patient care tech/CNA

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2004

The term care tech is usually reserved for students who are working while in nursing school and sometimes can be assigned more complex tasks depending on where they are in their schooling. CNA is a certified position with limited duties.

geekgolightly, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2004

in our hospital the patient care tech is trained for six weeks by the hospital to do blood draws, foley cath insertions and d/c's, baths, linens, UA's, transfers, feeds etc. etc.

CNA's are certified by the state.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2004

Patient Care Techs are usually the equivalent of CNAs working in hospitals rather than LTC. The use of the word "tech" does indicate additional technical skills. For instance, part of my duties as a PCT was blood drawing, obtaining specimens and performing 12 leads. In order to qualify for the position, you either had to have your CNA or be a nursing student.

At the hospital where I'm currently doing clinical, they have Patient Care Associates. They don't draw labs, etc. Then, to confuse matters even more, there are nurse techs. Nurse techs are nursing students. In theory, nurse techs are supposed to be learning more advanced practice under the supervision of an RN. In reality, the duties of nurse tech in local hospitals around here however pretty much equals patient care tech but the pay is higher which kind of angers the career PCTs.

Budgirl · Dec 1, 2004

Everyone thanks for your answers.

Patient Care Techs are usually the equivalent of CNAs working in hospitals rather than LTC. The use of the word "tech" does indicate additional technical skills. For instance, part of my duties as a PCT was blood drawing, obtaining specimens and performing 12 leads. In order to qualify for the position, you either had to have your CNA or be a nursing student.
At the hospital where I'm currently doing clinical, they have Patient Care Associates. They don't draw labs, etc. Then, to confuse matters even more, there are nurse techs. Nurse techs are nursing students. In theory, nurse techs are supposed to be learning more advanced practice under the supervision of an RN. In reality, the duties of nurse tech in local hospitals around here however pretty much equals patient care tech but the pay is higher which kind of angers the career PCTs.