Opinions: better job while in nursing school - PCT or Unit Secretary?

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I'm curious from both those who have done either job, and nurses already in practice... what do you feel the better job is for a Nursing Student - working as a Patient Care Tech, or a Unit Secretary? And why?

The hospital I will be doing my clinicals in has a program for Nursing students to work in either role within one year of graduation - so I'd like to make a choice that's logical for my success in the field.

I have a ton of administrative/customer service and management experience from previous careers that I could apply toward being a unit secretary, but I'm wondering if PCT's end up with more experience overall.

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

WCD

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I'm pretty sure PCT would be more feasible in terms of experience and application to the nursing field. However, I would take what I could get with the Unit Secretary so my foot would be in the door! That's especially if its a hard place to get into.

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PCT, you'll get hands-on experience and patient contact, which will help you with clinicals.

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PCT, for the patient care experience. When you are asked in future interviews about your experience in patient care, you can discuss this job, whereas, the unit secretary job does not fit the description.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I don't have experience with these positions, but FWIW in my area Unit Secretary jobs are being eliminated as our field becomes more modern. A job as a Unit Secretary on your resume may not look as good as a PCT.

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Given your background, PCT might be more useful as the more hands on experience you can get before having full RN responsibilities, the better. If you could be cross-trained, though, that would be even better! Unit secretaries get a perspective on what happens away from the bedside (order entry, physician call-backs) that can be hard to get exposure to as a PCT or student nurse.

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Specializes in CVICU, CCU, MICU.

Definitly A PCT. I have learned so much from working in a hospital that has helped me towards clinicals. Once most nurses get to know you and learn that you are in nursing school they will let you help with thing's and watch procedures getting done.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Definitely go with the PCT position. You will gain hands-on experience and more patient contact outside of the clinical setting. I worked as a PCNA (basically a PCT) and a nurse tech and working as both has helped me tremendously.

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