Can someone explain the difference in duties between an STNA and PCA?

[happy2learn]

I have to take the STNA course in a week. I don't want to be an STNA because only LTC's hire STNA's and I have no desire to work in an LTC. I want to work in a hospital. I can take a PCA course after the STNA course. I'm just wondering, what is the difference in duties? Or are they the same duties that an STNA does in an LTC?

What does a PCA do on a regular basis in a hospital on average? I know it can vary from department but can anyone give me details or compare/contrast their experience in both fields?

[ctmed]

STNA is a student nurse.

PCA is yet another another name in the evolution of Nurse Aide.

STNAs sometimes get a bit easier work like Unit Clerk to help learn the paperwork aspect of nursing, but not always. They tend to get a bit more respect, too.

[caliotter3]

I thought STNA stood for something like, "State Tested Nursing Assistant" in some states.

[ctmed]

I thought STNA stood for something like, "State Tested Nursing Assistant" in some states.

Could very well be.

All the nursing students in my area telling me that after a few classes even if something happened in nursing school, they had CNA. Might be some difference. They call them STNAs where I am at.

We have CNAs here with PCA/PCT/CNA or whatever is in vogue at that facility on the name badge and students with STNA on the name badge.

could be a regional thing.

[racquetmom]

Do a search on here as there are some older posts defining CNA, PCA, STNA.

[happy2learn]

Yeah, I got the answer after I posted this but wasn't sure how to remove this.

Anyways, STNA is a State Tested Nursing Assistant (or Aide, Ohio thing I guess). They only work in LTC's here.

PCA is another course on top of STNA. They have 40 hours more training and work in hospitals. But it's pretty much the same care, except PCA's can do a little more.

[b0rea1is]

STNA and PCA are different and yet the same thing. STNA's typically are hired to work in LTC facilities (nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, long-term acute care, etc). Both are referred to as UAI's (Unlicensed Assistive Personnel). They perform the most basic of direct patient care. PCA's require no state certification and no continuing education. They are hired by hospitals and receive most of their training on the job. They can receive additional training through hospital-based courses. If an STNA is hired by a hospital, they will lose their certification if they do not keep up their CE credits or work at least two weeks in a LTC facility.

I've been working as an STNA for almost a year and really enjoy it. However, I would very much prefer to work in a hospital. LTC facilities are often starved for money and resources. Hospitals typically provide really good benefits and offer tuition assistance. I would recommend going for a hospital job, but LTC experience is good as well. You're more likely to get a job as an STNA, because hospital jobs are highly sought after. Also, depending on where you're going to school, you might be required to obtain the STNA certification.

[katrenia04]

Hello,

I was a CNA (never heard STNA, but assuming same thing) I worked HHC, LTC, and AFC. I the got hired to a trauma 1 hospital as a PCA (In Michigan) I had to go through approximately 2 weeks (8a-5p) classes, including catherization, wound care, EKGs, phelobotomy. At the hospital, i worked cardiac, med/surg, neuro-ortho, OB/GYN, and psychiatric. I learned more and did much more as a PCA than as a CNA. It was great!! And is helping me through Nursing school. It was fast paced, vitals, caths, Ekgs, specimen collection, venipuntures, etc. you still do the CNA work, check/change etc. but I got to do more nursing care. Hope that helps!!

[b0rea1is]

Yeah, you're living my dream right now. Working in a hospital is so much more exciting than in the LTC facility. Down here in Ohio, all the hospitals are overstaffed and are not looking for nurses or nursing support personnel as much.