What kind of job can I get as a CNA? In the ER?

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Besides working in a nursing home or a hospice, what job can I get with a CNA? Can I get one in the ER? Do hospitals train you in phlebotomy or (in Texas) is a degree absolutely required? Can a CNA work in a psych ward? A private practice?

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Specializes in ER, Special Care Nursery, CCU.

Some hospitals do hire CNAs in the ER. Having your STNA is a better marketing feature, though. However, our hospital actually got rid of the CNAs, because they couldn't function as highly as the techs who were EMTs or paramedics, in that they can't do a majority of nursing skills required to be of use - IVs, catheters, etc. I worked as an STNA in a nursing home. You can get jobs in hospitals on the floors, and function in much of the same way, taking vitals, bed baths, feeding, helping the nurses, etc.

Hope this helps!

Cory

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I see. I found plenty of places offering CNA classes but none offering STNA. Is STNA done in all 50 states? I live in Texas. Would having my CNA first help me get my STNA? I definetly want to do IVs and draw blood and administer meds if I can. Would I be able to get my CNA degree and be trained on the job to do these things?

The reason I ask, is I put my 2 weeks in at my office job, and have saved up enough money to not work for about 1 month. So I am going to take 3 weeks to get my CNA and 1 week to find a job, fingers crossed.

Your reply is very helpful.

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Specializes in ER, Special Care Nursery, CCU.

I'm not sure about Texas, specifically. Typically a CNA class trains you for the STNA exam. There's not typically a STNA class per se, it's a CNA class that trains you to pass the STNA exam license. Really the STNA license just makes you more marketable. You don't learn about blood draws/passing medications in CNA classes. You learn basic care: changing bed linens, washing patients, cleaning patients private areas/soiled areas, transfering patients, feeding patients...you know, basically helping people do what they can't do for themself.

Now regarding meds. I have never heard of a CNA giving medications; it is out of their scope of practice.

IVs/blood draw need special training. For blood draws, typically you need a phlebotomist license/training. However, I can't give you a complete answer about IVs/blood draws, because I don't know the answer to that for sure!

Cory

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Oh gotcha. Yeah the CNA class I will be taking is to prepare you for the state exam. I have seen some job postings that list "will train" for various things beyond the scope of CNA, i.e. EKGs, and definitely hope to land a job like that.

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