PCT for nursing student

[Kungfupanda212]

My nursing school start next January. However, I was offered a job at a rehabilitation hospital, but they require me to have CNA license or at least finish my first semester of nursing (it's state law and they can't make exception). The nurse manager that I had talked to suggested that I should get the license which gonna take about a month or so. It will be quicker rather than waiting half a year to step foot in the work force. They will reimburse my education and have flexible schedule that will fit my schooling. Everything sounds good but I don't want to go through the CNA traning+test+background check again (I already did my background check for nursing school but they require me to start it over?!?!!!). HELP! any advice helps! I've just done with the Hesi and got an 86 overall, I'm employed and go to school full time. It is hard to take on another test right now. What should I do? Thanks!

[Sour Lemon]

You may be complicating a simple situation. If you want the job, meet the requirements. Of course they're not going to make an exception because you don't want to take another test or go through another background check. Why would they?

[Kungfupanda212]

Well, I mean I'll automatically qualified in 5 months or so. Does it worth to take the CNA license while I'm going to be a nurse anyways. Thanks

[sarajane94]

If you already have a job I would honestly just wait. Unless the new job pays a lot more than your current one or has a very flexible schedule that makes it more desirable to have during nursing school it just doesn't make sense to me honestly. I waited until I was done with my first semester in school to apply for PCT jobs and got one where I float all around the hospital. It's given me a good idea of floors I like and don't like and given me great experience with patients. I think it would be difficult to juggle nursing school and a new job at the same time. That first semester gets you prepared to work in the healthcare field.

[Kungfupanda212]

Thank you for your helpful input. My current job is cosmetology tech which basically pays higher than PCT and more flexible + less hour with higher pay. But it does not help anything with my degree in nursing. I need healthcare experience. I'm afraid to let the opportunity slips out of hands....

[jess.mont, ADN, RN]

But why do you need patient care experience right now? You've gotten into nursing school, so they're not concerned about your lack of experience. Besides, your program starts in two months. After a semester of NS under your belt (scrubs? ), you'll have experience and be qualified to work as a PCT. Just wait a bit. :)

[sarajane94]

I'm not sure where you live but there are always opportunities in the healthcare field. Do you want to work in a rehab hospital as an RN? This job might be beneficial to go ahead and get. If not, and your passion is something else, you might be taking this opportunity and passing up a better one in the summer on the floor that you think you might like. Or even as a float tech, you never know.