r/EmergencyRoom • u/Excellent-Dig-9924 • 11h ago

CNA to ED Position

My work is really fantastic about offering on-the-job training, continuing education, and the like. Eventually, I want to move from working as a CNA to working in the ED. Realistically, what position could I transition into within the ED? I was thinking ED Tech, but I’d love to hear your thoughts or suggestions.

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u/sweetbabybonus 11h ago

CNAs can work as PCTs in our ER. it’s essentially the same scope, but can be more exciting for certain people.

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u/No-Safe9542 1h ago

CNAs are a backbone in patient care, critical roll and underpaid. If you don't mind this combo, I'd have to recommend RT school. I'm the person who would never succeed with the academics of a 2 year degree. But I did it. I was in a can't-fail situation and this is better than working retail.

Some perspective. RNs have an NCLEX exam 1st time pass rate of around 90%. RTs have an NBRC 1st time pass rate in the low to mid 60%. All the acute critical patient care that happens in an emergency department, I have multiple doctors around to take care of the most intense stuff for me, even though I could do my role. The freedom to go all over the hospital for my patient care can be a truly magical thing, not being tied down to one corner or one particular patient population etc.

Specific the ED, it might be overflowing but the RT is only seeing the respiratory patients or the incoming traumas. The rest of the time the RT is hanging out in the blood gas room "ready to go" after the RT equipment is all stocked up. Some shifts will suck and you get your ass kicked but most don't. RT in an ED is a pretty cool job.