[hollyjolly]

I'm a new nurse, just graduated in May and trying to find my niche. At night I take care of 60 patients and their is so much to do. Last night a CNA told me that I would be helping them with changes if the 3rd aide didn't come in. I was told this on another floor this past week by another CNA. How am I supposed to do all of my work-and their is plenty and adequately take care of my residents? I used to be a cna and worked short all the time and I never told the nurses they would be taking a assignment. I know its a hard job and I am not bashing cnas. They are a valuable asset. But I am overloaded on a nightly basis. Who is going to pitch in and help me? NO ONE. I rarely get any breaks cause if I do I won't finish up in time. Maybe its time for me to go back to the hospital. This is so frustrating not being able to be the nurse I'm capable of being. How would you handle this situation? Thanks.

[hollyjolly]

Sorry, I should have posted on the LTC board.

[TheCommuter]

The CNA has no business giving you an assignment, no matter how short they're running on staff.

You are the one with the licensure and ability to delegate. Don't allow them to tell you what to do, because this only yields CNAs who run the floor.

If they give you an assignment, you've got to tactfully put your foot down and refuse. Tell them you'll help after your nursing work is completed. After all, you can help the CNAs with their duties, but they cannot help you with your tasks.

[Bx_RN2B]

CNAs are delegating to nurses? Wow things have changed a lot since I was CNA

[joprasklpn]

I really know what you mean. I now do peds homecare because LTC just about drove me insane after awhile. I also worked nights and was expected to help the aides when they were short. I think it depends on the facility. I would ask your supervisor or DON if this is common practice or maybe the aides are pulling one over on you. I think 3 aides could handle rounds on 60 residents just fine.

[noc4senuf]

Some of the others have said it quite nicely. Do not let the CNA's tell you (as a licensed nurse) what your job is. Tell them that if you have time, you will help them but, your work is important too and they can't help you with that. If you allow them to push your buttons, it will only continue.

[nghtfltguy]

exactly~~~
also.... keep in mind what CNA stands for...
they are there to assist you...
you can assist them after you have done YOUR work.....
don't let them bully you around ... they will cause you are new....
don't let them...but @ the same time... be nice to them... you need them..

[LTC Lady]

Holly,
I too am a new nurse who stepped into a Nursing Managment Position. My first week on the floor i had assistive personal trying to dictate to me what i was going to do to help them because they were working short. It was hard, but i had to put my foot down and let them know that i would help them if i had the chance after MY work was done. I understand that it is tough especially if you are working with CNAs who are older then you, or who have been there for years. But as the others have said you have to do it. You are the licensed staff member who has a regulatory body to answer too. Thier work is important but yours has to come first. Good luck with this and keep us posted!

[PsychNurseWannaBe]

It can be such a touchy situation. Obviously you want to help, but like the OP said, who is going to help you do your nursing duties?

I had a float CNA come onto my floor. She wanted help toileting someone and asked me to help. I said normally I would; however, this resident is not a simple transfer and will take easily 20 – 25 minutes to do and that I am getting behind with my med pass because of more pressing concerns. So I told her that I will find another aide to help her. She then proceeded to say…what, you can’t lift? I re-explained why I would like to get another aide to help her. She continued saying…why, because you can’t lift. She said it like three times. I was like, “Look! I already explained several times why I am trying to find someone else to help you. There are 4 other aides on this unit”. I was told a day or two later that she was making comments that she “isn’t used to working with nurses who won’t help the aides”. Ohhh… I was slightly annoyed by that. And by the way I found another aide and it did take them 25 minutes to transfer the resident.

Sometimes it feels like a no-win situation.

[ChanceORiley27]

Originally Posted by hollyjolly

I'm a new nurse, just graduated in May and trying to find my niche. At night I take care of 60 patients and their is so much to do. Last night a CNA told me that I would be helping them with changes if the 3rd aide didn't come in. I was told this on another floor this past week by another CNA. How am I supposed to do all of my work-and their is plenty and adequately take care of my residents? I used to be a cna and worked short all the time and I never told the nurses they would be taking a assignment. I know its a hard job and I am not bashing cnas. They are a valuable asset. But I am overloaded on a nightly basis. Who is going to pitch in and help me? NO ONE. I rarely get any breaks cause if I do I won't finish up in time. Maybe its time for me to go back to the hospital. This is so frustrating not being able to be the nurse I'm capable of being. How would you handle this situation? Thanks.

I know EXACTLY how you feel - when I was new nurse my aides pushed me around. Forunately I usually worked with a very experienced aide who was able to help teach to walk the fine line between directed my aides and being a big old (ahem)... well you know.

However, the fact is - you need them - but you are in charge. ALL responsibility is yours - you answer for everything that happens on your unit.

You need to politely - and professionally take your aide to the side and explain that you'll help her if you have time, but you have to do your work to. Also, you should have an on-call supervisor - if you are short - call them. They might find someone to come in early, or might come in themselves.

As a side note - go job shopping if you're overworked and stressed. I know all LTC places are understaffed, but each company is different in how they assign duties and such - it never hurts to shop around. I was very surprised at how much the work load differed from place to place.