pct questions!

pctlc_734 · Nov 5

Hi! I'm a current PCT in NJ so I'm more than happy to answer your questions!

I work in the float pool, which means I can be put on any unit that needs a tech. Because I work per diem, I'm only mandated to work 4 8-hr night shifts (11p-7a) a month every other weekend. This works for me because of my school schedule, but I know PCTs that have worked 12 hour shifts (7a-7p or 7p-7a). It depends on the hospital you work at, but PCTs can work the same hours as nurses. Part time PCTs may work 20-30 hours (2 12-hr shifts or 3 8-hr shifts) and full time works close to 40 hours (3 12-hr shifts or 5 8-hr shifts). When you begin looking for jobs, it should say what shift you are expected to work in the job description. Also know that typically night, weekend and holiday shifts have differentials, or additional pay added per hour since those are the most needed (and less wanted) shifts to work. You can pick up any additional shifts you want outside of your requirements as well, just remember not to overdo it.

I'm still relatively new to my job (2 months off orientation), but here are some tips I wish I knew or gained during my time so far. Know that there will be moments that you will want to cry or may struggle with certain tasks. In the first few orientation shifts and during the first few shifts off orientation, you may experience some imposter syndrome. In the float pool, we are expected to pick things up quick because we are always put in different units with different rules and expectations. You will be okay. Those feelings will not last forever and you will improve as you keep practicing your skills.

Make a strong first impression no matter where you are in the hospital. If you plan to further your career as a nurse or another hospital-related career path, it's important to get on the right foot with people. Nurses will remember you by the way you handled your task, how you helped them and your energy. When I get on the unit, I always put my phone away and delve into my work completely. If I'm not charting vitals, I'm helping nurses re-position their patients. I'll check that Foleys are charted and emptied. I'll answer any call lights, even ones that are not in my assignment. I'll ask the nurses and other techs if they need help. A useful PCT with a positive, can-do attitude that supports the staff is always looked favorably by nurses. Remember that this is a job. You are there to work first, so try not to be on your phone unless needed for work or during breaks.

You will see a lot of bodily fluids. Poop, pee, blood, vomit, you name it, you'll see it. Poop never bothered me that much, but vomit is something I had to get used to. Being a PCT often means dealing with the more physical, dirtier aspects of direct health. But over time, you will get used to it. A tip that another PCT passed to me was to apply Vicks inside a mask during your shift or even chewing a breath mint to block out certain smells. Do what you gotta do to handle your tasks because unfortunately, it's something we see alot.

START VITALS EARLY. I cannot highlight this enough. There will be times you are the only tech on the floor with anywhere between 10-30 patients (once I had 52 on a uro transplant unit). Even if there is another tech, try to start vitals between 30-45 minutes before the hour (sometimes even an hour before.). You may have call lights going off, nurses asking for help or a patient that needs to be given a bed bath during this time. With this, try and bundle your tasks together. If you're doing your q4 vitals at 6 am and also need to check q6 blood sugars for a patient, do both at the same time. If you are finishing giving a bed bath to a patient, do vitals after so you don't have to come back for them later. Time management and prioritization is key to maintaining your sanity sometimes with this job.

ASK QUESTIONS. Another tip that cant be highlighted enough. If you don't know something always ask first before doing something and making a mistake that hurts your patient. Nurses may get annoyed, but they would rather you ask the silly questions now than make silly mistakes later. But also try to remember how things are done as you do them each time so you're more familiar with certaintakes like bed baths, EKGs, drawing blood and more.

Those are the tips that come to mind. If you don't mind me asking, what shift and unit do you think you'll take? If you have any more specific questions, I'm more than happy to answer. I love hearing from my fellow pcts! We need to stick together in this crazy healthcare system 😁!