Published Jul 22, 2014
aeluere
1 Post
I will be starting a new job at the end of this month. I was told that I will be checked off on skills during my orientation. I am being hired as a Patient Care Assistant. I'm currently a nursing student. Can anyone give any input on what skills I might be expected to know?
Cohiba
161 Posts
There's no way to say what'll be on your check-off list since every unit and facility has different requirements.
TU RN, DNP, CRNA
461 Posts
Yeah it's definitely tough to say, but you should already know how to take vital signs. Other skills that are often required of PCAs include phlebotomy, EKGs, and taking a blood glucose reading -- these are normally reviewed/taught in orientation. Again I'm not sure when your specific responsibilities will be, but don't stress out. Hospitals normally cover these skills in orientation. You're not just expected to know, but you should have some idea about the basics beforehand.
classicdame, MSN, EdD
7,255 Posts
no nursing skills so you should not worry. Vital signs for sure. They will probably demo the use of their equipment, including glucometer, then get you to return demo.