Stay a CNA or become a PCT

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Specializes in CTICU/CVICU.

*I posted this in the CNA discussion forum as well so you may see it there*

Here's my dilemma. It's the summer between my first and 2nd year of nursing school. I work as a substitute teacher and also at a CNA (I'm a diploma-school student and I work as a nursing assistant at the hospital where my school is based). I've been there 8 months on the cardiac floor and I enjoy it (for the most part..lol). I work 2 shifts a week (as part-time) and now I'm able to work 1 day a week by doing a double (both shifts in a day). I'm also interested in working in the ER as a tech so I may get a chance to get trained there in phelebotomy and/or EKG. But, first I'm going to volunteer there just to make sure that's what I want to do. This hospital, I have a good rapport with one particular person in the nursing office and she's been able to help me out when I"ve had to switch days or something. So, I overall have a good experience with the hospital and am pretty confident that if a position is open after I graduate, I will not have too much trouble getting the position.

On the other hand, there's another hospital that is hiring for per diem patient care techs. They train you in phelebotomy. The floors they have positions on, I would love to work (cardiac, neuro, ICU). I would have to work 4 shifts a month, which is great. And the pay is much better than what I'm making now. I would LOVE to work at this hospital after graduation (so much so that I've applied for a program at this particular hospital where they would pay for the last year of school in exchange for me working for them after graduation). If I can start out as a tech and build a good relationship on my floor, and then work there..*sigh* But then again..what if I hate it there?

I would try to work both places, but 3 jobs is way too much (not going to leave substitute teaching. The money is way good and I love the flexibility with school).

So, if you were in this position, would you go with the devil you know...or the devil you don't?

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If they're willing to offer you better pay, more training, and tuition assistance, then definitely take the job if it's offered. Even if you don't like it, you'll have your RN in a year and will have earned additional skills.

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Specializes in CTICU/CVICU.

Hi Paisley,

I haven't applied for the "better" hospital yet but you think I should, even though I got it decent at the hospital I'm with? And you're right, even if I don't like it, I'll be a RN in a year (and hopefully working there as an RN) and have a good background.

Thanks!

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Well, apply and see what they offer you, and decide then.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Never make this kind of "decision" before there is a decision to make. In this economy, take EVERY opportunity you see to apply for something that can benefit your career. You can always turn it down if you get the offer. Worst that happens is you make more contacts and get more practice with interviewing.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.
If they're willing to offer you better pay, more training, and tuition assistance, then definitely take the job if it's offered. Even if you don't like it, you'll have your RN in a year and will have earned additional skills.

THIS. I sort of had a similar situation...I'm not a CNA, but I worked as a PCNA (patient care nursing assistant...basically a glorified aide lol) on a tele floor which I, for the most part, liked. What I didn't like was the fact that this hospital was about an hour drive for me. I worked 12-hour nights and had to work a minimum of 2 shifts/month, either 8's or 12's. I got paid a decent amount of money + $1 for shift differential. I could do all of the "basic" nursing stuff (including I/O's) as well as check blood sugars, do simple (non-sterile) dressing changes and d/c foleys and IVs.

Then I got a job offer as an NT (nurse tech) at a hospital that is 5min away from where I live on a renal/plastic & reconstructive surgery unit. As an NT they also train you in phlebotomy and you can also do anything you've learned in school (sterile and non-sterile dressing changes, IV insertion, trach care/suctioning, enemas lol) except do assessments and pass meds (but of course that's sort of a "gray" area). I had to take a minor pay cut but the hours are extremely flexible (I have to work a minimum of 24hr/mo), less wear 'n tear on my car (driving only 5min as opposed to 60! :uhoh3:) and I don't have to pay for parking (I had to pay $50/mo at my old job just to park in their garages...that was half of my paycheck! :(). This job also gives me the ability to really work on my technical skills because sometimes a single 12-hr clinical day just isn't enough!

I say go for it!:twocents:

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Specializes in CTICU/CVICU.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I ultimately decided not to apply until I found out if I got into the program (signing a contract with the hospital in order for them to pay my tuition). I did not get into the program (there were only 3 positions available with too many applicants). By the time I looked at the website again, all the tech positions were gone (except ER techs, which require EMT background).

So, for now, I'll stay at my hospital - stick with the devil I know. If the opportunity arises to apply for a tech position, I may apply.

Thanks again!

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