by EKnicuRN

I seem to have run into this question a few times, especially in SATA questions. Can a nursing assistant check a blood sugar level? The answer I got to this today said that yes, that was part of the correct answer, but in the rational said that nursing assistance typically cannot do fingersticks. Is this a typo? I feel as though I have had this question a few times and each time answered it according to what I read last and every time I'm wrong!

(I know in real-world practice CNA's often routinely preform fingersticks, but in NCLEX-world?)

Re: Delegation Question - Glucose checks

I don't know in NCLEX world..that's why I am writing a response so that I can hear other peoples response to your question.

Re: Delegation Question - Glucose checks

i believe it depends in the state that you are in bc tht i know of In CA cna's cannot perfrom finger sticks.

Re: Delegation Question - Glucose checks

I believe it is agency dependant. I am allowed to perform FSBS for glucose because my hospital trained me and I must show that I am competent.

Re: Delegation Question - Glucose checks

Originally Posted by kfarinato

I believe it is agency dependant. I am allowed to perform FSBS for glucose because my hospital trained me and I must show that I am competent.

I agree. The aides at my previous employer could but they cannot at my current hospital unless they r certified.
And none of them r so only RNs can.

Re: Delegation Question - Glucose checks

Originally Posted by amybethf

I agree. The aides at my previous employer could but they cannot at my current hospital unless they r certified.
And none of them r so only RNs can.

Which is why I am confused, some quizzes I have taken say yes they can and others have said they cannot

Re: Delegation Question - Glucose checks

At my hospital, only the RN can do the glucose check. Stupid inconsistency stuff. Just like in one book a lab value will differ from the next book.

Re: Delegation Question - Glucose checks

Per instructor of my NCLEX class the NCLEX is based on CNA 1's because some states do not have CNA 2's so its based on what the nation says a CNA can do not a specific hospital. When I was a CNA1 I couldn't perform fingersticks it was only the RN but CNA 2's could. So since the NCLEX is based on CNA 1 then the delegation should go to the RN that's the most safe route in case it turns out to be an emergent situation. That's how I see it.

Re: Delegation Question - Glucose checks

I perform fingersticks and blood draws.. my title is a CNA II ....

Re: Delegation Question - Glucose checks

Originally Posted by nkara

I perform fingersticks and blood draws.. my title is a CNA II ....

Exactly but that is per your hospital, not all CNAII's perform blood draws but do fingersticks. The NCLEX is centered around LPN/LVN, RN and CNA I.