CNA in Cardiac Unit or OR Assistant Tech

[Rothepoet]

Hi,

I'm torn about whether I should get my CNA license and try to get work in a specialized unit at a hospital such as a CT stepdown unit or Cardiac ICU. I'm not sure if that's possible even though I have volunteered extensively. Is it possible for me to pursue a job as a Patient Care Technician in the OR instead? I love the idea of just being close to the OR. Which should I do since I feel that realistically it's really hard for anybody with no experience other than volunteer work to get a job at a hospital in a specialized unit? So I am leaning towards the latter but I am just confused about it all really. Can I get some insight into what is the difference between both jobs? I know CNA is more patient centered though but I don't know how the role changes depending on the unit's environment.

Thanks guys I appreciate you all. :)

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

In my facility, the OR assistants are responsible for helping with room turnover (cleaning and mopping), helping with getting positioning equipment, helping with positioning patients, stocking rooms, cleaning litters, getting beds, emptying trash containers. They truly do not have much patient interaction.