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CNA and PCT to familiarize in medical area before stepping to RN…
3 posts back to top |
Posted almost 3 years ago
I am considering going for a second degree in nursing an estimate it would take just under 3 years to complete. My only concern is I am not familiar with hospital settings workings, and so forth. I was thinking of side tracking for few months and going for a CNA or PCT certificate. The CNA course is $1,200 covering everything. The PCT course goes through 7 more classes for about another $1,000. The other choice is, but can not that much information, is a LPN which would be about 9 classes’ total. I am again not sure of the cost. Back to topic question on CNA/PCT. Is there a big hire for them? Looking at many of the hospitals in the area maybe one job opening for PCT. So concern would be have it now what. Would it be worth continuing pass CNA to a PCT? Appreciate the response. |
628 posts back to top |
| Posted over 2 years ago I think it's best if one functions as a Cna or Pct prior to becoming a nurse. Especially for someone who's a medical virgin. |
88 posts back to top |
| Posted over 2 years ago I agree with RNdude... I currently am in a nursing program and we got immediate hands on training in patient care "clinicals." However, the students who appreared most comfortable during this part were the PCT's and the MA's (medical assistants). I also observed that while these students excelled in the clinical portion of nursing training, they fell behing easily in the theory part, the "critical thinking" as to the why certain activities are performed on a patient. My program allowed us to apply for a CNA license after the first semester, so I did. I am now working as a PCT on a Medical-Surgical unit in a hospital. It's pretty physical type of work (at least to me, because I am also going back for the second degree- so I'm a little unaccustomed to this type of work). After this experience, I believe that I will be better prepared for the clinical portion of the Med-Surg rotation as well as the L&D (labor and delivery) rotation that also requires a clinical experience. Anyway, ask me again in about 3 months, I should be really into it at that time.
So long story short- I say go for it. My nursing director says "the best techs make the best nurses." Please do let us know what you decide & good luck with your career choice. |
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| Posted over 2 years ago I am a medical virgin who has just applied for CNA training. I want to climb the ladder and eventually become a nurse instructor. Many have told me those that start at the bottom become more humble at the top, and that we are more appreciative of those that come after us. Think of it as 1 step at a time versus a leap. A leap will get you there sooner, but you may fall on your bottom. Slow and steady wins the race. Best wishes. All is Well |
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| Posted over 2 years ago You have gotten some really good responses. I already had my STNA/CNA & actually just finished my CPT & am a nursing student. I agree with everything that was said here. It's always said behind the nurses back that you can tell the ones that were never anything but RN's; they always treat everyone else like the dirt under their shoes. So the comment about being humble is a truth by far. As far as CNA vs. CPT it really all depends on what they are hiring in your region. Here in Cleveland only two hospitals are hiring for CPT and the others just give their CNA's on the floor training or give the CNAs in nursing school the title "CPT" or NA2 or NA3. I'm thankfull that I got into my CPT training but if it hadn't been free I honestly wouldn't have done it having already been a STNA/CNA. The CNA's and STNA's are being hired like crazy though. Sorry I'm so long winded but my ending point is that CNA or CPT is a great move before RN especially if you can get financial aide from somewhere. I can't comment on the LPN, I have heard rumors that have discouraged me and I only want to pass on encouragement LOL. |
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2 posts back to top |
| Posted over 2 years ago it is definately a great idea to get a cna or pct BEFORE u go for nursing. I have worked w/ nursing students in their last round of clinicals that cannot do my job and even more disheartening have extremely poor bedside manner. If a nurse cannot do my job its hard to imagine that nurse being successful. You are exposed to many concepts, ideas, and medical information while being a CNA. GOOD LUCK! |
