Question's about my new PSA job?

flyswithdoves · May 11, 2016

Hello everyone!

I am a pre-nursing student in Ohio, and I recently got blessed with a great part-time student job as being a Patient Support Associate in the surgical ICU at my local hospital. I have zero medical background and I do not have my STNA card yet. (I'm taking a nurse's aid class soon.) (I informed the nurses interviewing me that I will be receiving my STNA card in about 3 months, and I also informed them about how I am a pre-nursing student preparing to apply to nursing school soon. Anyways, I was thrilled to hear that I didn't need my STNA card for the job, (I thought you did) and I ended up getting hired! I have retail experience but no medical background.I will be having an all-day week long orientation coming up to train me, and will be shadowing preceptor PSA's prior to being on my own. Anyways, I know ya'll are the experts, so I have a few questions for you.

1) Is it just me, or am I very lucky to have been hired for this job without being CNA/STNA certified and having no medical experience?

2) I understand the job requires bathing, cleaning up and changing patients, feeding, and assisting patients in different ways. What else should I expect to be doing as a PSA on the surgical ICU floor? (I will be working the night shift 7pm-7am, does that make things different?)

3) What suggestions would ya'll have while I'm preparing for Orientation in a few weeks?

Thank you all! I look forward to hearing your replies. :)