CNA v. Nurse Tech

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Can anyone explain to me the difference (if any) between a Nurse Tech and a CNA. I live in Maryland, and have been on the Maryland Nursing Board website and cannot find anything. Could some please explain the difference to me? Thanks!

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

I used to work as a nurse tech. I am originally from Ohio so my "scope" as a tech may differ from other states.

We did everything the CNA's could do: basic patient care (including bed baths), assisting patients with needs, toileting/incontinence care, I&O, answering call lights, vitals. In addition, we were also allowed to do blood sugars, insert IV's, draw labs (however we were not allowed to touch central lines), blood cultures/wound cultures, dressing changes, tracheostomy suctioning/care, foley catheter insertion, D/C IV's and foleys, etc. It was a great opportunity and I got some great experience, especially with those skills. The things techs can do, however, vary with each institution. I had some friends who worked at a hospital that was with the same company as the one I worked at, but at a different location. They were not allowed to draw blood or insert IVs.

To be a nurse tech in Ohio, you have to be a nursing student in good standing - usually they require at least 1 year of clinicals under your belt.

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Specializes in ED; Med Surg.

They are the same thing where I work. I am a CNA but the position is called a nurse tech...

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Tomato, tomato :) At the hospital I had my clinicals at, on paper and verbally the CNAs were referred to as Nurse Techs, but their name badges said Nurse Aide.

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