I'm SUPER confused

[Ninja Nurse, ASN]

Has anyone taken or heard of the Patient Care Assistant training program in Florida?

It's offered at my county tech school and it's 100 more hours than the CNA class and according to the school it entails more training like:

Physical comfort and safety

Foley catheterization

Removal of intravenous catheters and wound staples

Biological support

Social support

Verbal/written procedures

Assisting Nurses with sterile procedures

Plus the standard Basic Healthcare Worker and Nursing Assistant training.

I've read a bunch of posts throughout this site regarding PCA/CNA and I haven't come across anyone that claims to have taken this program. I took a break this semester from my pre-req's to do this in the hopes that I may be able to work in a hospital throughout NS. I haven't been accepted into the RN program yet(have to complete ALL pre-req's before you can even apply:zzzzz), so going into a hospital as a NS is out of the question, right now. So I chose this route.

I guess I'm just worried that I've invested in something that I could've achieved solely with the CNA course.

OH and when I asked the Advisor about the difference, she said PCA's are trained to work in acute care/hospitals/clinics as well as LTC, where CNA's are trained for only LTC. I have read on this site that they are the SAME. I just want experience! (the main reason I chose this program over the CNA was because it covered more). I know that I'm supposed to think that person has my best interest at heart, but ideally she's marketing a business. So, I'm weary and have been asking anyone I can about this matter.

It's pretty much a wash though since I've registered, bought books, uniform, immunizations, and received my nifty I.D. badge. :chuckle

I'd love to hear your take on this.....TIA:icon_hug:

[Codeda]

They ARE the same. You can work at the hospital as a CNA without all that additional training up front because a hospital will train you. The only thing with that class is that it is good for marketing yourself. There's a good chance that if you already have the training in these areas then it may be easier to get your foot in the door than someone who has yet to do these extra things. So that's pretty much what it comes down to. If I had an interview at Florida hospital as a PCA and you had one as a CNA and there was only one slot left I may get it because my training looks a little better. That's not always going to be the case though. Good luck with your decision

[CNAMichelle]

yes I have heard of the pct training,but in my part of FL. at fccj it is a 6 month program. thats why I went to redcross it was not quite 2 mths. and the hospitals here say that once you get the CNA they will train you to do phlebotomy,ekg's etc.... then you would be a "pct"(patient care technician) anyway. but goodluck,have fun! at least the program you signed for is only 2 mths,so I think it will be great.let us know..

[Ninja Nurse, ASN]

Thanks guys. Well I'm still excited because I'm learning something valuable and new. I've never worked in this field before so this will be interesting.

I just wish someone out there could reply on their experience taking this course. Oh well. Thanks again.

Happy Holidays!