Patient Care Associate???

[nurs2bhopefully]

Hello everyone! Oh how I have missed this site! Can anyone tell me if they know of anyone who has completed a patient care associate/patient care tech program, and if so if they were able to find a job afterwards? It's a six month program- the LPN program I want to take is 12 months. If I dont' get accepted into the LPN program this time around, do you think it'd be a good idea to go ahead and take the pca class? Or do you think it'd be a waste of my time. I'm already a CNA, but the PCA program includes phlebotomy training, ekg training, and Unit ward clerk training. Think it's worth 6 months of my time and money? Thanks for any input, info, or mere opinions!

I'm just as lost as an Easter egg!!

Thanks- Sandy:confused:confused:

[Nurse Shark]

I think that $1300 does sound like alot of money to become a PCA. Knowlege is always good but is the outcome really what you wish to acheive long term?

I currently work as a PCT in a large hospital, and we do EKG's and Phlebotomy, Foleys, etc. but as far as I know everything else is exactly what CNA's do. Is the compensation going to be better if you spend the $1300, and are most of the skills you learn going to be repetative of what you already know?

I know that I would have never spent that kind of money to make what I make now. I was trained by the hospital and the only requirement was that I had finished one semester of nursing school (Funds, I am in an RN program and almost finished). If you really want to be an LPN then keep that as your dream. Being a CNA is a great career while you are in LPN school and you already have an advantage over people because you have the experience.

And when you do get accepted into the LPN program, along the way I'm sure that if you show the interest and pay attention to the nurses in your clinicals you will see alot of the same skills you will peform as a PCA.

[Nurse89]

a mere opinion: :) honestly, no.

you are already a CNA, the few added skills you will learn if you become a PCA, while very important, just don't seem to be worth the $1300 that you could put towardsyour pre reqs etc for becoming an LPN.

Lots of nurses were CNA's/PCA's before becoming a nurse, I was one. Others who weren't do just as well, IMO.

It is when you are in the nursing program that is where the foundation will be laid and you will build upon it through theory, clinicals, observing and doing.

Don't give up. Follow your dream and good luck to you!