Nurses vs. psych techs

Mary Dover · Mar 3, 2002

Hi tumbleweed. I am a psych RN and have worked on an inpatient unit with psych techs in the past, but currently work in an outpatient clinic. In my experience, duties of the psych tech, included a lot of the work out on the floor with the patients, although the nurses do have duties, i.e. groups, etc. but the ultimate responsibility for the entire unit lies with the RN. A lot of the psych techs I have worked with are also CNAs, some were not. I guess if I had to define what their duties are, I would compare it to that of a CNA on a medical unit, and I may risk getting bashed for saying that, I certainly don't intend to offend anyone, that's just my understanding of it. I assume the majority of psych techs have other specialized training in psychology, but honestly I don't know what the educational requirements for that position are.

Re your question about anomosity, no way could I answer that. But if I had more info re what you mean, I could perhaps speculate, but even that may not be fair.

I am curious about your questions, not knowing which side of the fence you're on. Although there really shouldn't be a fence.

Have I been vague enough?

Mary

P_RN, ADN, RN · Mar 4, 2002

I haven't heard of the actual title psych tech except from California nurses. I believe, and correct me if I'm wrong, that there it is an associate degree program, license and all.

SICU Queen · Mar 4, 2002

We have psych techs in Louisiana, but I'm not sure if they're like CNA's or two year college grads... I've never worked psych, couldn't do it... :)

Aerolizing · Mar 4, 2002

I work with mental health specialists and have worked with behavioral health techs and psych assistants. The best ones have been college educated as a requirement of the position. I have worked with many CNAs who had zero psych training working as BHTs.

It would be easier for me to tell you what is not a part of MHS job descriptions. They do not do physical assessments, take off orders, administer meds. That is about it.

They have had psych training so they can admit patients, call the doctor with report, vs, draw blood and do ekgs with training, chart, tape report etc.

I have worked with an all RN staff and that was by far the best.