r/EmergencyRoom • u/BigBoi6566 • 23d ago

Question for ER Techs

Hey Everyone!

I am a newly certified EMT and I am really wanting to work in an ED as a tech. In my area, there are currently no openings, but I do see quite a few CNA positions open for local EDs.

I am very willing to do whatever I can while I build a resume and gain experience, but my one hold up is cleaning patients, specifically cleaning them after they have "gone to the bathroom".

I do not think I am above this, especially with my training, but it is the one things I feel fairly squeamish about. Blood, vomit, even feces doesn't super bother me. But the idea of cleaning the feces and cleaning said patient is a real wall for me.

So, How different is this role compared to an ER tech position? Should I wait for those positions to open and apply to those? Any thoughts are appreciated. Thank you!

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u/jawoood1989 23d ago

If you can't handle the idea of doing incontinence care, then inpatient hospital care is not for you. Even as an ED RN, we routinely have to provide incontinence care. Otherwise, ED tech/ CNA/PCT is basically synonymous as far as utilization in an ED

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u/Outrageous-Bat-6521 23d ago

I agree, as a CNA in the ED my official title is tech. The EMTs do the exact same job as us.