PCA? What's the difference?

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I'm not having much luck finding a CNA job. One of the places I applied to has a casual position for a PCA, and from the description it sounds like pretty much the same duties. What's the difference? And what's usually the difference in pay? I'd prefer to find a CNA position so I can get reimbursed for my class and test, but I might just have to start applying for other things to get my foot in the door. Job is in MN (couple hours south of the Cities) in case any knows the average pay range?

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Specializes in Psych, Emergency, Med/Surg.

PCA, CNA, PCT, CT, NT, lol........all the same. It's basically patient care. I'm a CT (clin tech) at a hospital but I don't work under my CNA certification. It gives me a pay increase though. I think the name difference is based on what type of facility.

Good Luck!

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This facility has both NA and PCA positions open, that's why I was confused as to what the difference was. The requirements for the CNA positions is a CNA certification, the requirement for the PCA positions lists either a CNA cert, HHA cert (which in this state you need the CNA before you can get the HHA) or a PCA cert, which I don't know if they even do in this state, as I've never seen classes for it.

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Here in fl, you learn phlebotomy and EKG that makes you a patient care tech NOT just a CNA

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Thanks! After reading through the descriptions again a few times, what I'm *thinking* is that the CNA's work in the LTC facility, and the PCA's work next door in the assisted living. There was a lot of mention of "apartments", and a lot more stress on things like nail care and hair styling. There was also weekly laundry and weekly linen changes for the residents and oxygen changes, which wasn't listed in the CNA description.

I have a resume in for both positions, I HOPE I get a call for at least one of them!!!

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Specializes in Pediatric Hem/Onc.

Not necessarily...

I work as a CNA in assisted living, and do the things you mentioned. I'm interviewing for 2 hospital PCA positions next week. The criteria for them is a CNA certification, and additional facility based training. The PCA positions have a few more duties beyond those that I do as a CNA. I think it just depends on the facility.

Good luck! I've got my fingers crossed that you'll get a call.

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