Floating PCT/CCP/Techs/CNA's

[Tait, MSN, RN]

I will start off saying I am proponent for primary care nursing. Part of it is because of the increased interaction time with patients, part of it is closing the chasm in nursing by eliminating CNA's/Techs etc.

This being said, I have been thinking of a possible solution for one type of aide we have on our floor: The Primadonna. Most of you will know what I mean so I am going to spare all the details, even though as I write this I have a lengthy rant already written, but for functionality I am going to leave it out.

Anyway, I have found I am often happier to see a float tech coming on to the shift than the techs that belong to our unit. I am wondering, are there any hospitals that do not have assigned techs to the floor, but pull from a large tech "pool" to staff each floor?

I have pros and cons for this but I would like to see any thoughts or responses first.

Tait

[nicu4me]

Yes, we had registry PCT's. Some used the opportunity to be lazy and unaccountable others were glad for the change of scenery. Most were the best in the hospital. Got along with them great. Appreciation goes a long way! Some floated to ICU as well. They got paid a dollar more. Anytime you get a float or a pull from another floor, go out of your way to be nice. Most of the time I noticed an attitude from the RN more so than the techs. Kill them with kindness and give them the easier patients that may be overflow vs. the actual department dx you usually work with. Haven't experienced any prima donna PCT's. Just ones that drove me nuts with requests and were unable to do simple tasks on their own, perhaps out of fear vs. unwillingness?

[**All Heart RN**]

I will start off saying I am proponent for primary care nursing. Part of it is because of the increased interaction time with patients, part of it is closing the chasm in nursing by eliminating CNA's/Techs etc.

Hmmm...I want to make sure that I understand what you've stated: Are you saying that nursing will be improved by getting rid of CNAs/PCTs? If this is what your saying, then what are some reasons why you feel taking this action may improve nursing?

I'm also curious to hear from other nurses that may feel this way...

[RNperdiem, RN]

My working life became a lot easier once I moved to ICU and never had to depend on a CNA like I did in med-surg.

I never saw much in the way of float techs when I worked med-surg. I like working with people I know. I like knowing what to expect, how much supervision to give, how much delegation is possible.