Pros
- Choose your own schedule - Only required to work 2 weekend days in a pay period - Doesn't require a degree - Don't have the responsibilities that techs and nurses have (physical hands on jobs) - Go with patients to various testing and procedures - Have the experience to learn from watching doctors, nurses, techs, x-ray, etc. - Get sent to various units - Learn how to work with different types of patients (Alzheimers, Psyche, Alcohol Withdrawl, etc.) - May get flexed or go home early after patient is discharged
Cons
- Lack of training - Must work with difficult staff and patients - Not have training how to deal with types of patients (Agitated, confused, psyche, violent, etc) - Some nurses/techs expect you to know how to calm a patient down and do their job - Not get breaks or lunch/dinner - Boring days sometimes - Work with patients that speak other languages - Work with patients that may be violent or extremely agitated/confused - Not get treated fairly by patients and some staff - Must have a lot of patience and a cool temper - Cannot leave room - Must deal with difficult/abusive family members - Cannot leave room to cool down - May be screamed at, kicked, spit on, punched, hit, or threatened by patients - Get forgotten by staff - Cannot leave on time, must wait for relief which may come 30 min-1 hour late... - May be asked but not required to work a double - Work weekends and holidays as required (with time and a half pay) Per Diems may get flexed - Long days (Morning shift 7-am-3/3:30pm, Evening shift (3pm-11pm, Night shift 11pm-7am) - May be sent to answer phones on unit without training (May be asked by patients calling in to transfer to their nurse without knowing who or extension, will answer calls from other units and staff without knowing who to transfer, difficult to track down someone for help, not know how to direct patients and family members when asked, not know how to assist other staff members or direct them, everyone assumes you're a secretary even if you tell them you're not, people get frustrated with you despite not having training or being a secretary, stare at the wall and wait for a phone call or time to go home.)