ICU techs

Bekahlynn · Feb 21, 2005

I graduate in May and work as a SNE in an ICU. Occasionally I do tech work. The techs on my unit give baths, stock, help with turns, run errands, etc. They can also insert foleys, dc foleys and peripheral IVs, retrieve blood products from the blood bank, assist in identifying pts to receive blood, set up feeding pumps,etc. They do not take vitals, however. As a student I do all of this and more, including assessment of patients (under an RN, of course), pass meds (not narcs or IVPs), peripheral sticks, etc. Hope this helps, and best wishes with your studies.

begalli · Feb 21, 2005

Hi Bekajlynn,

I'm impressed with the amount of stuff you do as a "tech." Are you actually a paid employee of the hospital? Or does SNE mean student nurse extern and you are doing this as part of your education.

When we have nursing students, they do all that you described, but they are just that, students and work 1:1 with the RN and do everything the RN would typically do as the RN guides them.

No offense, I realize that different places do things differently, but it just strikes me as out of scope for a tech, as the employee of a hospital, to be checking blood and passing meds, and maybe even setting up feedings and doing assessments.

Just curious.

Bekahlynn · Feb 23, 2005

I am a Student Nurse Extern, who sometimes functions as a tech when census is very high. Techs do not pass meds. Sorry if I didn't make myself clear enough. Techs do ADL's, foleys, etc. They do not pass meds. I am a paid employee of the hospital, and I took the hospital's medication class, which is only offered to student nurse externs. Techs are only able to do things that an RN can legally delegate to them. Again, sorry if my first post was confusing.

LilRedRN1973 · Mar 6, 2005

After finishing my first semester of an ADN program, I began working as an Apprentice Nurse I/Critical Care Tech. I was in charge of ensuring that every cart outside each room was organized and stocked, all equipment that was supposed to be in the unit was there, helped with bathing, cleaning, turning patients, covering for Unit Clerk when they went to lunch, and basically just being available for the nurses when they needed. That job paid $12.76/hour with no benefits.

After finishing my second semester, I moved up to Apprentice Nurse II. I was paired with an RN, worked at least one 12 hour shift per week, and was responsible for all patient care. That being said, there are some things I'm not allowed to do, such as suctioning down an ETT, giving IV medications, and doing fingersticks (that's a state thing...you have to take this class and get a barcode to perform them). But I do all head to toe assessments, all charting, calling physicians, pharmacy, lab, etc., take orders (cosigned by my preceptor), go to codes, accompany RN's for Trauma recording, I've been directly involved in several codes as an active participant, and anything else an RN would be expected to do. I get paid $16.37/hour with no benefits.

I have just been offered a position in my unit for an ICU internship, where I will receive 3 weeks of preceptorship and then I'm on my own. I have been told if I don't feel "ready" to take patients on my own, I will be given more time if necessary. I feel somewhat prepared but every night I work something comes up that makes me feel dumb! I am lucky enough to work with a great group of nurses who are extremely HELPFUL to all the new grads, especially since they've gotten to know me and know how willing I am to be a helping hand. I was well respected in my job as a Tech because I was always around to help (some techs tend to "disappear" on the unit) and was always really eager to learn, even if I couldn't really care for the patients while being a tech.

I highly recommend becoming part of the floor or unit where you think you may want to work. I'm very familiar with where supplies are located, I know how to input orders, I'm familiar with the policies, procedures, and protocol of my particular unit, I know the supervisors, the physicians are getting to know me by name, etc. It's just a little less stress for me once I'm a new grad that I don't have to learn all of the above. I love my job and am very grateful for the opportunity that the ICU has provided for me.

Melanie

HazelLPN, LPN · Apr 13, 2005

We have four levels of "nursing support staff".

Nurse technicians are either GNs who failed their boards, student nurses who are currently in their professional rotation, or graduates of nursing programs who choose not to take boards. Usually the person stays in the role for a very short time until boards are passed or school is finished...and they move onto RN. They can collect data but do not actually assess the patient (RN must cosign) and do most of the care of the patient but may not pass any meds. They do not do dressing changes around central lines, though they can cath and take out PIVs, check for ng/og tube placement, reset IV pumps (no pressers or critical care drips). In ICU they can also suction ETTs. They are always paired with an RN and take an expanded assignment. (3 1:2 patients, a 1:1 and a 1:2 or 1:3).

Nursing Assistant II is either a student nurse who has completed 50% of all required nursing course work or a very seasoned CNA who has participated in hospital professional development. Care is more limited than NT. They do not suction ETTs, reset IV pumps, cath, or check for tube placement.

Also takes an expanded assignment with RN.

Nursing Assistant I. Either a CNA, beginning nursing student, or practical nursing student. Is assigned to the unit vs an RN. They take vitals and perform custodial care of patients, but much of their time is spent stocking the unit, running errands, cleaning equipment, setting up for admissions, tearing down rooms.

We usually have one NT/ NAII per shift and one NAIs/shift for a 15 bed unit--depending on accuity.

hollyster · Apr 13, 2005

We have no techs in our unit. primary care by RNs only. We would love to have a tech's help.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2005

I have the same question as the OP. I'll begin orienting at the end of the month for the first ever nurse associate position in critical care offered by the facility I'll be working for. There is no precedent so it should be interesting to see what's in store. What I have been told is that I will be cross training for monitor tech and HUC as well. The pay could be better but I'm happy for the opportunity. The timing couldn't be better because I'll be starting my critical care rotation (final semester... woohoo!) when school starts back up in August.

Any advice?