Quadriplegic Aid

[Murseintrain]

I was wondering what kind of certifications hospitals look for when they hire PCT/PCA's. I have been a live in aid for a quadriplegic for over two years and I am looking to get some experience at a hospital because I plan on becoming a "murse". The only problem is that I have no formal CNA/CHHA education. All I learned was "hands on", washing, lifting, cleaning and so on.

One of my friends was hired to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick without any previous experience. And what is a Clinical Care Tech?

Appreciate any response.

[guest042302019, BSN, RN]

I admire you for you ability to take care of this patient. My gf is acute neurological RN at Iowa University Hospital and she takes care of patients that require almost or entirely total care. Similar to your experiences I would imagine. I couldn't do that type of nursing. Not my thing. Anyway.

First, a Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, Unit Assistant, Nursing Assistant, or Clinical Care Technician are very similar in scope of practice. Each hospital will have similar responsibilities for these jobs, but they don't vary too much and the jobs are very similar to you what did with your quadriplegic patient. You will do bathing, meal assistance, turning, vital signs, intake and output, genital and perineum cares, catheter cares, and some other responsibilities but those are the main ones. A big difference in the hospital is you will have more patients. You may end up taking care of 5-10 people on a shift when it's busy or low staffed (it seems both happen at the same time). The work in the hospital is usually fast paced and physically demanding. But, I'm sure you had physical demanding portions with your patient.

If you want to become certified and licensed, I would contact local colleges and ask about offered nursing programs. They'll discuss with your some options and start at square one. They will take an assessment of you education history and determine where you stand. You may have to take some prerequisites. But, I believe the program you are looking for is no longer that 2-3 months or a little less than a semester. Also, I don't think financial aid is offered for this course. You may have to shell out $500-1000 to register and get associated books. You'll probably take a basic math course as well as a basis human anatomy and physiology course. Your previous experience will readily transfer over to the hospital/clinical setting but of course, there will be differences.

As far as your wanting to become an RN. It's the same process as above but a lot more classes, time, obligations, and money involved. Expect to spent $7,000-$10,000 at a community college but there are options for student loans and grants. At a large university, the cost is considerably higher. It takes roughly 2-3 years to finish an RN program if one is speedy about prerequisites and does well in classes. Also, you'll go much deeper in the social, behavioral, and biological sciences if you seek the RN license. Good luck!