Introduction & Question

JenRN30, BSN · Oct 4, 2008

Hi Stephanie! I don't exactly what PCA's do, but a girl in one of my classes got a job as a PCA with no experience. They trained her on the job. Are you planning on working as a PCA while in your accelerated BSN program? If so, be prepared to have a very hard time with it. I'm in my first semester now, and have a one and a half year old. I can't imagine having to work. The people that do are not doing well in classes or are dropping out already. The program is extremely intense, and especially having kids, it'll be very hard on you. There's never a day when I don't have tons of work to do. I'm not saying you can't do it, but it'll be very hard. I hope I don't sound condescending, but I just wanted to give you a head's up if that was your plan. Good luck to you in your program and your new job!

Smurfette752, BSN · Oct 4, 2008

Thanks Jennie, I am not sure of I will do it while I'm in my program....I might just do per diem while in school...but until then, I need the money and would like the experience. I also have a 2 year old (and I'm a single mom), and I know it is going t be really hard...but I am determined and I know I can do it!!!!!

JenRN30, BSN · Oct 4, 2008

I definitely think you're doing a smart thing by getting this position now. It'll give you a head start in your first semester! You'll figure out everything else once you start. There's always student loans to fall back on. I'm sure you can do this too. You sound very motivated and determined. Good luck and keep us posted!

Smurfette752, BSN · Oct 4, 2008

Thanks, again!!!

Can anyone else tell me what PCA entails? Thanks!

BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Oct 4, 2008

Hello Smurf

I don't work L&D,..but the PCA's where I work, collect vital signs, assist pt's to the bath room, help them use the bed pan, help turn pt's, do accu checks, bathe pt's, do non sterile drsg changes, empty foleys, collect info for I/O's, help answer call lights, change linens on the beds, etc.

It's probably a great way to get your foot into the door of the department. I've worked with many PCA's who go on to nursing school and then work as RN's in the department. Good luck,.hope you love it!

PICNICRN, BSN, RN · Oct 4, 2008

When I was a nursing student, I worked as a Tech which I think is the same as a PCA on a Maternal/Child unit. I LOVED it!!! I worked in L&D, Post partum, and Nursery. In L&D, I learned how to set up the delivery tables for the nurses, I would walk the triage pts to their rooms and put them on the monitors and kind of settle them in until the nurse could see them, I would stock rooms and order supplies- and I got to see TONS of deliverys!! On post partum I took vitals/Is and Os, answered call lights, made beds, helped moms get thier babies latched on ect. In the nursery, I set up circ trays, fed babies, did PKUs, did v/s, and stocked. Most of all, I learned SO MUCH!! I knew that I wanted to work in this area in some way, and I found the nurses willing to teach me. I feel I got a great idea on the way these units "work" and what the RN does in each area. I was so glad to have that opportunity.

I think you will find your PCA job very helpful on your path to your BSN- I know I did! GOOD LUCK!! I hope you enjoy it!!

allnurses Guide · Oct 4, 2008

You'll collect vital signs, answer call lights, assist people to the bathroom, empty foley catheters and collect data as far as how much patients have eaten or drank, and how much urine or stool they have had out. I've never worked L&D except for the very few times I have had to float there.... but I would imagine you'll be helping to clean and bathe babies and take their vitals and such, help to feed them. ALSO, at one hospital where I used to work, the "techs" as they were called also scrubbed in and assisted with C sections. For having that added responsibility, they were WAY underpaid in my opinion.

But anyway... that's the gist of it.

Barkow · Oct 4, 2008

On my floor (an LDRP) PCAs take mom vitals, help clean up after deliveries, set up delivery tables, do some clerical tasks on night shift, empty/remove foleys, make beds, etc. We also frequently have gyn surgical patients, so med surg PCA knowledge is also essential. They don't have very much to do with babies except occasionally helping taking care of them overnight if the moms have sent them out, and don't get to see deliveries.

Smurfette752, BSN · Oct 4, 2008

It all sounds so wonderful!!! I can't wait!!! I SO hope that I get the job, I want it so bad!!!

LaborLovinRN · Oct 4, 2008

If you want to work L&D, I think you have made a great first step in taking the initiative to apply for this position. I'm sure it must be similiar to what our unit calls "OB Tech". Before I was an RN, I worked as a Tech, and it enabled my to learn the dept from the ground up. It helped me to understand every aspect of how my dept functioned, as well as learn what the docs expected before I was under the pressure of being a new RN.

I know each facility is different, here is some of what our OB Tech's job duties include; Pick up pt's from the ER, hook them up to EFM, get their initial VS, run the UA, and a basic triage of why they are there. Make delivery tables, stock rooms, run to pharmacy and lab as needed, help assist in deliveries - hold legs, record del time and infant stats, etc. And one of the most important responsibilities is to function as the scrub in L&D OR. Our tech's get a lot of training and orientation! They are such an important part of my team, great techs make the dept run much more efficiently. It's a great way to find out if L&D is really where you want to be! Good Luck!

Smurfette752, BSN · Oct 4, 2008

Thank you so much laborlovinRN!!!! Sounds wonderful!!!!!!!!