New CNA/PCT in hospital. What shift/department/floor is your favorite? Need Advice!

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Hello,

I am a new CNA. I was hired by a local learning hospital directly into the class. HR dept forwarded my resume to department managers, with whom I have interviewed. I have been offered a position as a CNA with PCT training to follow (phlebotomy, foley cath, ekg, accu-check, etc). So, my question is, I have been offered a job on several floors, but I am not sure which would be best. The kicker, my contract states I must stay on the floor I choose for a minimum of one year. So, between Intermediate Med-Surg, Neuro, and Ante-Partum (which is in same dept as Labor & Delivery/Postpartum/Mom & Baby.)

SO, do any of you have some input on what I should consider before choosing? Also, my hubby and I thought 12 hour (3 nites) 3rd (night/noc) shift would be good for our family. Maybe it is an idealistic idea, but that way, I thought, I would see the kids in am before school and be here when they get home.

I welcome all ideas and input.

Thanks!

~mona~ :o)

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Hello,

I'm Shante. I've never worked in a hospital before and have yet to get my NA certification so I can't tell you anything about working in a hospital. But they are all interesting specialties. Which one would you enjoy most? I'd personally probably pick Ante-partum since it's on the L&D floor. But if you're not familiar with the different specialties do some research and pick the one that interests you the most. Also, how did you land the job? I'm very interested in working for a hospital. Do you have any experience as a CNA? Where do you live?

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Specializes in Pediatric Intensive Care, Long Term care.

I would definitely do med-surg because it is the most interesting and diverse (but this is obviously just my opinion, lol). Right now I am work in the PICU (pediatric ICU) and I love it. I see alot and learn so much that will help me in school...hope this helps

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Med/surg can be really demanding and busy, but you DO see a variety of things. I've never worked neuro, but I understand it can also be hectic but interesting. I haven't worked in ante partum but I DID sometimes float to the mother/baby unit and I really loved it there, but that sort of thing interests me. Whatever you choose, you will get great experience out of it, so just choose the one that best suits your interest! Hospital experience is gold when it comes to finding other jobs later.

3rd shift is my favorite - it's a LITTLE bit more laid back (though, don't expect to do nothing, it can still be busy!) and 12 hour shifts can be great because you have to work fewer days. I think 3 nights a week would be great. Night shift is great for busy people or people with families, because you can arrange your sleep during the day to suit whatever else you need to do.

Good luck, and let us know what you decide!

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Diabetes/Oncology.

I just started this past week working for a huge hospital in Austin, Tx as a PCT 1. Im working Med/Surg. Lemme tell ya! this one week alone...I have come across soo many types of diagnosis its really interesting how diverse this floor is (no duh right? its med/surg.) but what you may come across alot on med/surg is Isolation and I mean A LOT ...ppl with pneumonia and flu etc. soo that means a lot of putting gowns and gloves and sometimes masks...oh and stress is one thing you'll get with any job soo of course that is always included. Don't forget hand hygiene haha, but other than that your day will be different depending on what shift you choose to work...we as newbies had the chance to try all parts of the day throughout the week...I chose to do evenings 3pm-11pm, because Im a pre-nursing student soo it works well for me schedule wise. But yeah, med/surg. is a great floor to work on if you are interested in diverse diagnosis and want to learn more and stay for the experience it entails.

Im replying soo late in the month from when you actually posted this...soo what floor did you choose to work for anyway? I wish you nothing, but success!!!

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Thank you for your input! I ended up choosing antepartum for several reasons. I actually will be graduating next week as a CNA, then I will continue to train on the floor as a PTC. I believe I shadow a mentor for about 6 weeks, then I will be on my own with 20 beds to care for! We are a referral hospital, so there are people sent from 13 other locations in the state when their situation deems they be in this level of antepartum (pre-labor before 32 weeks, pre-eclampsia, injury, complications, etc.) I am excited to get to my final "post". I will also most likely be cross-trained in Mother/Baby, Nursery, Post Partum, and Labor & Delivery so I can float as needed...all are on the same floor.

I am going with 3rd shift initially, and not entirely sure how it will work. We have 3 kids, so I would be able to see them in the morning before school and still have some evenings with them and hubby. Set for 3 shifts 12 hours each.

I'm a little worried about balancing sleep, family time and work, but I am confident we will find our rhythm. The whole family is so supportive. I knew I needed to find a job, and I am glad I started this when I did. Hubby has been laid off since the week before my class started! Ack!

Kind of a new dynamic now, with me gone all day, and him playing Mr. Mom. In fact, I think it has had a positive effect...has allowed us to see things from the other's perspective.

