What is a nurse tech?

Nurses General Nursing

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Apologies if this is in the wrong forum, but, what is a nurse tech? Is it an informal name for a CNA?

Specializes in LTC.

Here in California, I have never heard of this position, but you might be speaking of nothing more than a fancy new name for a CNA or CMA, or even possibly an actual tech of some sort (i.e. Lab Tech, X-ray tech, etc.)

I would be wary, however, as this sounds like something that would NOT be accepted everywhere. I would not spend money on anything unless it is reciprocal everywhere in the U.S.

Good Luck.

Michael

Apologies if this is in the wrong forum, but, what is a nurse tech? Is it an informal name for a CNA?
Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

where I used to work, the aides were called nurse techs. I'm going to assume that's probably what you are referring to; an aide or CNA.

Specializes in LTC.

I also believe, and correct me if I'm wrong here, folks. But aren't final level RN students also called "nurse techs"?

Good Luck.

Michael

Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, Home Health, Oncology.

Hi

At my Hospital, our CNA's are now called

Nursing Care Technicians or NCT's.

Just a fancier name is all, they still do the same job.

not too sure, but I am called a healthcare tech. I am a nursing student who is a glorified CNA who does accuchecks

Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I have heard of nurse techs, patient care techs, patient care associates (I was one of those). In a nut shell, they are usually CNAs with additional training in phlebotomy, EKG, accuchecks and clerical functions.

Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

It's another name for a student nurse working as unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). The duties may be more expansive than an aide and may include drawing blood and other labs or doubling as a unit clerk in off hours. The duties are facility specific but all fall within the scope of UAP.

Specializes in NICU.

At my hospital a Nurse Tech is someone who has graduated nursing school and is orienting to the RN position they were hired for, but they have not sat for or passed the NCLEX yet.

Specializes in Med/Surg.

In my facility, you can work as a Nurse Tech after your 2nd semester of ADN program or 3rd year BSN program.

You work under the direct supervision of an RN and are able to do assessments, pass meds, put in IVs, NGs, Foleys, do IVP meds, etc. Pretty much any of the skills you have tested out on in your skills class. (except hang blood, or do an initial assessment, of course!) The RN is there to follow you and make sure everything is done correctly and monitor the Pt.

It is a great learning experience...I'm so glad I did this for a year prior to graduating---made me much more comfortable with time management skills and working with Pts.

A Nurse Tech in our facility is very different from a CNA.

Specializes in Emergency Dept.

At our hospital you can be a nurse tech if you have completed your first semester of nursing school. The duties are the same as a CNA (different titles though - CNA's are still called CNA's) and the techs make much better money.

Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
In my facility, you can work as a Nurse Tech after your 2nd semester of ADN program or 3rd year BSN program.

At my hospital this is called a Nurse Extern.

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