Patient care tech vs. Patient transporter

[cristinam96, BSN, RN]

I am a pre-nursing student looking to gain experience throughout college. I just took my CNA certification test and became certified. I have an interview for a patient care tech job on the med-surg floor of a local hospital, and an interview for a patient transporter job at the same hospital. The PCT job is full time, 12 hour shifts 3 days a week, and the patient transporter job is PRN. Which job would be better to gain experience as a pre-nursing student? I am through with all of my pre-requisites and I am taking 6 months to a year off from school until I get until a nursing program. Thank you!!

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

The patient care tech position will give you more experience applicable to the nursing job. You'll spend your time on one unit, with one group of nurses and one group of patients. It offers you a better place to develop contacts for when you're job hunting after school. It gives you a better chance to observe what the nurse's job entails and decide whether that is indeed what appeals to you. Also it's full time, and will give you a chance to save money and help defer school costs.

Since the transporter job is prn, is their any way you could pick up a shift a week doing that, so you're exposed to the different areas of the hospital?

[cristinam96, BSN, RN]

What exactly would I be doing on the med-surg floor as a PCT? I did my clinicals for my CNA class at a nursing home and it primarily consisted of changing briefs, helping residents get dressed, etc. How much different will it be at the hospital?

I was thinking about possibly taking both jobs and working one day a week with the PRN position.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

What exactly would I be doing on the med-surg floor as a PCT? I did my clinicals for my CNA class at a nursing home and it primarily consisted of changing briefs, helping residents get dressed, etc. How much different will it be at the hospital?

I was thinking about possibly taking both jobs and working one day a week with the PRN position.

What exactly you'd be doing on Med/Surg depends upon the floor itself and it's staffing problems. Years ago, when I worked Med/Surg we did team nursing (which seems to be making a comeback.) Fifteen patients with me and two nursing assistants or an LPN and an NA. The NA's did the baths, setting up for meals, etc. These days, techs can change dressings, start IVs, draw blood, place Foleys, do trach care, drop NGs, do tubefeedings . . . I'm not sure what your particular training, state practice act and facility allows techs to do. That would be something to ask the manager. I've seen them pair a tech and a nurse, assign a tech to a batch of patients who require more assistance than others, assign two techs to a floor -- it depends.

I think taking both jobs is a fabulous idea.

[Meganmcm]

^{If you're looking for experience, the PCT job without question. I worked as a patient care tech throughout school and it helped me immensely. You're submerged in the actual community of your unit and learn how the floor runs. These are skills that will form the foundation of your nursing career.}

^{In my opinion- go for the PCT! You'll thank yourself in the long run.}

^{Best St of luck!}