PCT vs. Imaging Tech

[cristinam96, BSN, RN]

I recently posted about being conflicted on whether being a PCT or patient transporter would be better experience before and during nursing school. However, I had several interviews this week; one was for a PCT position that pays roughly $11 an hour (12 hour shifts, full time), and another was for an imaging tech position that pays $15 an hour (8 hour shifts, PRN).

The imaging tech position would allow me to transport patients to and from the trauma center, ER, and all other departments of the hospital. I really want to be a trauma nurse at some point, so I figured it might be good experience to get my foot in the door at the trauma department even if it is only for a few minutes a day. I would also be responsible for answering the phones in the imaging department, stocking, and staying with the patient during their procedure. However, the PCT position is on the med-surg floor, and everybody always tells me that being a PCT is the best experience for nursing students.

I'm really conflicted and I feel as if I'm going to get an offer for both jobs. If you were in my position, which offer would you take?

[Purple_Clover]

PCT. No question.

[Lipoma, BSN, RN]

Having worked as a CT Tech Aide (Radiology Aide or Imaging Tech) I can tell you that the job was really repetitive and offered very limited opportunities. I was responsible for transporting, making/answering phone calls to/from the ED and the floors, removing IVs, and stocking...it got old really fast.

Also having worked as a nursing assistant on a med-surg floor, it was a better learning environment although it was also limiting. I did not get the chance to look at patients' chart apart from the usual charting vital signs, intake & output, transporting, and the usual PCT/CNA scope. I wanted to learn more so I got a job at a urgent care and let me tell you, I have learned so much in regards to nursing scope; injections, medication administration, triaging based on acuity, and patient presentation (assessment, documentation, and education), wound care, and what labs are drawn to formulate differential diagnoses.

If I wasn't craving a larger scope where I can start IVs and be trained to do a full physical among other RN scope of practice and pay, I would be completely content working as a MA.

Depending on what you want out of your experience, many urgent care and primary care offices hire CNAs for medical assistant positions. Some will even train you on the job if you do not hold any licenses/certifications. There's a steep learning curve but it's so worth it. I honestly think my MA experience will make me a better nurse and future APRN compared to my former experiences.

If I were in your shoes, I would take the job with the higher pay...only reason is that bills need to be paid and any experience is considered adequate when applying to nursing schools.

[confuerte]

Food for thought----Are you over 18? If so why not EMT. EMT basic is 1 semester, if you get into a program that takes you from EMT to Paramedic, you would get the intense training that would make you a great nurse. If you haven't reached the age limits, you could take that EMT/Paramedic experience and go from the Army's or Navy's corpsman program, do your time, and get nursing school paid for completely. Either through separating afterwards, or apply for the actual scholarship program.