What is a Nurse Tech?

Nursing Students Technicians

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I heard that after you complete two out of the five semesters of the nursing program, you can apply for a job as a nurse tech at a hospital, nursing home, etc.

Is this right?

Thank you!

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Specializes in ER.

It probably varies with hospitals, but at our ER, we have a variety of nurse techs. Some are nursing or paramedic students, some are EMT's, but all have specialized training above a CNA. Our techs draw blood, run EKG's, transport, help out in codes, some draw ABG's. All are an extension of the RN and are invaluable in the ER. I have worked with many techs that I would rather have than an extra RN.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Our hospital calls nursing assistants techs. They perform ADLs, vital signs, EKGs with on the job training, etc.

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It depends on the program and the hospital. I got a job as a tech after finishing my first semester.

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Where I work it is a similar job as a PCT/CNA, but you can also do everything you've been checked off on in school, except give medications, chart, or perform the assessment (the nurses let me assess their patients if I have time, but it's just for my practice and they do their own assessment as well). As a nurse tech, I can perform skills such as urinary catheterization, NG tube placement, sterile dressing changes, IV starts, blood draws, and D/C'ing IV's, art lines, NGT's, & catheters, whereas prior to finishing my 1st semester (every facility is different as far as requirements) I could not. However, most of these additional "nursing" skills I'm allowed to perform must be under the direct supervision of an RN. I also serve as the PCT and Unit Secretary of my unit, so I help with bathing, turning, fetching items such as blood and lab supplies, restocking the unit, inputting Dr.'s orders into the computer and maintaining the charts with fresh paperwork for the nurses and doctors.

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Be advised, that there is NO OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED TITLE OF NURSE TECH by the medical governing bodies. Nurse tech is usually a designation given to those who may not (or may) have official certifications involving some level of health care education. E.g. someone in a Nursing program who has received an education equivalent to or surpassing that of a CNA may be allowed to work as an N.T. Same may be said for those in training for EMT/Paramedic, etc.

The "scope of practice" however, varies from facility to facility. Depending on your training, where you are in your program, the type of program, etc...these factors may determine your duties. PLEASE have your Job Description fully outlined before taking the position...and if your position evolves to include more or advanced procedures, have the j.d. amended to included those duties. Protect yourself, as you are a future potential license holder. You never want it to be said that you did something beyond your scope/j.d.

I know when I was a N.T., I got to do many things that were NOT on my official list of duties...even though I did those things everyday in clinicals. However, on the job, I was not acting as a student nurse, therefore, even as I did the advanced things I wasn't even "protected" under my supervising RN's license. Those RNs were friends of mine, knew my level of competence and so they allowed me that freedom.

However, since I've been licensed, I dare say that I would NOT do the same thing for a friend who was a NT under my supervision. I don't want to take that risk for ANYONE...not another licensed nurse nor unlicensed person.

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Specializes in L&D.

I am BSN, RN in my home country. Currently, in the US and reviewing for my NCLEX-RN. Is nursing tech ok without nursing license here?! Will they accept me? Even in the nursing home. I am eligible to work here in the US.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Many hospitals around here (Detroit Area) will advertise jobs for PCT/NT's indicating that completion of Fundamentals of Nursing and a clinical rotation is adequate to start.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

It depends on your hospital. I am a nurse tech. It is like a nursing assistant but you get to do a lot more - foley insertion, blood draws/IV's, dressing changes (both sterile and non-sterile), blood sugars (some places, like my hospital, only allow NT's to do blood sugars unless the NA's take a certification class on it)...we can almost do everything we've learned in nursing school except administer meds & do assessments. I LOVE my job because I am getting experience. Sometimes a 12-hour clinical day once/week just isn't enough! The pay is good, the hours are flexible (my hospital only hires NT's PRN) and I am only required to work a minimum of 24 hours a month. My work is really good with honoring school-related things, etc.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
Quote
It depends on your hospital. I am a nurse tech. It is like a nursing assistant but you get to do a lot more - foley insertion blood draws/IV's, dressing changes (both sterile and non-sterile), blood sugars (some places, like my hospital, only allow NT's to do blood sugars unless the NA's take a certification class on it)...we can almost do everything we've learned in nursing school except administer meds & do assessments. I LOVE my job because I am getting experience. Sometimes a 12-hour clinical day once/week just isn't enough! The pay is good, the hours are flexible (my hospital only hires NT's PRN) and I am only required to work a minimum of 24 hours a month. My work is really good with honoring school-related things, etc.

That's awesome. Are there any contract/tuition assistance opportunities?

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.
Anoetos said:
That's awesome. Are there any contract/tuition assistance opportunities?

The hospital I work at does not offer tuition assistance however being a tech is kind of like getting your foot in the door - they review the employee history of their techs and consider them for RN positions in the hospital first before considering outside applicants. Basically, you're almost guaranteed a job as an RN at my hospital unless something goes wrong.

At the other hospital I used to work at, they offered tuition assistance, but I think you had to work at least part-time. They gave you the option of working either full, part (and benefits with both of those) or PRN. I chose PRN because of my school schedule (and it was an hour drive for me!) My current hospital only hires techs on a PRN basis but it's better that way because that allows for more flexibility ?

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I was hired as a nurse technician this past fall and had zero training or certification. I do all vitals, ADL's, I's & O's, baths, bathroom assistance, bed changes, meal assistance, ambulating assistance, along with many other tasks as required by our nursing staff. I knew I was going to go to nursing school when I applied, so I have a passion for what I am doing. In 6 months time I have gotten 2 raises and been moved to the unit. I love tech work. I will love nursing even more.

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