Has Anybody Worked in the ER?

[Katie89]

Hey all;

I currently work in a hospital, and a few internal postings just came up for CNA positions in the ED. I think I would LOVE this position, but I'm not planning on applying because a) it requires a minimum of 2 years CNA experience and I've only got 6 months, and b) I work in OB right now and I really don't want to leave.

It got me thinking, though. What exactly does a CNA do in the ED? I assume vitals, cleaning up the workspace, glucoses, inserting/removing foleys, etc...but I thought I'd try to see if anybody with actual experience in this department could tell me. Anybody know? I'm curious to find out, I think I'd like to do this someday! Thanks/much love,

Katie

[bhanson]

Here the CNAs that work in the ER are called ER Techs. Their job is more complex than a standard CNA by a pretty wide margin.

It is their job to know every procedure and policy of the ER. They make sure everything flows smoothly and if anyone has a question about protocol, the ER Tech is the one who needs to know.

They pretty much do a little bit of everything, and as time passes their responsibilities increase. The ER Techs here admit patients, take vital signs, do EKGs, do BGs, draw blood (both venipuncture and ABGs), run labs, do simple splints/wraps, clean up, and more.

It's basically completely different then working somewhere like med-surg or ob.