Patient Care Technician and LPN/LVN

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What is the difference between a patient care technician and an LPN/LVN? Ive been reading how they are removing LPNs from hospitals....are PCT working in hospitals, LTC or where? I checked the web for a definition of pct and their duties include what may be LPN duties. Why are they needed? yes, im getting a little concerned.:uhoh3:

Thanks, I hope so. Ive been surfing the web and have not seen hardly any LPN jobs. Do I just go to a LTC and apply...is that how you find the job?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Thanks, I hope so. Ive been surfing the web and have not seen hardly any LPN jobs. Do I just go to a LTC and apply...is that how you find the job?
Look in the employment want-ads of your local Sunday newspaper.

Also, try http://www.careerbuilder.com or http://www.monster.com for other opportunities.

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

To bad you dont live in Ft Worth cause I could hook you up at my job ...we have several openings.

Thanks, I hope so. Ive been surfing the web and have not seen hardly any LPN jobs. Do I just go to a LTC and apply...is that how you find the job?
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What is the difference between a patient care technician and an LPN/LVN? Ive been reading how they are removing LPNs from hospitals....are PCT working in hospitals, LTC or where? I checked the web for a definition of pct and their duties include what may be LPN duties. Why are they needed? yes, im getting a little concerned.:uhoh3:

Difference between PCT and LPN is the ability to dispense medication. That is about it. They are not a glorified CNA. They have state certificates in CNA, EKG tech and Phlebotomy. They do not have a licenses so no meds.

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Interesting thread...

Im a Patient Care Tech for a hospital, but for my position you need an LVN license, BLS, and IV/Blood draw cert. And the pay is good, at least to me anyway (16.50-19.00 DOE). Yes, the MA's do alot of the same tasks (labs, intake interviews, dischgarging, charting), but cannot administer meds or start IV's.

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Specializes in Homecare, Public Health.
Difference between PCT and LPN is the ability to dispense medication. That is about it. They are not a glorified CNA. They have state certificates in CNA, EKG tech and Phlebotomy. They do not have a licenses so no meds.

The PCT provides basic nursing care on assigned patients as delegated by the RN ,LVN or LPN and completes other duties as required. A PCT is slightly more advanced than a CNA, some PCT programs take as little as 6 weeks while others can last up to 12 months

PCT responsibilities may include phlebotomy, EKGs, VS, basic lab work, they may assist with medical exams, monitor patient care, some PCTs may perform some dressing changes, may be able to insert or irrigate catheters.

A PCT does not receive the same training as the LPN or LVN. To say the only difference is the ability to dispense medication is just not true. A LPN can pass the meds but needs to know what it's for, why it's given, must know the possible outcomes, etc. While the RN can assess the LPN better be able to data collect, understand that data and proceed correctly. There is a big difference between PCT and LPN/LVN.

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Specializes in Homecare, Public Health.
Do you think that if I cannot find a job as an LPN, I could be hired in this position for the interum? Or is there "more" special training required

I have found some great LPN jobs by bringing my cover letter & resume right to the place I'm interested in, even if they did not advertise for a position. Make sure you f/u with a phone call. Good Luck

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Interesting thread...

Im a Patient Care Tech for a hospital, but for my position you need an LVN license, BLS, and IV/Blood draw cert. And the pay is good, at least to me anyway (16.50-19.00 DOE). Yes, the MA's do alot of the same tasks (labs, intake interviews, dischgarging, charting), but cannot administer meds or start IV's.

Could it be about getting 'nurse' out of your title?

How much do the MA's make?

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