also observe any changes in the patient that needs to be reported to the nurse. The pay is not the greatest, especially if you start in a nursing home. It also depends in the state you are in. In GA, they start CNA's typically at around $8-9. Hospitals may start around $10-11. So the hospital jobs are very competitive and that's why I am so happy I got this job!
I had my interview yesterday and I felt it went very well. So well that I don't care if they end up turning me down. I expected to crash and burn but I think I nailed it!
I will update if I hear any good news :)
OP: Have you started yet? I am so curious about how you are liking the new job, floor etc.
I had my interview yesterday and I felt it went very well. So well that I don't care if they end up turning me down. I expected to crash and burn but I think I nailed it!
I will update if I hear any good news :)
OP: Have you started yet? I am so curious about how you are liking the new job, floor etc.
no not yet, I start orientation on the 6th. I don't think that I''ll actually be on the floor until the week after. glad you liked your interview!
Med/surg will basically just be an easier version of what you did in LTC. You may have a few patients that are incontinent or need turning, but it wont be a constant thing like LTC. One big difference is measuring I/O will be a lot stricter and the charting a lot more extensive. Checking vitals signs are a big part of the job, especially on post surgical patients. You wont be dealing with a lot of people who suffer from dementia and are combative, but you will get a lot of crabby uncooperative patients, and some of them will be pretty demanding.
One thing thats difficult on med surg is balancing checking vital signs when they are due with answering call lights. You may have 10 patients who need to have q4 vitals done at the same time some surgical patients who may be hooked up to tubes and lines and equipment wants to get up and to the bathroom, and then while toileting them another call light goes off, and then another. All while you still have to get your vitals done and turn a few patients and have another admit coming, so it can get hectic. Still the time management will probably be no worse than it was in LTC, just more unpredictable.
Its a great place to learn what Nursing is about if thats your long term goal.
Med/surg will basically just be an easier version of what you did in LTC. You may have a few patients that are incontinent or need turning, but it wont be a constant thing like LTC. One big difference is measuring I/O will be a lot stricter and the charting a lot more extensive. Checking vitals signs are a big part of the job, especially on post surgical patients. You wont be dealing with a lot of people who suffer from dementia and are combative, but you will get a lot of crabby uncooperative patients, and some of them will be pretty demanding.
One thing thats difficult on med surg is balancing checking vital signs when they are due with answering call lights. You may have 10 patients who need to have q4 vitals done at the same time some surgical patients who may be hooked up to tubes and lines and equipment wants to get up and to the bathroom, and then while toileting them another call light goes off, and then another. All while you still have to get your vitals done and turn a few patients and have another admit coming, so it can get hectic. Still the time management will probably be no worse than it was in LTC, just more unpredictable.
Its a great place to learn what Nursing is about if thats your long term goal.
I think this is my greatest concern because I'm used to that unpredicatablity but I guess I'm weary on the type of demand in the nursing home. I guess I just have to have good judgement and know what I can do within that hour while I'm getting vitals signs. The worst thing is having call lights going off and then you still trying to get vital signs by a certain time. And you know some patients just can't wait!
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lrobinson5
691 Posts
The interview is actually on Tuesday. It is for a patient care technician. I'm excited but trying not to get my hopes up lol