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.
All this talk got me to thinking, do they give you a rundown of certain "What-if" situations that might come up. Like what you were talking about, everyone needing you at the same time. Do they help you out with prioritizing?
All this talk got me to thinking, do they give you a rundown of certain "What-if" situations that might come up. Like what you were talking about, everyone needing you at the same time. Do they help you out with prioritizing?
When I was shadowing the PCT for 2 hours prior to my interview, I did witness people needing things at the same time. For example, one guy wanted 2 cups of water, well that can wait because we have to take vitals. But we will get it. Another lady wanted the bedpan NOW. Well, she wasn't gonna wait for that, so we gave it to her then. Vitals are supposed to be done by 8am, so that gives you 1 hour to get them done once you clock in at 7. And for the most part, I think most patients can do for themselves. Taking someone to the bathroom takes a little more time, but that is at the most. I also remember my friend who is a PCT telling me to use teamwork because sometimes the call light is going on and the nurse will take care of it for you, but don't depend on that. I like to do alot for myself, but I'll try to utilize whoever and whatever is nearby.
At my nursing home job, there have been times I did not take a break because people wanted things at the same time(like everybody wanting to go to bed during my break), but thankfully it does not happen often.
I think I am more worried about hearing a bed alarm when you are helping someone to the bathroom. You're hands are very tied but someone is also at risk for a fall. Also, how many patients are you going to typically take care of during a shift?
That actually happened to me at the nursing home. It happens often. But I'm not leaving my patient, especially if they are somewhat confused. If they are alert and just needed help getting to the bathroom, then you tell them to push down the bathroom alarm when they are finished and then leave and see what's going on outside. So it's important to know your patient. Some you can trust will pull the light when they are ready, some you are never really sure. And remember, like my friend said, you are only 1 person! You cannot do it all.
I was told I should have between 8 and 10 patients during the day. During the nights, it may be between 9 and 11 or 12
Oh wo graduation is so soon! And it will happen! I know you can make it :)As for the pm thing, I don't remember if I sent you a pm saying that my inbox was full. For some reason, this new upgrade is messing with my posts and pms sometimes. Hmm. Ya whatever you sent me last, I didn't get
So I did one of two general orientations and my first day to orient on the floor and set up my schedule is this Wednesday. How is the job going for you kara? :)
Thank you for all the well-wishes, I'm having a great weekend 
lrobinson5
691 Posts
All this talk got me to thinking, do they give you a rundown of certain "What-if" situations that might come up. Like what you were talking about, everyone needing you at the same time. Do they help you out with prioritizing?