CNA vs ER Tech experience

[BrewCrew312]

Hello all,

I am not quite sure what to do right now. I have been at my current CNA job for about 6 months now and was recently extended a job offer as an ER tech at a local hospital. As far as training and job skills that I will carry into nursing which position will help me more going into the field. I have no problem with duties as a CNA, at my hospital we assist with ADL's, but we also DC IV's, Foleys, put on tele, and other various tasks. Anyone that has been a tech want to give me some insight as to which of the two jobs will be better off in the long run, I still have 3 years in my BSN program.

[NursKam, MSN, RN, NP]

Having been both a CNA and now an ER Tech, both within the same hospital, I'd say either one will give you good experience. I was bored being a CNA on the same Tele floor for almost 5 years! I like the ER because it challenges me and is always something different. Aside from that, the scope of practice and the skill set is more broad as a tech. There are more things you will be doing and learning, as well as more things you will become exposed to. It also gives you great experience working with physicians. I am in constant contact with our MDs and have started to build a rapport with them. I, too am in a BSN program. (Just got accepted, actually!) I feel that both of my experiences will help me to become a better nurse. I say go for it! Let me know if you need any help or guidance! :)

[Jon_Styles]

Get your foot in the door of an ER. That experience can be gold later on in your career. Plus you might like it.

[imbatz, BSN, RN]

It depends on the hospital, but the ED Techs at my hospital are permitted to draw for labs, and do basic invasive procedures that the CNAs are not permitted to do. However, most of our ED techs are paramedics.

[NurseLamar]

Here in VA, care partners (ER Techs) are prepared by their respective hospitals so their duties ranges according to their hospital's and state regulations. But the care partners are also licensed CNAs.