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 =/

Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.

Well, I have certainly read on this very board that BSN students don't have the same clinical experience fresh out of school as ADN students do. I wonder if the hospital that has to hire BSN grads is trying to shorten their orientation by requiring they have PCT experience.

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Specializes in ICU.
Well, I have certainly read on this very board that BSN students don't have the same clinical experience fresh out of school as ADN students do. I wonder if the hospital that has to hire BSN grads is trying to shorten their orientation by requiring they have PCT experience.

In my town, there is an ASN program, and a BSN program. We do the same clinical, same hospital, same floors, same amount of time. My school actually gets the better clinical hours. The BSN program usually comes in when we are leaving. We do the same things. Their program is smaller as it is a private, expensive, Christian university.

There red are two hospitals in this town. They hire both graduates. My ASN program is well respected and the nursing managers love to hire graduates from my school. I even went down to the city the other day and interviewed with nursing managers who know how good my program is. I was told by one we all have RN behind our name.

I don't see why one study has caused such a ruckus. To me evidence based practice should consist of the same study being run multiple times yielding the same results.

But it like I stated, if you live in an area that a hospital can be picky...... I'm also interested to know if you are going to an accredited, well respected program? There could be numerous reasons why you were told this. But look at other health systems.

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Magnet hospitals are attracted to BSN.

Nursing Journals | NursingCenter

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I double checked their website and they in fact are magnet. And there is no requirement for new RNs to have PCT experience. I wanted to be proactive and get that experience. I just started as a nurse assistant in the hospital associated with my ASN program. I'll put in my six months and then re-apply. If I lived closer (i commute an hour each way) I would stay but the pay isn't enough to justify it.

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My link was in response to a reply on this thread about a post that said magnet status isn't about what degree you have, and you stating you were unable to get a Pct Nursing student job because they wanted a BSN student nurse tech. Sounds like this job is pushing for BSN among their nurses they will hire, because I see no reason why you are not not qualified just because your a ASN student. I would try a different department at that hospital, may be that it is only the unit manager seeking those qualifications. I would not be happy about not being hired as tech either because of BSN Nursing student requirement for a PCT position. Good luck in your future nursing career.

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The link states that in order for a hospital to qualify for Magnet status 75% of their nurse management must have BSN or graduate degree. And starting in 2013 it was 100% requirement. So in my opinion to keep the future looking good on hospital to maintain their Magnet status, they may tend to hire more student nurses in that category then a ASN.

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My link was in response to a reply on this thread about a post that said magnet status isn't about what degree you have, and you stating you were unable to get a Pct Nursing student job because they wanted a BSN student nurse tech. Sounds like this job is pushing for BSN among their nurses they will hire, because I see no reason why you are not not qualified just because your a ASN student. I would try a different department at that hospital, may be that it is only the unit manager seeking those qualifications. I would not be happy about not being hired as tech either because of BSN Nursing student requirement for a PCT position. Good luck in your future nursing career.

Unfortunately that was with nursing recruitment not just a unit manager. Thank you for the positive thoughts!

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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...

It's a bit more than leadership and community health classes to earn a BSN.

Some hospitals are blocking out ADN's for nursing positions also.

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

My hospital pretty much only hires BSNs. ASNs are only considered with a lot of significant experience. New grads don't have experience...so they must have a BSN to be considered. That said, nurse techs have to be in a BSN program since the plan is to hire them once they graduate.

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My hospital pretty much only hires BSNs. ASNs are only considered with a lot of significant experience. New grads don't have experience...so they must have a BSN to be considered. That said, nurse techs have to be in a BSN program since the plan is to hire them once they graduate.

I just don't get it. I understand the need to have your nurses get a BSN, but have them sign a contract then. Maybe I'm just being sensitive, but why don't they just get rid of the ASN programs if they are convinced that they are so inferior. I just dont understand how you are supposed to get patient care experience. I have had previous experience with direct suppor for individuals in the DD population but have been told that it isn't enough. I was MAP certified and was doing med passed for 5 clients. That's prime experience that CNA and PCTs don't get. I just don't get how you're supposed to break into doing patient care when they don't like your previous job experience or on-going education

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I just don't get it. I understand the need to have your nurses get a BSN, but have them sign a contract then. Maybe I'm just being sensitive, but why don't they just get rid of the ASN programs if they are convinced that they are so inferior. I just dont understand how you are supposed to get patient care experience. I have had previous experience with direct suppor for individuals in the DD population but have been told that it isn't enough. I was MAP certified and was doing med passed for 5 clients. That's prime experience that CNA and PCTs don't get. I just don't get how you're supposed to break into doing patient care when they don't like your previous job experience or on-going education

They don't get rid of an associates nursing degree just like they don't eradicate an associates in psychology or English or biology. I don't know about "so inferior" but the bachelor's degree does ensure grads can think broader and are more well rounded. Not that someone with an associates isn't.

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