does your hospital hire techs with no training or experience?

[ktliz]

I'm taking my first "official" pre-nursing classes now (classes that I didn't need for my bachelor's in psychology), and there are several girls in my classes who work as techs but aren't certified or trained as nursing assistants. One is a unit secretary/tech at a hospital in Gainesville... I'm guessing she started out as secretary and they trained here from there? The other is a tech at a hospital in Athens; she said her mom is in some position of authority there and got her job. Incidentally, both these girls work in mother/baby.

Sooo, here's my question: Obviously it's possible to get a job without the certification in GA. What I'm wondering is whether these are isolated incidents (due to being a unit secretary or being well "connected") or is it possible to get a job as a patient care tech with no prior training? Basically, I'm about to graduate with a BS and am looking for something to fill the gap until I can start nursing school in a year or so. I'd love to work as a tech (preferably in L&D or mother/baby) but I can't really take another class just for a job I will have for 1.5 years tops.

(I'm not sure how this simple question turned into such a long post. Sorry about that!)

[yellow finch, BSN, RN]

I started working as a tech without any sort of experience in a community hospital during my first semester of nursing school. But the hospital where I work now is part of a large health system and students have to start off as secretaries. It's only after you complete a certain number of clinical hours that you can work as a tech.

Each hospital will have their own policy on this issue.

[Sheeism]

Most hospitals now-a-days have their own "tech" certification program. Take Wellstar for instance: You don't need a CNA or PCT license (although it may help to get your foot in the door) because Wellstar is going to send you to a 2 week class to get a Wellstar certification as an NCA - Nursing Care Associate - even if you have a CNA license -unless you are a RN student with 2 clincial rotations under your belt. Generally what a tech in a hospital setting does is a little more invasive than what CNA's are trained to do (phlebotomy, EKG's, minor wound care, simple dressing changes, etc.).

Hope this helps.

[ktliz]

Generally what a tech in a hospital setting does is a little more invasive than what CNA's are trained to do (phlebotomy, EKG's, minor wound care, simple dressing changes, etc.).

Wow, I wasn't aware there was actually a difference between a tech an a CNA. That is very interesting and very helpful. Thank you for the reply!

[GaMommy81]

I am about a year away from starting nursing school and I am looking for a job as a Patient Care Technician while I am taking my prerequisite course work. I would like to know what other hospitals in the Atlanta/Metro Atlanta area other than Wellstar hire techs with no experience or CNA license. Thank you.