ER tech forum.

I know that we already have a CNA form but maybe we could rename somehow to include techs. too. I'm not sure, its just a suggestion

!Chris

No, I think the tech's job is different enough to justify their own forum.

Way to go on the decision to pursue nursing Doug. I was working as a firefighter/EMT and ER tech and "leaning towards paramedic school" when I made the opportunity to go to nursing school myself. I've never looked back, best decision I ever made.

Good luck!

No, I think the tech's job is different enough to justify their own forum.

I'm asking because I'm genuinely curious. :)

Thanks!

cheers,

Please pardon my ignorance but how/why is a Tech different from a CNA?

I'm asking because I'm genuinely curious. :)

Thanks!

cheers,

Good question.

Well, the simple answer to your question is, "CNAs and ER techs are different because not all ER techs are CNAs." Many ER techs are in fact certified EMTs, or licensed paramedics. Also consider that some hospitals will not employ CNAs as ER techs, preferring to fill those positions with either EMTs and paramedics, or only paramedics.

This is significant because while in many places CNAs, EMTs, and paramedics can all be hired and trained to function as ER techs, their respective educational backgrounds and scopes of practice differ greatly.

I won't delve into the differences in curriculum or scope of practice too much, because that's more about what differentiates ER techs of different backgrounds (CNA vs. EMT vs. paramedic) and less about what makes techs different from CNAs. Briefly though... some of the differences that come to mind: CNAs don't learn to work with traction splints and aren't trained in patient assessment, EMTs don't learn much if anything about assisting with ADLs, and paramedics can do everything an EMT can and a lot more. Paramedics can administer breathing treatments, insert advanced airways, and perform procedures like needle cricothyrotomy; EMTs can generally assist patients with certain medications; and CNAs cannot do any of the above.

The difference is more about "point of view" in my opinion. An ER Tech, whether he/she was educated as a CNA, EMT, or Paramedic, is concerned with very different skills and tasks than a CNA employed either in a non-ED inpatient setting or an outpatient setting. I just don't see an ER tech, regardless of their training background, having a whole lot to talk about with a home health CNA or med/surg CNA. It's apples and oranges.

Sorry for going on so long... hope I've clarified the matter somewhat.

Sorry for going on so long... hope I've clarified the matter somewhat.

What an ER tech can do differs from State to State and sometimes within the State, from institution to institution.

Example: At my old hospital in Illinois where I worked on an ortho floor, inserting foley's was within the scope of practice for LPNs/RNs and CNAs. This is not the case in my current State (somewhere on the East Coast ) where only nurses are allowed to insert catheters.

The educational background matters only up to a certain degree - because ultimately the scope of practice doesn't change.

For example: There are some physicians I know who were educated and trained abroad but work here under an RN license. As such, while they have been trained to do anything from interpret X-rays to insert advanced airways and central lines; they can't do that now as it is beyond their scope of practice as an RN.

There is also the question of authority. Techs and CNAs in my State derive authority either from the practicing physician or nurse.

The only difference I have noticed is that ER techs are trained to do straight sticks for blood while most practicing CNAs aren't trained as such.

cheers,

What an ER tech can do differs from State to State and sometimes within the State, from institution to institution.

Oh believe me I know. I've done most of my work California and they're the worst. EMT certification and paramedic accreditation are done at the county level, so scope of practice and protocols change every time you cross a county line!

The educational background matters only up to a certain degree - because ultimately the scope of practice doesn't change. For example: There are some physicians I know who were educated and trained abroad but work here under an RN license. As such, while they have been trained to do anything from interpret X-rays to insert advanced airways and central lines; they can't do that now as it is beyond their scope of practice as an RN.

That's kinda what I was trying to say, and looking back I didn't do the best job of it. My bad, and thanks for calling me on it. You're right, it usually won't matter. Because, as your example illustrates, scope is dictated by your current role. Back when I was a student precepting in neuro ICU and someone needed to be reintubated, I couldn't very well jump in and do that myself (licensed paramedic or not) because I was acting in my role as a student, not a paramedic. I get it, really, I do.

It's like that for medics in most EDs. Most everywhere I've been or know of the ER techs scope of practice will lie somewhere between what CNAs and EMTs do elsewhere, and what paramedics do elsewhere. Meaning, CNAs and EMTs will often learn a few new skills (i.e. phlebotomy, 12-lead, bed-baths and such for the EMTs) that weren't part of their original curriculum & scope in order to work within their scope as a tech, the paramedics will shed many of their skills (i.e. crics, needle decomp, etc.) to act within the more limited scope of a tech. They all end up doing the same job in the ED.

Not... always... though... and that's partly why I tried to gloss over the whole scope of practice thing, brevity. Your question pleaded ignorance (I didn't see you had ED experience) so I was trying to make things a bit simpler than they really are. Point being, that there are places where a paramedic-trained ER tech has a different scope of practice than one who was trained as an EMT or a CNA. I worked in an ED where the medic techs did most of the intubations, IV starts, and 12 leads. That's what they were there for, and they did it beautifully. The CNA and EMT-trained techs could only help set up 12 leads. Same job title, their scope based in part on their respective certification and licenses.

There is also the question of authority. Techs and CNAs in my State derive authority either from the practicing physician or nurse.

I think it's like that everywhere, because they're both unlicensed. Even with EMTs and medics in the field. They have a heck of a lot more autonomy than any acute care nurse, but it's because they're following protocols backed up by a medical director.

The only difference I have noticed is that ER techs are trained to do straight sticks for blood while most practicing CNAs aren't trained as such.

Again, not everywhere. Sometimes the differences are much greater. I tried to gloss over the whole scope thing, because as you helped point out... that's not really the issue with ER techs and CNAs sharing a forum. Like I said, it's more that an ER tech (whatever their background) is concerned with very different tasks then a CNA on a med/surg floor or home health. I think it's different enough that they deserve there own forum, assuming there's enough interest.

We're on the same page I think.

Fascinating discussion gentlemen!

I have to rush to work but will attempt a better response later today (assuming I don't pass out comatose post work today! )