Pre-Nursing Student Looking for WORK

[MO2u]

Hello! I just want to first say I am new to this site, nursing, Georgia and from reading the comments I feel slightly discouraged. People say they have a hard time getting into nursing school, then a hard time finding a job then complain about the pay here in Atlanta in comparison to other areas ?

I am switching careers (before 30) and I'm from NY. Moved to GA for a better living situation and reading these posts make me think I made a bad choice.

I'm looking for work as a PCT where I'm from being in a pre-nursing program is enough. Can anyone give their input? Point me in the right direction? :-/

-Mo

[molls4]

If you don't have prior experience as a PCT, then most hospitals require either completion of one semester of nursing school (one clinical rotation, more specifically) or CNA certification to be hired as a PCT. Reading posts on here can get super overwhelming when applying for nursing programs! I know I felt that way when I was applying! I was a second career student with a previous GPA

[MO2u]

Thanks for the encouragement! It's needed. I was actually thinking about taking a CNA class which is three weeks just so I can get a pct job. I am still finishing a couple pre-reqs and I really want to work in healthcare like NOW.

[aaliyahrobinson]

Hi I'm currently a PCT at Northside hospital working on my LPN pre reqs. I moved here from California in April of this yr. for the same reason as you a better living situation and now have been working here for 8 months the pay is a bit discouraging. However remember the option of working OT which really makes a big difference in pay. Look into north sides hospital option of working as an intern if your in a nursing program you can easily get hired as PCT and earn college credits at the same time. There are RNs at north used that worked 1 1/2 yrs. while in nursing school as a PCT.

[peachshan, BSN, RN]

Hi I'm currently a PCT at Northside hospital working on my LPN pre reqs. I moved here from California in April of this yr. for the same reason as you a better living situation and now have been working here for 8 months the pay is a bit discouraging. However remember the option of working OT which really makes a big difference in pay. Look into north sides hospital option of working as an intern if your in a nursing program you can easily get hired as PCT and earn college credits at the same time. There are RNs at north used that worked 1 1/2 yrs. while in nursing school as a PCT.

How did you get on at Northside? I have been applying there for a few months with no response.

[Marshall1]

Davita dialysis will hire/train someone for a PCT w/o prior experience. I'm not sure about Fresenious but I know of now hospitals or health care facilities that offer the CNA training anymore due to cut backs. Another option is to secure a position in a doctors office as a receptionist or get certified as a MA. That would get your foot in the door.

Pay is notoriously low for healthcare workers in Ga but you said it was better living conditions for you so it's a trade off.