Starting as a PCT in an ER soon, any advice?

[Jocieran]

Hi,

I found out today I got a position as a PCT in the ER (Level 1 Trauma) of a local hospital. :balloons:

My CNA experience is only in Nursing Home during my clinicals of CNA class, and assistive living. I know that is basicly nothing. I am going to get about 2 months of training, before I get put out on my own to fend for myself.

I'm the type to bust my butt, and very self-motivated, but I would appreciate any advice on the big "What not to do, EVER" types of things, and any tips you experienced nurses want to share.

My goal is to be an EXCELLENT Tech, while pursuing my nursing degree, and use my experiences to make me an EXCELLENT R.N.

But, I will be a Tech for a quite a while until I'm done with school, so I want to excell at that right now, and be the type that the staff can rely on. I feel like I have a great opportunity to become exposed to so many different experiences working in Emergency Medicine, so I want to get the most out of this. I just want to earn the respect of my collegues, and have them know they can depend on me (to do things right). I want to be really good.

So.....Any pointers? :)

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

Pay attention to the boundaries you are given in orientation as to what you are going to be able to do and what you won't be able to do. You don't want to cross a line that will get you in trouble. Make sure you have a good watch and it's a good idea to get one of these lapel watches so you won't have to be worrying about getting it wet when you wash your hands. Always have an extra pen or two in your pocket--they tend to disappear a lot quicker in a busy ER area, especially during codes. Also, have something in your pocket that you can grab to write on. For ER, times of things that are done to patients often need to be documented and that sometimes gets forgotten during the flurry of activity. If you don't already have a comfortable pair of shoes, get some. Other than that. . .hope you find it a stimulating and learning experience.

[Jocieran]

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it. :)

[MIA-RN1, RN]

I worked as an ER tech over the summer.

Comfortable shoes.

Eat before you get there as you may not get a break.

Don't let people get the idea that you think you are 'better than them' because you are in nursing school. Not that I think you are that way, but sometimes people jump to conclusions if you are just naturally using some of the skills you are taught (therapeutic communication etc) and they will see you as the new person who thinks she's all that.

I let people explain things to me that I already knew. Often I'd learn something new and they also thought I was just a really quick study

Tell the nurses you are a nursing student, and tell the doctors as well. They will let you in to watch the cool stuff (I saw a PICC placed, a code, lumbar puncture and jugular catheter placement)

Finally, be sure that your job description is in line with your state BON and the Nurse practice act. Techs DON"T do sterile technique, such as foleys, no matter what they tell you. (Part of why I decided to leave that job)

Have fun, smile, and carry Halls cough drops and pop one in your mouth when the smell gets bad (I learned that from this board!) EDIT I don't mean the smell from your mouth lol I mean if a pt is particularly odiferous)