In IL when can you work as a PCT/CNA

[tracyk430]

I am starting nursing school at Truman College in Chicago, IL in a few weeks. This is an associate degree/RN program. I was wondering if anyone can share some information around how I can work in a hospital as a PCT or CNA during the program?

I am not sure if I would qualify after the first semester of the program or the first year.

Also if you have any recommendations on getting these types of jobs that would be really helpful. Thank you.

[KtHospiceRNCM]

If you are not currently a CNA then you will not be able to work as one. Depending on your school and how they set up their courses, there is probably a separate course for CNA. After you complete that and take the state exam and pass, you will be certified but until then I don't believe you can work as a CNA anywhere.

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

When you check job postings for patient care technicians, you'll see that some postings show "CNA certification OR one year completed in a nursing program." If the job posting doesn't specify, you can always call the facility and ask about it.

Some people in my school became PCTs after 1 year without CNA certification.

Good luck.

[jrzgrlRN]

I work as a "Nursing Assistant" at a hospital in IL. I was able to get the job after 3 clinical rotations, which was basically after my first year of nursing school. I do the same things as a CNA plus a few additional things that CNA's cannot do (D/C IV's, put in and take out foley's, etc.)

[doublehelix]

Check with some of your local hospitals, they could all be different, but most will accept a nursing student as a HCA/CNA after the completion of year one.

Some homecare/personal care homes will also let you work as an uncertified aide. So if you're looking for a job during your first year, doesn't hurt to try that either.

But, jrzgrl.. I've never heard of a NA being able to do nursing skills.. You might want to be careful if it doesn't list those in your job description. I remember a nurse asking me, Oh you're a nursing student, right? I can't get this IV in, give me a hand? From a legal point of view, myself and the hospital could've gotten into big trouble, especially if I messed up so I told her I hadn't learned IV's yet.

[jrzgrlRN]

Those particular skills ARE included in the job description. NA II's (which is what I am), are permitted to do those skills. We have already done them in our first year of nursing school and we are tested out on them during orientation at the hospital so you are able to demonstrate that you CAN do them. At this particular hospital there is a difference between the CNA's and tne NA II's - this is reflected in hourly pay as well.

[doublehelix]

Those particular skills ARE included in the job description. NA II's (which is what I am), are permitted to do those skills. We have already done them in our first year of nursing school and we are tested out on them during orientation at the hospital so you are able to demonstrate that you CAN do them. At this particular hospital there is a difference between the CNA's and tne NA II's - this is reflected in hourly pay as well.

Thank you for clearing that up... We don't have such a position as a NA II here, which is why it was unheard of to me...