CNACaroline726

I know it's been a while since I posted this news here, but I did not get the job, unfortunately. I am actually still looking. I'm considering furthering my education in the medical assistant program. Still looking at my options.

It's true, but good luck on getting anyone to hire you without certification. I had NO ONE call during the time that I was not certified. After I got certified, I got 4 calls for possible jobs.

I use regular Tide detergent. I usually wash my scrubs separate from my other clothes, especially when I did my clinicals at a long-term acute care facility. A lot of the patients have resistant streptococcus bacteria and they are on several antibiotics. I have a thing with germs, so I didn't want to clean the scrubs with my regular clothes. :)

This is the pouch I got: http://www.meridys.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=3082&category_id=14&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26

When I did my clinicals, I made sure I had a pen with me at all times to write on patients' charts. I also brought lotion because the alcohol hand gel they use is VERY drying, and so is soap and water. I found a neat little pouch at my school's bookstore that had a velcro change purse and I put my car key in there that would unlock my door, and kept my purse in my trunk. It was very helpful. I brought lip balm since my lips are always chapped, and I also brought some cash for break time. :)

Drawstring is much more comfortable. I had drawstring pants for clinicals. :)

Hi, all!!! I'm new to this forum, but I wanted to let you all in on some exciting news! I have my FIRST interview EVER as a Patient Care Technician at a long-term acute care facility on Tuesday!!!!! I did my clinicals there, and LOVED it, and so I applied as soon as I got my certification! I got the call on Thursday and I couldn't stop smiling! This is my number one choice because all the nurses and PCTs were VERY helpful there, and it was such a positive atmosphere. It's amazingly clean too. I never witnessed anything bothersome about the cleanliness of the place (I have a thing with germs). It's a long-term facility, so the patients have chronic illnesses, severe wounds, diabetic problems, etc. When I did my clinicals, I had 2 patients with MS, so you get EVERYTHING there. I think it will be absolutely wonderful! I'm so excited!!! :w00t::hpygrp:

I passed my exam for Prometric in April, and they do the whole bed (sheets, top cover, pillow, etc). Basically, everything that is on the bed must be changed. Don't forget to do the mitered corners on the top sheet/covers! My book said that we had to do it with the bottom sheet, but they had a fitted sheet at the test site, so you didn't have to worry about that. Also, don't forget that whatever side you are turning the patient to, to ask for either the testing nurse to help you, or lift the bedrail up. Lift the bed up to a comfortable height, as well, so you are not straining your back (you'll get counted off points too). While you are doing the procedure, make sure that if you miss a step, that you correct it. I was doing the bedpan, and I didn't lift the bed to a comfortable working height, so I stopped (making sure that the "patient" was safe), and told the RN and then lifted the bed. That way, you don't get counted off. Also, when I was doing the bedpan, I was not told whether or not the patient could lift themselves up, so I asked the RN. She'll tell you if she can. The patient could, so I was able to lift them up, and slide it under. I had to reposition the bedpan, though, because it wasn't in the right spot. Just make sure that you STUDY, STUDY, STUDY!!!! I failed the test once before, but I studied like a mad woman and passed the second time! :) I had the written first, and passed that, so I didn't have to take it again.

I passed my exam on April 13th, 2009!!!!!!