Hartford Hospital

Patient Care Assitant

June 2022 • Hartford, CT

What I liked

The ability to gain hands-on patient care experience and determne that healthcare was the field for me

What I wish was different

Better staffing and pay- this is an issue across the board in healthcare

Advice

Take it all in, there is so much to learn every day!

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Patient Care Associate

May 2018 • Hartford, CT

What I liked

Every time I go into work, I am gaining experience that I will need in my career interest.

What I wish was different

I wish I was able to work in the same position but at a children’s hospital.

Advice

Make the most out of every patient experience because most of the people who are in the hospital wish they were anywhere else.

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Patient Care Associate

April 2019 • Hartford, CT

What I liked

I liked the medical exposure I received while working on the surgical floor of a hospital. I got to see so many cases and it definitely helped me to see the hierarchy of the healthcare system, everywhere from the volunteers, to Chaplins, to administrators, to Human Resources, to secretaries, to nurses, PA's, and doctors. I also loved being able to go to work everyday to help others and make a difference in their lives. Finally, I loved the flexibility. While I had to work one, set 8 shift per week, I was able to take a vacation, but at the same time, work 50-60 hours per week during weeks where I had a lot of free time. Being able to work upwards of a 40 hour per week cap as in a traditional job or internship was definitely a plus.

What I wish was different

I wish my work wasn't so labor intensive and grueling. Sometimes, I would work long, 16 hour shifts and not sit down until much, much later. There was often a shortage in labor, and it took a heavy toll on my body, because I would be assigned far more patients that I could handle. I wish Hartford Hospital staffed my floor better, or I wish I simply had more resources available to me to lighten my load and decrease the stress associated with the job.

Advice

Do not be afraid to ask questions. Everyone says this, and sometimes, it's true- asking a question does put you in a place of vulnerability with superiors, who might judge you or wonder, "How did they not know this? Have they been doing this wrong all the time?" But honestly, it is far better to figure out the correct answer sooner rather than later. Being able to put yourself in a vulnerable position allows for far more gain in the future. Therefore, always ask questions! People above you are always willing to help and explain for the betterment of patients, or the company.

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