Students Technicians
Published Jan 31, 2012
Hi, I'm new to this forum but I found it very helpful during my interview process for my PCA position. I got the offer yesterday, I'm so happy!! I'm currently taking my pre-reqs at a community college and will be applying for nursing school next year so this is a big step to give me hands on experience in the medical field. I have been working retail for almost 2 years and recently applied to Newton-Wellesley Hospital as a PCA and got the job. They offer 5 weeks of training which is perfect because this is my first hospital job and have never done anything like this before. I will be working my assigned shift after the 5 weeks of training which is 3rd shift and every other weekend. I'm so excited but nervous at the same time, I start orientation in 2 weeks and gave my 2 week notice yesterday at my current job. Any tips for a new PCA that you can provide would be helpful and I do attend school full-time so I'm going to have to find a study schedule that works for me. I'm open to any comments, advice or tips.
mag426, ADN, BSN
193 Posts
Any comments people please?
KeepCalmCarryOn
12 Posts
Congrats on the new job!!!:w00t: Yay! I am actually in a similar situation as you! I just got a job as a PCT too and it is my first job in healthcare after working as a cosmetologist for many years. I finished all my pre-reqs for nursing school in Dec and I just put my application in.
I had orientation all week this week (3 days in the classroom and 2 days on the floor shadowing) For the next 3 weeks I will be working with another PCT with 17 years experience (awesome!). And after that I will fly solo! I was super anxious on my first day on the floor, even though I was just shadowing! :uhoh21:
Today was much easier and I even was allowed to help a little bit. It felt so nice to be able to help! There is a lot to learn, but you will get it. Remember to be patient with yourself, keep calm (just like my name says, hehe), work smarter not harder, and SMILE . Those are my words of advice from one new PCT to another...
I think it will be rough for a while (I'm speaking for myself too!), but in time you will find your routine and it will become easier to manage. I think that we are going to find that this job can be very rewarding!
Congrats again and best of luck to you!
Thank you! Congrats to you also!!!! =)
Today was my last day at Bloomingdales & I start orientation on Monday for the PCA position in the hospital :) I am so excited they gave me the nursing assistant textbook & workbook earlier this week & I am to bring it with me on Monday. Sorry for ranting but I am so excited!!!
emilyh17
1 Post
I know this is an old thread but hoping you'll see this-- did you complete their PCA program before you applied? Or did you just apply to a position? I saw they offer PCA training but I wasn't sure if this is to be completed before you apply or if they just offer it once you're hired. Most of their open PCA positions say they require experience. Thanks!
I completed their PCA program and it is offered once you're hired.