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Can I refuse to have a certain CNA work on my shift?



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Oct 20, 2009 04:48 PM

Can I refuse to have a certain CNA work on my shift?

by Reigen

I have over the past three week a CNA who's work and eithics has been substandard, from stating yes this was done, shaking her finger in my face stating "don't go all charge nursey on me", to out right not telling the truth. The first time this happened I and the other 2 CNAs that worked that shift, had a conference with the DON and ADON with the CNA in question on speaker phone. I thought things had been "worked out". Then a week later the same things happened. I did the written warning write up as I had been instructed to do. Now 5 days after the written write up, once again things were not done and I find myself worried about the jepoardy this places my RN License in by this CNA's actions. I am in the long process of writting up the episodes of this last shift... I wonder can I refuse to have this CNA work under my supervison since I find that I can not trust her? While is appears "management is trying to support me as the Charge Nurse from the conference and please put things in writting, I am very very concerned about having this particular CNA work with/under me.

Any advice or insight will be gratefully read and appreciated!

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20 Comments
No. 1
from CathyLew
Old Oct 20, 2009, 05:20 PM

Default Re: Can I refuse to have a certain CNA work on my shift?
Heck, I would keep writing her up. and in writing request she not work with you for X,Y,Z reasons...until she requests not to work with you!

Im thinking if someone keeps writing them up, and they keep scheduling you together, either they have been written up by everyone and they ran out of options, or they need someone (you) to do the dirty work for them, and get enough evidence to get them fired.

keep writing and doccumenting.
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No. 2
from PAERRN20
Old Oct 20, 2009, 06:31 PM

Default Re: Can I refuse to have a certain CNA work on my shift?
I would not only write the CNA up every time s/he does this, but keep your own notebook of everything that goes on. Write a formal letter to the DON/ADON and request it be filed. Keep a copy for yourself. All you can really do is keep writing the CNA up and maybe they will be fired, find a new job, or keep a notebook of everything in case you end up in hot water.
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No. 3
from CynicallyVexed
Old Oct 21, 2009, 02:10 AM

Default Re: Can I refuse to have a certain CNA work on my shift?
I would keep writing her up, having a second Licensed staff member be present whenever you need to tell this CNA something especially if it's in private, keep going to the DON about it and even request it, keep a journal of things that she is doing inappropriate and report these things daily. And most of all I would keep on top of this CNA even if she does get into your face like that. Being a CNA isn't the most glorious job in the world to have, but you can definitely tell she doesn't like it and has no concern about the patients and definitely does not need to have patient contact.

But it seems like you have done allot so far. If you are in a small facility, are you able to get in contact with the administrator of this place, they are your next step over the DON? Do you have a day/nightly nursing supervisor if it's a big place like a hospital?

I wish you luck.
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No. 4
from achot chavi
Old Oct 21, 2009, 02:37 AM

Default Re: Can I refuse to have a certain CNA work on my shift?
Yes I think you can add a note to your supervisor or DON or both requesting in the light of the repeated problems with this particular CNA you would request avoiding or minimizing working with her.
When you do work with her, be careful not to give her harder assignments or do anything that can be misconstrued as vengence or being hard on her- be evenhanded.
Do others have problems with her? Have families complained?
Keep writing problems and keep copies of your notes/letters. Also write what you did to instruct this CNA to improve her work and performance on the unit.
Sorry you have this problem, not unusual but extremely unpleasant and (in my opinion) as bad an any annoying family member!!
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No. 5
from achot chavi
Old Oct 21, 2009, 02:37 AM

Default Re: Can I refuse to have a certain CNA work on my shift?
Yes I think you can add a note to your supervisor or DON or both requesting in the light of the repeated problems with this particular CNA you would request avoiding or minimizing working with her.
Do others have problems with her? Have families complained?
Keep writing problems and keep copies of your notes/letters. Also write what you did to instruct this CNA to improve her work and performance on the unit.
Sorry you have this problem, not unusual but extremely unpleasant and (in my opinion) as bad an any annoying family member!!
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No. 6
from noc4senuf
Old Oct 21, 2009, 06:20 AM

Default Re: Can I refuse to have a certain CNA work on my shift?
You need to work with those assigned to. There could be several reasons as to why this is dragging on the way it is. Is there a facility or union policy regarding following a set disciplinary process, such as a verbal, written, second written, suspension, term?? Are you the nurse that has the backbone to deal with this CNA and others can't? Often times this may be what is happening. As others have stated, always document. Best of luck.
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No. 7
from CapeCodMermaid
Old Oct 22, 2009, 04:54 PM

Default Re: Can I refuse to have a certain CNA work on my shift?
It always amazed me when nurses would ask me to transfer the 'bad' CNA off their floor. If they don't do their work on one floor it makes sense they won't do it on another. Sounds like this one just needs to go...out the door and work and some other job.
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No. 8
from Reigen
Old Oct 22, 2009, 06:27 PM

Default Re: Can I refuse to have a certain CNA work on my shift?
I wanted to thank everyone for the support written here.

To answer the few questions that I read.... It's a small place total beds 33 with census of 20 right now. 3 CNAs and 1 Nurse for day shift, 2 CNAs and 1 Nurse for night shift. Lucky "us" no Medicare, only private pay and state Medicade or private insurance Residents.

The CNA in question is on light/modified duty (I just happened to be the Charge Nurse the day the CNA did get hurt), and was "fortunate" to get to read the Medical Reports (the CNA shared those with me ), so I know this is a "real injury". This means the CNA's assignment is by policy rather than by Charge Nurse, so I can not be accused of making an unfair assignment.

Some days I as the ONLY Licensed Nurse when no "upper management" is around then I am "IT". Days that I am not scheduled to work, there are two new hire Nurses, that may not be sure on how to handle the pressures of supervison and get their own job done.

I am being told things by other Department Heads (Activites Director and Act Assistant, Dietary Supervisor, Hosuekeeping), and by other Staff that this CNA has done. Some things I have over heard this CNA saying (about private lives of Staff) left me uncomfortable and embarrassed. I felt what was said at those times bordered on "sexual harrassment", yet the CNA is still working.

AGain THANKS to everyone for reading and offering some support.
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No. 9
from MauraRN
Old Oct 25, 2009, 01:27 PM

Default Re: Can I refuse to have a certain CNA work on my shift?
I had a similar CNA issue when I was a new LPN. I caught the CNA being rough with pt, major skin care. CNA gave me all her attitude, threats, etc. It was a weekend. Next day I asked her to change teams, work with another nurse. SHe refused, supv did not back me. Monday morning, light snow still dark out on a rural wooded road, CNA ran me off the road. Threatened to slash my tires, get her recently paroled boyfriend to "mess me up" I gave 7 days notice and left. She subsequently slashed another nurses tires, stole rings from pt, assaulted the DON. She was fired. She was rehired by a LTC in the same town and repeated the process. For all I know, she is working for another facility.
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