Student Nurse PCT only for BSN students?

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So I had applied to to work as a student nurse PCT since I am a nursing student. Now imagine my surprise when they said they only took BSN students for these positions. They recomended that I apply for a regular PCT position after I get 6 months of direct patient care experience. I guess it just rubbed me the wrong way that being an ASN student makes me somehow less than a BAN student. I guarantee that a BAN student isn't going to wipe a butt or give a bed bath any better or worse than me. Now I understand the push for BSN and I have all intentions of doing a RN-BSN program. I'm looking for some input. Has anyone else experienced this? Does anyone else think it's pretty outrageous? There are quite a few nursing programs within a 50 mile radius. 5 are BSN programs but 4 are ASN programs. But there are also plenty of hospitals. I find it annoying that the people who have posted these jobs forget that MANY nurses have started with a CNA, LPN, or ASN and have worked to continue their education. Sorry about the rant =/

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Sorry all the BAN was supposed to be BSN. Darn autocorrect!

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

I have not encountered that yet. The only stipulation here is that you have to have completed a certain number of clinical rotations.

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I could understand that, but to completely block me out just because I am not in a BSN program is complete rubbish. At the end of the day my license will be exactly the same. I don't know how a leadership class and a community health class will make me any better at wiping a butt, giving a bath, or taking vital signs. Let's not pretend that PCT is actually a nurse now...

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Specializes in Care Coordination, Care Management.

Perhaps the place you applied only hires RN-BSN's, which is why they want the positions filled by RN-BSN students?

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Perhaps the place you applied only hires RN-BSN's, which is why they want the positions filled by RN-BSN students?

I know for a fact that they don't. I mean if someone has the education they are looking for then it's an obvious win/win. Its just sinking in How ridiculous it really all is. How are you supposed to get experience in direct patient care then? I'm fortunate enough to have other opportunities but I find the whole thing pretty outrageous.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

I agree. That is frustrating.

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Specializes in ICU.

Is there another hospital system? I haven't run into that either. I know somebody is going to come in here saying magnet hospital but I found out the info being spread around here about magnet is wrong too.

I went to a nursing job fair last week to a magnet status hospital. They hire new grad ASNs and I interviewed for pct nursing job positions. It was explained to me by two different hospital systems in my area that magnet status is about RN retention. It's not about the degree a nurse has. It's about retaining the RNs that you hire.

I think it's the area you live in. Is it a big city with tons of new grads to pick from? There is nothing wrong with an ASN-RN. I do the exact same clinical, and take the exact same test. I don't see why one study changes things. But I'm not HR managers at your hospitals. Sorry you are having to deal with that.

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The hospital is sister to part of a large teaching hospital. I don't know what their rationale is. Its ironic because they do a PCT training program where they train you and then give you a job. I don't understand why they have program but won't accept an ASN student. The only thing that I can think of that I don't know is veinpuncture. But we don't even learn that in school. They just do IVs

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Employers exercise hiring policies that align with their desired qualifications for whatever reason. What I find negative about your situation is that there was no statement in whatever announcement your read for the position that clearly stated this requirement. Everything should be aboveboard and open to view by the prospective applicant. The applicant's time and effort is worth consideration. And it would serve the employer well to dissuade applicants that won't fit the bill. Don't waste everyone's time.

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Employers exercise hiring policies that align with their desired qualifications for whatever reason. What I find negative about your situation is that there was no statement in whatever announcement your read for the position that clearly stated this requirement. Everything should be aboveboard and open to view by the prospective applicant. The applicant's time and effort is worth consideration. And it would serve the employer well to dissuade applicants that won't fit the bill. Don't waste everyone's time.

Exactly! Nowhere did it say a specific degree or specific program, or how far along I'm your program you have to be. Its frustrating because it's the hospital that I really want to start my career at.

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I applied for a student nurse /pct position over the summer and I was told the same thing. I let the hospitals know that I would be getting my bsn immediately after graduation, I stressed the importance of getting the Bsn and they were rest assured . When I was hired , I was told that if I wanted to participate in the new grad residency program I would need to sign a contract stating that I would complete the bsn program within three years. If the hospital rejects you for not having a bsn or being a bsn student then keep looking until you find one that accepts you.

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