PCT in the ICU - What do I need?

Xlorgguss · Jun 28, 2017

Hi! I am not an RN (yet, take NCLEX next week) and I'm not in the ICU (yet, thought that's the goal) but I am a current PCT and I work on a Pulmonary Progressive Care Unit. When I started as a PCT years ago I really wanted to start in the ICU or ED because I felt like I would learn a lot. But in all honesty, working "on the floor" has been infinitely more beneficial to me than if I was in ICU. I have had ICU PCT's float to our floor and they had no idea how to really function. I understand that their role may be different in the ICU rather than "the floor" but they weren't even competent in taking vital signs or how to chart them. Most of the patients in the ICU are hooked up to continual vitals monitoring which is largely nursing driven. The RN's take and assess the vitals. I think the PCT's largely just assist with turning, emptying catheters, assisting with bed changes, and helping with holding patients for certain circumstances. When I floated to ICU I had to hold back a patient's pannus for a femoral arterial line. I think they might do a bit of re-stocking and often sit in 1:1's for patient's that are suicidal or at risk. Are you looking to go to school for nursing? If you are looking to stay as a PCT then working in the ICU in general is a pretty sweet deal. If you are looking to develop more skills such as practicing vitals, working with patients, etc. working on a traditional floor might be more beneficial. This is just my opinion though.

johosa12 · Jul 17, 2017

That's awesome and good luck! That's where I started 10 years ago, and now have been an ICU nurse for over 7 years. It's definitely going to help you out if you plan on starting off in the ICU as a new grad (which I did). I have a few tips for ya: 1) leave your phone in the break room! You're 20 and just starting out in a career that may last for the rest of your life. You want to make a good first impression. The connections/networking you make now can help you land jobs in the future. I fee like this is a no-brainer but I feel like nowadays EVERYONE has their phone out and it bothers me so much. You're at work. Work. 2) Always look for something to do and ask if anyone needs anything. Don't get caught just sitting around. If you are always like this, the nurses/doctors will see that and will be more likely to want to teach you! 3) that leads me into this point: always ask questions! "whats this, whats that why are you doing that?" You will learn so much over the next few years if you are actively asking questions! 4) know the names of everyone you work with and greet them (i.e. housekeeping, pharmacy techs, material management).

Some of these may seem like common sense, but I think they are important!

Good luck!