Does anyone know how med schools view PCA/Orderly jobs?

[millee3]

Hey guys

Im a patient care assistant (nurses aide/orderly) and I've had the job for a year now. I basically assist nurses with whatever they need and I work as a float in a fairly large hospital so I see/work on every floor including ER and ICU. Has anyone applied and worked as a PCR/nurse's aide, and know how med schools view this? Thanks for any replies!

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[RaginRajon]

I actually asked this exact question to the admissions director at a top 20 medical school earlier this year. She told me that they view those positions very positively because they provide meaningful clinical experience and also demonstrate a dedication to the medical profession. Showing your willingness to start at the "bottom of the food chain" as a PCA and work your way up to becoming a physician shows a humbleness and a dedication that medical schools love.

 

[millee3]

Fantastic. Thats good news!

 

[millee3]

Bumping up. Would like more opinions? anyone know more about how med schools look at this? Thanks😀

 

[LizzyM]

I actually asked this exact question to the admissions director at a top 20 medical school earlier this year. She told me that they view those positions very positively because they provide meaningful clinical experience and also demonstrate a dedication to the medical profession. Showing your willingness to start at the "bottom of the food chain" as a PCA and work your way up to becoming a physician shows a humbleness and a dedication that medical schools love.

I agree with that admissions director.

 

[armybound]

I worked sort of as a PCA (EMT on a SICU unit) and it was always a positive talking point in interviews.

 

[schrizto]

man, I might look into doing this as an EC! It sounds as if adcoms are much more receptive to this than plain EMT.

 

[armybound]

man, I might look into doing this as an EC! It sounds as if adcoms are much more receptive to this than plain EMT.

that's how you're planning your ECs?

 

[schrizto]

that's how you're planning your ECs?

why not? I was looking into doing EMT before, but if they both provide clinical experience I may consider PCA.

if you're suggesting that I am choosing to do ECs by checking off a list and not out of passion, you're wrong.

 

[bunnity]

(not directed at the OP but more at the above post)

If you're thinking about being a PCA (or a PCT as they are called at Pitt's hospitals) be aware that you are working long hours with hard work, little respect and less pay. It is a very stressful job and you are on the front lines with the poop/puke/"I've already rung your call bell 30 times this hour but can you please rinse out my dentures" situations.

In other words, it's a job you can only do if you love it, and it's a serious commitment. Not something to do to impress an admissions committee.

 

[LizzyM]

(not directed at the OP but more at the above post)

If you're thinking about being a PCA (or a PCT as they are called at Pitt's hospitals) be aware that you are working long hours with hard work, little respect and less pay. It is a very stressful job and you are on the front lines with the poop/puke/"I've already rung your call bell 30 times this hour but can you please rinse out my dentures" situations.

In other words, it's a job you can only do if you love it, and it's a serious commitment. Not something to do to impress an admissions committee.

But if you love all that poop, puke, and do it with joy and humility, then the adcom may love you because it is clear you are doing for something other than the glory and the rush.

 

[armybound]

But if you love all that poop, puke, and do it with joy and humility, then the adcom may love you because it is clear you are doing for something other than the glory and the rush.

Lizzy, do you guys ever uncover or discuss the fact that a lot of ECs are done just for show and not out of genuine interest or desire? Does that fact sway the committee at all?

 

[millee3]

Its definitely not a glorified job haha dirty work! I did overnights for the first 8 months and I just got switched to evenings. I don't know if overnights would look good to administrators or not!

 

[schrizto]

Lizzy, do you guys ever uncover or discuss the fact that a lot of ECs are done just for show and not out of genuine interest or desire? Does that fact sway the committee at all?

oooh I think I hit a nerve.

 

[armybound]

oooh I think I hit a nerve.

what, like you're the first pre-med to ever do something just to pad their app?

I'm asking a real adcom if they take such things into consideration or if they simply care what's on the paper. It doesn't really involve you specifically.

 

[schrizto]

what, like you're the first pre-med to ever do something just to pad their app?

I'm asking a real adcom if they take such things into consideration or if they simply care what's on the paper. It doesn't really involve you specifically.

Now don't jump to conclusions. I said I would consider an EC because it would be looked upon favorably. If I looked into it further, and I found out I would hate it, I'm not going to force myself into doing it just to impress adcoms.

Just because my initial interest in an EC seems like I'm pursuing it for "selfish" reasons doesn't mean I couldn't end up loving it. As if you started looking into medical-related ECs without the SLIGHTEST concern that you could put it on your medical school application.

 

[armybound]

Now don't jump to conclusions. I said I would consider an EC because it would be looked upon favorably. If I looked into it further, and I found out I would hate it, I'm not going to force myself into doing it just to impress adcoms.

Just because my initial interest in an EC seems like I'm pursuing it for "selfish" reasons doesn't mean I couldn't end up loving it.

That's about the worst use of logic I've seen on these boards yet.

 

[schrizto]

That's about the worst use of logic I've seen on these boards yet.

I guess you read my post before I edited in one last sentence:

"As if you started looking into medical-related ECs without the SLIGHTEST concern that you could put it on your medical school application."

Oh, so I'm a horrible person because I happen to care about how I look for medical school, and you're some sort of saint who didn't?

 

[schrizto]

That's about the worst use of logic I've seen on these boards yet.

And don't end with an empty insult. Reminds me of the kid in middle school who retorts with "Well... well... you're a jerk!" because he can't think of anything better to say. You can do better than that.

 

[Pedie Packs]

To get back on topic.... I myself am a PCA... (and sorry OP I'm not really answering your question because I don't know how the AdComms view this position) and I love the position.

Ok, maybe I don't love the poop / puke part... but it's certainly a humbling experience and I just tell myself it's an honor to be able to help the patient because they can't take care of it themselves. The best part of the job is the ability to get a feel for what exactly goes on in the process of providing patient care. It's really cool to be a part of the team of RN's, doctors, rt, pt, social work and whoever else... You learn good communication skills, teamwork, the importance of charting / timeliness / order / organization in the healthcare system because you actually take on some of that responsibility... all this while being able to get patient contact and basically see physicians in action!

Very cool 👍

So for anyone reading this, I highly recommend checking out an aide position. It's been one of the best experiences I've had as far as preparation for a medical career.

 

[organdonor]

(not directed at the OP but more at the above post)

If you're thinking about being a PCA (or a PCT as they are called at Pitt's hospitals) be aware that you are working long hours with hard work, little respect and less pay. It is a very stressful job and you are on the front lines with the poop/puke/"I've already rung your call bell 30 times this hour but can you please rinse out my dentures" situations.

In other words, it's a job you can only do if you love it, and it's a serious commitment. Not something to do to impress an admissions committee.

Couldn't have said it better myself. I am a PCT in a fairly large hospital and it is definitely NOT something I could do solely to put on an app. It is the hardest (and most rewarding) job I have ever had.

Contrary to what you said we get paid pretty well, although not well enough to do it for that either.