Male CNA's

[JaredCNA]

I know it's pretty common these days to find a male nurse, but do any of you work with male CNA's?

I often run into situations where I need to do pericare on a female patient and they don't want me to, which I understand. However, I usually tell them I'm just a professional and am trying to help the female staff out. Do you think this is taking it a step too far? Should I just ask a female to clean the patient up? Sometimes this works and I can do my job...other times it doesn't and I'm fine with that.

[pumpkin92356]

I work with male CNA's and because of the generation that most of the elderly residents are from it is not acceptable to them to have a male nurse even some of our male residents feel that only women are nurses but what we do is ask the resident first if she minds a male cna without the male aide present (this is so the resident doesnt feel backed up against a wall) and if she says she would prefer a woman then the female patient who was assigned to the male aide is traded with a resident from one of thefemale aides assigned residents and this I know is a mouthful of writing but to make a long story short we compromise to make the task of peri care or dressing etc. the most comfortable and dignified for the resident in question. This also helps to make a resident feel comfortable with bathing and other daily tasks and helps to make them more compliant with their routine cares.

[callmekipling]

I love male CNA's, which gives me very high self-esteem

I have yet to meet a pt whom I have not 'won over' here in the hospital by being either professional or easygoing and funny - eventually you'll get the knack for who needs what. Just try to look like you know what you're doing, whether you do exactly or not, and most people will go along with the vibe you put out.

Just remember to keep your pts informed, so they can say 'no' before you're elbow deep in it :uhoh21:

Elder care is a whole different ballgame. You've got dementia and alzheimer's on one hand, and on the other you may be up against decades of habit.

A lot of old folks are 'set in their ways' and strive to seem independent even if they need a little help. Remember, being stuck in a home and forgotten about is a very real fear for some.

And yes, we rule at lifting, do yourself a favor and join a gym. Nurses run the world when you're inside the unit, and having staff endorsement can do wonders for your rep to even the most uncooperative pt!

[JaredCNA, CNA]

I love male CNA's, which gives me very high self-esteem

I have yet to meet a pt whom I have not 'won over' here in the hospital by being either professional or easygoing and funny - eventually you'll get the knack for who needs what

Hey, not to sound full of myself, but I get the exact same thing. And all of the male nurses I worked with are the same way. A patient is often VERY happy to have a male nurse and a male CNA assigned to them because we just get in and get it done, while being caring and easy-going.

I did have one pt once who just didn't seem to like me. I don't remember now why this was. But for the avg stay at our facility being 3 days (with the exception of MRSA and hospice pts) I'd say that is pretty good.

Of course, I don't just think it is men in general. lol Don't let me start that. I've worked with some female nurses who I just wish I could be like.