Welcoming atmosphere of people who care about you and patients
Pros
Management was very understanding/flexible with scheduling as a college student, especially on the med/surg unit 4 Lacks. Nurses checked in on me to see how I was doing, I felt like co-workers really cared and I made some friends outside of work which is nice. Great entry-level job for someone getting healthcare experience as a college student. Staff also uses social media groups to communicate about people looking to switch shifts/make work announcements. ED staff is also overall friendly to PCAs, but physically demanding (pushing patient beds, cleaning beds, doing CPR,etc.)
Cons
Fast paced, on your feet a lot, but it makes the shift go by faster. Physically demanding (turning bariatric patients, cleaning soiled patients, pushing patient beds frequently in ED, exposure to patients with bed bugs, sometimes so busy you don't get a break) Typically 12 hour shifts, but if you communicate with management they would be flexible allowing you to do 8 hours then have someone cover the rest of the 4 hours if you can find someone.
