PAPCA Presents…
“Patient Care Experiences”
Overview We will be outlining the following for each experience: 1. job description 2. how to get the job (certifications, experience, etc.) 3. value of experience for PA school Experiences we will be covering today: EMT-B, CNA, ER Technician, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, Paramedic, Respiratory Therapist, Surgical Technician
What is PCE? Patient care experience is “experiences in which you are directly responsible for a patient’s care; for example: prescribing medications, performing procedures, directing a course of treatment, working on patients as an active EMT, etc.”
Emergency Medical Technician EMTs (Emergency Medical Technician) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on their quick reaction and competent care. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities. EMT-B stands for EMT-Basic which covers a variety of different tasks including dealing with fractures, bleeding, cardiac emergencies, and respiratory emergencies. EMTs much pass the state written and practical examination which consists of 6 hands-on emergency situations. EMTs can deliver six interventions: oxygen, oral glucose, Aspirin, charcoal, epinephrine, and nitroglycerin.
Paramedic (EMT-P) Paramedics have extensive training in the pre-hospital field. They are fluent in stabilizing patients in a variety of medical issues: like cardiological, respiratory, or overdose emergencies. Paramedics are trained in at least 33 medications. For training, paramedics need to be EMT-B certified, as well as take another 2 year didactic course as well as at least 700 hours in ride time to gain practical experience. Value for PA School: Excellent experience, however, is a career option. For a quality experience, would need to train for 2 years and be in practice for at least 5 years.
Certified Nursing Assistant ● ● ●
“A CNA is a healthcare professional who provides health care services to patients and facility residents. They are also called nursing aides or orderlies.” Requires a 100 hour course (~75 hour classroom and ~25 clinical). Can work in the following areas: nursing homes, home health care agencies, assisted living facilities, hospitals, hospice care, doctor’s offices, etc.
Value of PCE for PA School: good patient care hours, one of the most common ways to get patient care hours. High job placement after course.
Emergency Room Technician “Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse as part of an inpatient/hospital unit, performs a variety of routine direct patient care, environmental and administrative support activities to promote the health, safety and comfort of patients and families. All patient care and support activities are completed in accordance with CCMC and unit policies and procedures.�
Emergency Room Technician Application Requirements for CCMC: ● High school diploma or GED STRONGLY preferred. ● Successful completion of PCA or nurses aide training program or enrollment in program preferred. ● Minimum of one year pediatric PCA experience preferred. ● Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certification by State of Connecticut preferred. ● Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR in adult, child & infant is required upon hire and maintained thereafter. ● CT State EMT or Paramedic License required and maintained thereafter. ● Physical & Psychological Management Training (PMT) certification required within 3 months of hire and maintained thereafter.
Value for PA School: One of the most RECOMMENDED ways to get GREAT patient care experience! A great way to get the majority of your patient care hours for PA school.
Medical Assistant/ Phlebotomist Medical assistants are cross-trained to perform administrative and clinical duties -Records, Lab Services, Coding -Brief medical history, Vitals, Drawing blood, etc. -Patient Liaison Certification (1 yr) or Associate’s Degree (2 yrs) Medical Assistant Training Program, Community Colleges National certifying exam CMA (AAMA) certified Hospital, clinic, private practice options gives increased exposure to health providers, excellent source of PCE Full time position preferred
Overall: B- if uncertified, Aif certified
Works directly with patients: Yes (A) Performs assessment: Yes, some (B) Provides treatment: Yes (B-) Uses professional judgement: Yes, but limited (C )
Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood -Community College course -Direct patient care, but limited setting (hospitals) and brief exposure -Recommended to volunteer and shadow with wider range, supplemental PCE Works directly w/ patients: Yes (A) Performs assessment: Limited only (C-) Provides treatment : Yes, but very limited (B-) Uses professional medical judgement: Limited only (C+)
Overall: C
Respiratory Therapist ●
Respiratory Therapists work closely with patients who have breathing problems. Their patients range from infants to the elderly. They also provide emergency care during to patients suffering from a heart attack, trauma, shock, or drowning. In the ER, Respiratory Therapists work closely with the patient in maintaining their airway.
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In order to become a Respiratory Therapist, you need at least an Associate’s Degree of Science in Respiratory Care (some have Bachelor’s degree). After obtaining the degree, you must pass 3 exams: - 1. Certified Respiratory Therapist Exam (CRT) - 2. Advanced Practitioner Exam - 3. Clinical Simulation Exam After successful completion of these exams, you can become Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
● VALUE FOR PA SCHOOL: Great way to get patient care hours however...is a whole career
Surgical Technician ●
Surgical Technicians work in hospital operating rooms. They prepare the operating rooms for surgery, arrange the sterile equipment that will be used, and assist doctors in surgery. They work under certified surgical personnel, such as doctors. Most of their time is spent on their feet.
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Surgical Technicians require formal training in an accredited Surgical Technologist Program. Certificate require 9 months of schooling, while an Associate’s requires 24 months of schooling. They require to pass the Certified Surgical Technician Exam (CST). The other certification is the TS-C (Tech. in Surgery, Certified) which is awarded by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
● VALUE FOR PA SCHOOL: Excellent experience, however, is another career before applying to PA school.
Questions? If you have any questions on the materials on the slides for this Powerpoint, please contact us at uconnpapca@gmail.com!