Part-time PCT and full/overtime hours

[MOSmom]

Hello All! I'm in a bit of confusion on what to do. I was recently hired by a big hospital here in DFW for PCT-Surgical Telemetry....:)YAY. It is only for part time weekend nights, but i figured it would be an excellent opportunity to get my foot in the door for Nursing school. My question is what is the likelihood of me getting full time-overtime hours, especially during summer months. I have no desire for benefits, so thats not an issue. I did ask my recruiter and she was told by Human Resources that "Employees can't work dual roles". Could I possibly float to a different department to get more hours? Or should I possibly apply for another part time at another hospital? Another big hospital has called me for a part time PCA-hospitalist (not really sure what that means) position...so I'm unsure. If I didn't have an extra mouth to feed and living expenses...perhaps it would be enough. Anyone have any advice?

[cdsavannah59, CNA]

I work at a local hospital and if we want extra hours we have what is called Bid Shift, where you select unit you want to work in and the amount of hours you want to work that day. I'm a PCT so I can bid on that position or I can bid on unit clerk because when Im not busy as PCT I can work front desk if needed. Also the PCA position means you will most likely have same duties as CNA/PCT, but the pct certificate may not be required.,Where I work you have to have a PCT certificate. I previously worked home care as A PCA but got paid less because I didn't have my CNA yet. Keep in mind that if you get hired as PCA any other future employer may not hire for PCT without the certificate even though one had previous PCA experience.

[MOSmom]

Thanks for the info savannah. Ill have to ask around once I start Orientation about "bid shift". At my first job as a PCT at a LTAC Facility, i was getting overtime on my first week, but of course that was full-time. In regards to the PCA question...I already knew what that meant, I was talking about "hospitalist", I don't know what kind of department it is. I tried to research online but it only gives me information about physicians. The hospital that wants an interview for PCA is the only one in my area with that title. Everywhere else is either CNA or PCT. They did however want you to complete the CNA course and be BLS certified...so no biggie.

[cdsavannah59, CNA]

I didn't notice the word hospitalist on your post until after I posted. I'm not sure myself now that you pointed it out lol. Good luck on your new job, and the hospital probably does do bid shifts, although they may use another name for it, ours is called smart shift.

[cdsavannah59, CNA]

I wanted to add that when I bid shift, I get a email when it's approved. Mine don't usually get approved until a day or so prior to requested date because they make sure patient census is high enough to require the extra help.

[IHeartPeds87]

A lot of what you are asking is going to be specific to your job.

that being said, I've been at my pct job for approximately 3 years and 9 out of 10 times if I want to work the hospital can use me...they call asking if I can come in for extra shifts atleast once every four days.

[MOSmom]

Savannah, I guess I'll just have to wait and see at orientation. And "Wannabe", Im glad to hear about the hours request. It makes sense, hospitals always need people huh?