From the beginning of my pre-PA journey, I knew that I wanted to go straight from undergrad into PA school. I did not schedule a gap year into my timeline. In addition, finances were a little tight #brokecollegegirl so I made it my mission to find a way to gain PCE/HCE without a certification.
I was already working PRN at a plastic surgery office as a secretary/assistant providing customer service, creating/organizing charts, and scheduling appointments. Although this was a great way to earn HCE, I knew I needed to find a way to gain the more hands-on PCE that PA schools were looking for.
I decided to take a NA course during the summer to beef up my resume. I avoided the extra cost by not taking the STNA exam that followed. I started applying to hospitals, but quickly learned that they prefer applicants with experience.
I also applied to nursing homes in the area, but soon realized I would need to take the test in order to work in a skilled facility. I turned my attention toward assisted living facilities instead. I quickly found an opportunity just minutes from my college campus where I was able to work as a PCA on a PRN basis supervising and assisting with ADLs.
Although I enjoyed my time at the assisted living facility, my end goal was to work in the hospital setting. Because of my experience at the assisted living facility, a local ED was willing to hire me as a NA/HUC, again on a PRN basis. Through on-the-job training, I became proficient in skills such as EKGs, bladder scans, POC testing, EMR documentation, as well as paging physicians, arranging transport/transfers, and coordinating admissions. 𝐈 𝗪𝐀𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒-𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐂𝐄 𝗪𝐈𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐀 𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍.
I want to emphasize that certified positions are an EXCELLENT means for gaining PCE/HCE. If you have the time and/or money to go this route, I highly recommend it. Just know that it is NOT always necessary. There are plenty of alternative opportunities out there if you are willing to put in the work.
Did you obtain a certification in order to earn PCE/HCE?
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