Hi all, just wanted to add in my two cents.
To be honest, I applied for PCP-RN as an "easy" way out of unemployment. However I did do ample research and asked many current nurses on their honest opinion on their jobs. I wanted to make an informed decision before I sign contract (if I was selected) despite needing a flow of income badly.
The interview process is as followed:
1. Group to be in a holding room
2. Group briefing by MOH personnel
3. Panel interview individually
While in the holding room, I chatted with a few other candidates - some were like me who were hoping to secure stability and some claimed to pursue their nursing passion.
Just out of curiosity, for any nurses who are reading this, I am not sure how one wakes up and knows instantly they want to embark in this career, or any other career for that matter. I am really quite interested to know how the passion sparked and if that passion sustains over time? For those that joined PCP, would you still look for other ways to join nursing if the PCP did not exist, or would you just drop the idea?
Continuing on. We went into the briefing and they informed us of several things:
1. To be fully aware that PCP requires 101% commitment from each candidate due to the accelerated coursework. They showed us a sample of our schedule for the next two years in tiny fonts - think of it as a show and tell session rather than us actually being able to see the paper and absorb the information. They did highlight that we will have very little time and to inform our family/spouses/children to understand that PCP comes first.
2. They then mentioned that the reason PCP has to come first is because of the LD that incurs. They phrased it in such a way that it is in everybody's best interest for the candidate to put PCP first so that everyone wins, in the sense that candidates do not incur LD and the employer gets a candidate by the time graduation has occurred.
3. During this time, it was then informed that should a candidate fail a module, repayment fee is the candidate's responsibility and sponsors will not pay you allowance for the term extension. At any point of time, you may get a letter saying that they will no longer need you to participate in this program. Even if this was their choice, you are still liable for LD.
4. They did tell us of a few candidates that dropped out due to their own personal commitment and/or those who were unable to cope with the accelerated version and are now in high debt. I would like to point that the way they mentioned this was in a very "matter of fact" way and with little to no sympathy. I asked on the candidate drop out rate and they seemed very hesitant to inform this but mentioned it was around 20% or 5 pax per intake.
5. Your actual salary after graduation is subjected to the sponsoring companies. Which means that you may or may not get lesser but they were upfront to mention that usually candidates can be around the $2000-$2200 range but again, graduate first and then see what you are offered. But if you think again, you don't really have a say. You sign the PCP contract, you just have to serve it out and seek better employment after that.
Next, we went into another holding room and wait to be called for panel interview. I would note that most are young students rather than actual mid career switchers. When I was called in, here was my experience:
1. They did not like my resume. They questioned why my qualifications are different than the jobs I have worked. This was apparently a concern for them as if I commit to PCP, the next 5 years is in a specified field and they felt that my employment record is a liability and it indicated I am unable to stick to a field.
2. They asked if I knew anything about nursing. I told them that I have asked others on their experience. They somehow took offence to this and said that no matter how many people I ask, I still will not know the exact job scope a nurse does through everyday. I told them that it is impossible for me to know exactly what a nurse goes through for the simple fact that I am not a nurse! That is where the two years study and clinical placement comes in to help me transition. They told me to volunteer in nursing homes and help clean patients etc to get a feel of what nurses to. I told them I was unaware of such programmes i.e. letting a volunteer with no professional qualification to help care for a patient. It's a lawsuit waiting to happen if this really exists!
3. They noted that I have employer testimonials and I said that I had close relationships with all my superiors and that this bond has enabled me to grow and develop my potential in each workplace. They did not like this as they said that to be a nurse, patients come first. In their words, "you cannot run to your supervisor to everything".
4. When they asked if I had any questions, I asked what was the support for nurses who wanted to further their studies as I understand nurses need to work long hours/shift. They answered accordingly but made a point to tell me that this question signifies I place an importance on myself rather than my patients and that was unacceptable.
All in all, they basically did not like that I was not a fresh faced graduate
I suppose they were looking for people who could just bow down to what they wanted to enforce and not talk back if there was unfairness happening. As you can tell, I obviously did not get into the program. I actually got into a different PCP which was more of OJT rather than "study first, work later". I enjoyed myself very much and it opened up more doors for me after I completed it.
To those that are thinking of going for the "study first, work later" kind of PCP, I would encourage you to do a thorough research on the career you want and if you can cope with the pressure. It is a good program on paper but the reality of it may or may not be just as great. Of course your own commitment is a factor, but ultimately I would just suggest for those interested to think first on how you will pay back the LD before you sign up. If you have nothing to lose, go for it.