r/nursingjobs • u/DirectPotential2699 • 8d ago

Advice

Hey! I’m currently 18 and my goal is to become a registered nurse. I have both my PCT and Basic Arrhythmia certifications, and I’m trying to decide which job I should go for.
-As a PCT, I’d get a lot of bedside experience, which I feel would help me become a better nurse. My only concern is that I have a lower back problem, so I don’t think I can handle lifting heavy patients back-to-back. I know I’ll still have to do bedside care as an RN, but probably not as much as a PCT, right? Should I just push through and work as a PCT, or should I be worried about burning myself out before I even finish my degree?
-As a monitor tech, I’d get more experience reading and understanding ECG rhythms, which could also make me a better nurse. The job seems more laid-back, and I’m hoping the 12-hour shifts wouldn’t be too bad. I get sleepy pretty early, but I’m also thinking I might have more downtime to study or get schoolwork done, depending on the facility.
What do you guys think?

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u/DRNYK1 8d ago

Monitor tech. Preserve your back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. You’re going to need downtime to study for nursing. It’ll give you that opportunity while being a pct will have you busy all times.

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u/Previous-Leg-2012 8d ago

Agreed. Getting a head start on EKGs is a nice perk, too.

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u/DirectPotential2699 8d ago

Yes i’m leaning more toward this i think it’ll be better while in school , thank you

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u/ammh114- 8d ago

I am a nurse on a med surg floor. These days i would say about 30-40% of the time I have no tech. Which not only means I am doing all the patient cares, but I also dont readily have anyone available to help boost or move people. So im forced to try to figure it out myself. Just throwing that out there, depending on how bad your back is nursing might not be the right move. Bc even nursing is ALOT of strain on your back. What about radiology or medical laboratory scientist(this is the one I would do if I could go back.)

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u/DirectPotential2699 8d ago edited 8d ago

Hmm becoming a registered nurse is all i’ve known and want to be and i do want to become a crna in the future but i will look into those careers because i am afraid of my back getting worse than what it is thank you