Patient Care Technician and LPN/LVN

[Butterflybee]

What is the difference between a patient care technician and an LPN/LVN? Ive been reading how they are removing LPNs from hospitals....are PCT working in hospitals, LTC or where? I checked the web for a definition of pct and their duties include what may be LPN duties. Why are they needed? yes, im getting a little concerned.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Many hospitals are showing a preference for patient care techs because they perform some of the LPN/LVN duties and are paid much less. The bottom line is that the hospitals are out to save some money.

The major difference is the fact that LPNs/LVNs are state-licensed nurses, whereas patient care technicians are not. There are more differences, but I don't feel like flaming or causing a rift at this time.

[Butterflybee]

Im not looking to flame or create a rift, ptc are news to me and I know nothing about them. I really would like to know the differences besides salary. Are they similar to nursing assistants?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Im not looking to flame or create a rift, ptc are news to me and I know nothing about them. I really would like to know the differences besides salary. Are they similar to nursing assistants?

Most PCTs are either CNAs or student nurses. Basically they're unlicensed assistive personell.

[Butterflybee]

Thank you commuter for taking the time to respond. Im trying to understand why this position was created in the first place unless it is simply a new name for nursing assistants. Im also wondering if whoever is trying to phase out LPNs. Nothing personal to the pct.

[suzanne4, RN]

A PCT can usually do more procedures than the CNA can. Depending on where you are located, they can also draw blood, check glucoses, d/c foleys, etc. They cannot do anything with medications. Nursing students would also be classified under this area, more than a CNA, but they do not have a license so no meds, etc.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Thank you commuter for taking the time to respond. Im trying to understand why this position was created in the first place unless it is simply a new name for nursing assistants.

It's all about the money. Creates a "tech" position, and pay them poorly for it.

[elliottrn2b]

The hospital I work at, there is a slight difference in the Medical Assistants and the PCT's. The PCT's are trained to draw blood and set up EKG's ( the MA's aren't) but they have to go through a little more training than the MA's and CNA's, however the pay is just a slight increase.....I have been hearing rumors of the hospitals phasing all LPn's out though.... YIKES

[jimthorp]

The bottom line is that the hospitals are out to save some money.

Read; line the execs pockets.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Read; line the execs pockets.

Exactly.

The rich get richer while the workers get stiffed.

[Butterflybee]

Do you think that if I cannot find a job as an LPN, I could be hired in this position for the interum? Or is there "more" special training required

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Do you think that if I cannot find a job as an LPN, I could be hired in this position for the interum? Or is there "more" special training required

You will be able to find a job as an LPN, just most likely not in a hospital. You need to take into consideration all of the LTCs and nursing homes out there that will readily hire LPNs.