Well, sorry to ramble, I continue to welcome everyone's input and ideas and even "tricks of the trade" for dealing with family, job, bored moms on my floor who miss their lives, etc....so please keep em coming. I may even start a new thread, now that I am a little more familiar with this site. I have always been a big fan of learning from others...whether it be their ideas, their mistakes, or their experience...isn't it nice to have a forum like the internet now!!

~mona~

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Hi Mona,

I was wondering how things are working out for you in your chosen department? I am going to be taking a CNA course at the local Red Cross during the fall while I am on a wait list for a Nursing degree at my college. How do you like it so far? I have never worked in a hospital, so I dont know how each department is but my first thought was to work on the labor/delivery floor. Thoughts?

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Specializes in Hospice & Geriatrics.

Do you plan to further your education by going to nursing school? I haven't worked in a hospital but as a nursing student and done clinicals I really think you would learn alot on the med/surg floor. You will see a variety of cases.

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Specializes in Mother and Baby.

bknees, what state are you in? I am starting CNA program in a few weeks, and I would love to work in the hospital upon certification. Can you give me any advice as to how to get noticed like you did?

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Stay at home Dad answering questions for Mona :nuke:. I have gotten these email responses to my wife's original message left here. I guess I can step in for her and answer some to the best of my ability as she is working tonight.

"how things are working out for you in your chosen department?" She is doing great, loves her job. She actually is floating tonight and is working in mom/baby tonight. Normally she is in antepartum. She really likes the labor and delivery group so I think she is a great match.

"Do you plan to further your education by going to nursing school?" That is the thinking right now, but she is learning so much, plus she has a family (3 kids not counting me) so it will probably be a slow process.

"what state are you in?" Illinois, Peoria to be specific.

"Can you give me any advice as to how to get noticed like you did?"

Yes I can give you her story and probably a little more colorful and accurate than what she would write. First of all, Mona is one of the most positive people I have ever met and unassuming as well as kind. That's part of why I married her. I could go on, not sure if you would believe it all or not. Really. People are naturally drawn to her. She is extremely extroverted. And rarely meets a person she can't get along and makes friends readily. She is also kind and caring. Perfect qualities for a nurse, huh? Well did I mention she is smart as well? I'm not talking just book smart, she is street smart as well. She was asked to send in her resume for the job. She had NEVER filled out a resume before (she's over 40). So I helped her a bit. Remember she is a bit unassuming. I should post her resume. She has never been turned down for any job in which she has applied. Did I say she was an extrovert? No I mean EXTROVERT.:nuke: She is also assertive and proactive. Absolutely no fear of failure. She would not have looked in this venue for work had it not been for the fact I was laid off and we were to lose family medical insurance. So after taking the initiative to telephone and find out who to contact, she told the person that her resume doesn't show a lot of related/recent work history or experience in the field but would really like an opportunity for an interview. Her assertiveness and unique resume got her an interview. Another strength is her people skills. When she left the interview she had the job. Remember I told you absolutely no fear of failure? Well she also has no fear of man or position or rank. So she doesn't rattle very easy or get embarrassed very easy either. She talks to the janitor and the CEO exactly the same. She is the court jester; will make everyone laugh and feel comfortable at her own expense if necessary. While taking her CNA training she had 4 interviews with different departments at the hospital. At the end of her training she was told which ones were interested in hiring her. All 4 offered her a job. Now the reason I mention her attitude and demeanor is that is what INITIALLY gets her noticed. But she has brains and easily learns and looks for ways to improve not only her abilities but methods and processes. Is not afraid to speak up. She only has a high school degree but has a much broader knowledge base than any her age. Speaks French and sign language. She is a singer. And sings well. No, I mean Simon Cowell well. Plays music by ear, played cello and violin, can play a song on the piano by picking out the notes in her head. Can harmonize. Multi-talented. So don't let her fool ya. She is a 'card shark' or a 'pool shark' or a 'ringer'. I literally think she can do whatever she puts her mind to and excel at it. She is unorthodox.

I will stop here. I could write a book, but I think this gives you a little insight. My advice to anyone is be assertive, be polite, be kind, creative, a good worker, don't think to much of yourself, have a positive attitude and think outside the box. That should get ya noticed.

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Specializes in Float.

Hi bknees

Wow, congrads on your new position. :yeah: Can you tell me which state live in? I'm in NJ and we can only do texas caths. What great experience you'll be getting. I myself floated to the ER once and have been in love since. I'm very high energy and the pace of it was just.......well, exciting. However, I work on telemetry/cardiac step down, so I'll have to wait for Nursing School to be over so I can become a trauma RN.:p

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just wondering.. what is a pct..?

amd.. mm.. you said you were new cna..

how did you get a job in hospital?

i'm trying to get one.. but my lack of experience is not helping me get a job :(

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