Tips for a CNA going from LTC to a hospital?

hope3456, ASN, RN · Nov 16, 2010

Take the initiative and offer to help whenever you can - don't just wait to be asked. I really appreciate this from CNA's.

however, i worked w/ a cna recently who seemed to get patients really worked up over their vital signs......like one guy had a temp of 99.2 and she is like 'omg you have a infection' - please let the nurse deal with it.

kool-aide, RN · Nov 16, 2010

I am a cna in a hospital float pool and I float between three hospitals. I've been in this job for about 1.5 years and I LOVE it! You will get a TON of experience or nursing school! My best advice to you is always ask your nurse if you're unsure about something. Even though you already have experience there is a lot you'll have to learn in the hospital and most of it you'll just have to pick up on the job.

It took me awhile to get the courage to do this, but this advice was given to my by my preceptor who is also a float aide. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. Because we're float staff it's very common for the units to try and take advantage of us. They may do this by giving you more pts than they would normally give one of their aides, by giving you a difficult assignment, or by giving you non-stop tasks and micro-managing you. Stand up for yourself!

Have fun on the new job!

newway · Nov 17, 2010

LOL don’t worry I am not that way the last thing I want is a resident with slightly hi BP upset causing it to go even higher. I usually don’t even give them their numbers unless they ask. Even then If something is out of range and they have asked I usually play it down. Saying something like “ your BP seems a little high how do you feel? I will discuss it with the nurse and see if she has any concerns.” . of course if really pressed for the numbers I will give them to them. I currently see are the same patients so I kind of have an idea where they are going to fall and what is normal for them.

Thanks I have also thought with entering nursing school once I get to know who is approachable to ask the nurse if something out of ordinary comes up call me in, and teach me a little about it. Time provided of course.

KOOL AID do you work nights or days. I currently work nights, there is usually a little down time after first round and vitals. Since “most” of the residents are sleeping and there just isn’t much to do. I was wondering if it will be the same in a hospital setting.

kool-aide, RN · Nov 17, 2010

Newway,

I do work night shift. 7p-7a. Here's how my night goes:

I get to work, get report, and start taking Q4 hour v/s. by the time I'm done with v/s it's time to take HS bloodsugars. Then I'm usually answering call lights and helping the nurses until it's time to record I/O @ 23:00 and start routine v/s @ mn. Once mn v/s are charted that's when I *sometimes* have some downtime until I start taking v/s again around 03:30 for my last set of Q4's. After my last set of v/s are charted it's time to start taking out the trash and soiled linen from each room, pass out fresh pitchers of ice water, and start recording I/O again. The last think I do in the morning is take AC bloodsugars before breakfast comes and then chart, give report, and clock out! You asked specifically about having downtime. When you're working in a hospital the work is much less routine than it is in LTC. Especially since you will be working in a float pool your work and routine will depend on what type of unit you're working on. I work on med/surg, ortho/neuro, rehab, cardiac, and ICU floors. Each one is different.