CNA pushback

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in CCRN.

Hi guys,

I've been licensed for almost 6 months, with 3 months of it being on orientation. One thing that I've come to have problems with is pushback from CNAs. I try to ask as little of them as possible, because I know they are also performing their duties (I was a CNA first too). However, they frequently give me pushback when I ask for their help. How do you guys handle this?

Thanks

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

Instruct -- don't ask. If it gets to the point where pt care is being compromised (for example they flat out refuse, or try to engage in lengthy arguments preventing you from going about your duties), write them up.

Of course, don't delegate everything just because you can. Don't be that RN who will spend 5 minutes looking for the CNA to get water for the pt; spend 2 minutes getting the water yourself.

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Specializes in CCRN.

Oh nothing so trivial, it's usually when I just started my shift and AM labs weren't drawn. Then the providers put in stat labs and ask me to get them. Yet I haven't assessed and done med passes and the CNAs are mostly free until 1000 for vitals.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

Do your CNAs draw labs?

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.
Oh nothing so trivial, it's usually when I just started my shift and AM labs weren't drawn. Then the providers put in stat labs and ask me to get them. Yet I haven't assessed and done med passes and the CNAs are mostly free until 1000 for vitals.

Where I've worked CNAs can NOT draw labs. Were you getting push back because you asked the CNAs to do something they are not allowed to do? Or am I misreading this and you were running around like crazy because you needed to do the lab draws in addition to assessment and med pass and the CNAs weren't helping with other tasks that are within their scope?

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

So what are you asking the CNAs to do for which you are getting pushback?

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Specializes in CCRN.

CNAs at my institution are allowed to draw labs.

It's me running around like crazy because now I suddenly have lab draws in addition to everything else.

The pushback can be anything, but blood draws especially.

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