CNA vs. PCT (ER)

Specialties Emergency

Published

I'm currently doing PT college (towards an RN) but in the time being, I would like to become either a CNA or PCT to gain some experience in the field, lets be honest i'm not a fan of the home health/retirement home settings(personal choice)

As a CNA or PCT, can you be put in the Operating room, ER, or even a psych unit?

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I'm a CNA and work in the ER.

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I'm a CNA and work in the ER.

What are your responsibilities in the ER?

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Specializes in Emergency.

We have both CNAs and EMTs as techs in our ED. I don't know what a PCT is. Pacific Crest Trail is a nice trail though....

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Specializes in ED, OR, Oncology.

We use EMT's in our ED (titled as ED techs), more useful than CNA's, since their scope of practice is bigger. If you can go that route, you'll get to do more (line & lab, splints, EKG's, etc..)

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We do the usual CNA stuff like vitals but also do EKGs, blood draws, blood cultures, POCs (Chem8, CG4, etc as well as urine dips and pregnancy tests, finger sticks, hemocues), visual acuity checks, transport to x ray/CT/OB runs/patients to their room if they're being admitted, trauma tech....we do a lot in the ED!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

A Patient Care Technician (PCT) or a CNA's scope in the ED will vary by state or facility policy. For example, one local hospital doesn't allow techs to start IVs or place Foleys. In my ED, our techs are Army medics who do many procedures, including suturing.

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I've worked in 3 EDs in 2 states and what they can do in all 3 varies quite a bit. BUT its tough to just jump into a place like the ER for any kind of new grad, CNA on up. I wouldn't get your mind dead set on that idea. Not saying you shouldn't try for it but don't be surprised if you have to put in some time in up on a unit.

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RunnerRN2b2014

Interesting. How did you get your foot in the door in ER?

I have been a CNA for six years working in sub-acute intensive behaviorial health/psych unit. I am interested in expanding my skills as a monitor tech, cardio tech or ER tech. I just have no acute care experience and having trouble finding a job in ER.

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