I just finished a few orientations for my job and I start working this Wednesday! I will be working 7p-7a nights 3x a week. According to my job description I will be doing vital signs, ADLs, personal care, ostomy care, enemas, IV removals, wound care, and foley care. I will be assigned to a preceptor for the first two weeks and will be on my own after that. I am really nervous because I'm inexperienced and have never held a healthcare-related position before. Please give me tips, things I should avoid doing/saying, the best ways (in your experience) to get tasks done efficiently, things I can do to go above & beyond for patients, time-management tips, etc. Thank you!
right, you need an order, and a cath is a (supposed) to be sterile procedure, i am still a bit confused. i think it depends on the state you live in, what you are allowed to do under the RN, just my guess
right, you need an order, and a cath is a (supposed) to be sterile procedure, i am still a bit confused. i think it depends on the state you live in, what you are allowed to do under the RN, just my guess
Until a couple years ago, PCTs at my hospital could insert foley catheters and straight cath. Now they can only take out foley catheters. PCTs at my hospital can insert IV catheters and draw blood.
right, you need an order, and a cath is a (supposed) to be sterile procedure, i am still a bit confused. i think it depends on the state you live in, what you are allowed to do under the RN, just my guess
I'm a PCT and do straight caths - Using darn good sterile procedure I'm physically capable of doing a foley and starting an IV (because I'm in nursing school and use those skills there) but in my facility where I work, only nurses do IVs and foleys... I'm going to guess you're right. A lot varies state by state and even between facilities.
Where I work the techs are trained on and expected to start foleys, at least on the unit I work on. At the hospital I used to work at the techs could initially do foleys, then an RN screwed up on one, I think she inflated the balloon while it was still in the urethra(ouch!), then the hospital decided techs wouldn't be doing them any more.
I would suggest this: Be very wary in cross-training to multiple positions (CNA/tele tech/Unit Secretary) for chances are you are going to be stiffed in wages, exploited, and dumped on as I am right now. I am seeking a new job out of a hospital I have been in for a number of years due to their attitude of treating techs like dogs.
I'm physically capable of doing a foley and starting an IV (because I'm in nursing school and use those skills there) but in my facility where I work, only nurses do IVs and foleys... I'm going to guess you're right. A lot varies state by state and even between facilities.
summerbluesky
12 Posts
We do catheters, blood, enemas and vitals. I had no experience and no CNA. I started nursing school. The hospital did all of my training.