PCT... Seeking advice about switching from Psych to Medical ER setting

[jss1985, ASN, RN]

I've been in this field for 11 years, I started as an EMT and then I became a PCT for an inpatient psych unit. I work 8 hour shifts, 5 days a week, 4-12. Union job. Right now i make $49k per year.

I recently found a position in a different hospital, also in the same union as mine. This one is in the medical ER dept and its 12 hour shifts, 3 days a week, 7pm-8am. According to Indeed, when you filter the salary option in your search, this pays $56k-$57k per year. However, the position title is not PCT, it's ER Technologist, but the duties are basically the same (EKGs, venipuncture, vital signs, etc).

I'm tempted to apply because: A) 12 hour shift x 3 days a week, perfect for work/life balance and going to school (I'm applying to nursing school soon); B) More money. If Indeed is actually correct about this, then this position is overpaid. This is like what a entry level Respiratory therapist or an xray tech makes in my city.

The only thing I'm worried about is the fact that, in my psych unit, we hardly do any bloodwork on my 4pm-12am shift. It's mostly the morning shift that handles the bulk of it. The last time I drew blood was maybe 2 years ago and I had missed the vein. Don't get me wrong, since I've been there, I have had many successful draws but I've also had plenty of unsuccessful where I missed the vein due to lack of repetition.

I am comfortable with everything else (Vitals, ekg, etc) except this. Being that this is a medical ER job, I expect there will be tons more bloodwork and I am worried it might jeopardize my employment there. I mean I could buy one of those $300 venipuncture flashlights that you hold against the patient's skin perhaps(?).

Any suggestions? Would you still apply if you were me?

[J.Adderton, BSN, MSN]

I think you will have much opportunity to build this skill even during the orientation period. If venipuncture ability is the main "con" holding you back, I say definitely "go for it"!

[Enarra, BSN, RN]

Venipuncture is A must so during orientation do as many as you can ask others if you can do theirs if you run out of patients. Practice makes perfect go by visual and touch let your fingers find the vein practice feeling and finding for veins that you can do at home. Watch you tube videos on how to do venipuncture and memorize your order of draw. OK best of luck and practice lots

[LovingPeds, MSN, APRN, NP]

Venipuncture is a skill that gets better with practice and I doubt any place of employment expects a new hire to be perfect at it from day one. No one I know is perfect at it. Some are better than others, but usually because they do it more often... I wouldn't let that hold you back if this would otherwise work out for you.

I have used the vein finder in the past. I had varied success with it. My best sticks were the ones by feel and sight. I actually feel like the thing made me a worse stick over time if I'm honest. You can achieve the same effect in the hand in a lot of people with a darkened room and a good pen light for a lot less if you need it.