Stephanie_C

Did you get into NIU? I heard it is a competitive program and just applied for ***** and giggles thinking I wouldn't get in-especially as a transfer student. I was accepted. Now I'm kind of freaking out, because this wasn't "the plan" I had set in my mind. I'm super excited though!

I totally understand-you have your duties and are busy as well. I always try to give the benefit of the doubt. But when it's the same nurses that are consistently unable to help and seem to have enough time to be chilling out in the break room numerous times a day-there is something wrong. Luckily the majority of the nurses I work with understand and help out when they are able to.

Yes! This drives me crazy too! I wanna say-"it took you longer to try and find someone to put your patient on a bed pan than it would have taken you to do it yourself." I always say in most cases the best nurses I work with are the ones that were previously techs. In regards to your post-that is hilarious and I love your friends comeback!

I wouldn't stress about it. Have you taken a CNA course (our hospital requires it) We've hired many PCTs with no hospital experience and they do fine. You will learn what you need to during your orientation-thats what it is there for. I'm sure you will be fine. Congratulations on the job!

Wow-this post is kinda shocking to me! Ive been a tech for many many years. There have been times I've been floated to three different areas in a 12 hour shift. I go with the flow. I wouldn't even think of refusing-and unless it is clearly stated that you can refuse I would assume you would get fired. I think you were out of place to make the decision that a unit clerk couldn't sit for the patient. Thats above your head-and up to your charge nurse or nursing manager. Ultimately they are the ones responsible if something were to happen. Our hospital has "safety companions" for sitters, so maybe thats why I see it differently. They have no medical training and are just their to watch the patient and call us if anything needs to be done. Regarding your ability to get hired as a nurse elsewhere. Getting a job as a new grad nurse is not easy (at least in my location-but I assume its pretty universal). Even though there are four hospitals in the area-you have your foot (or had your foot) in the door at your current hospital Even though it may not have been your first choice, to be employed there, it could have been a backup if needed a job. In addition, if you are applying for a job as a nurse elsewhere, with experience as a PCT, I'm sure a recommendation from your current employer would have been very helpful for you.