It's sort of a bummer with some of these aids - Page 2

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  1. Jun 21, '12 by
    I'm sorry but this post gave me a much needed laugh after these rough few days I just had.LOL
  2. Jun 21, '12 by
    But on a serious note something has to be done about that just let them know what is at the atmost importance.
    Last edit by tcstr05 on Jun 21, '12
  3. Guide
    Jun 21, '12 by
    Ok, just as an aside, it is aides not aids, I thought we were talking about the disease. And I will say that the second a CNA goes into a room it is the patient who sends them off to do busy work. And I like to have vitals before I give meds. So if I notice that the aides are busy with water pitcher filling, etc. I will say to them "I will get rm so and so's vitals, thanks!" and do them as part of my assessment....
    zombi LPN, KelRN215, beckster_01, and 3 others like this.
  4. Jun 21, '12 by
    Just a count-down to the grammar Nazi's. Twelve posts, not a new record but pretty good!
    chevyv likes this.
  5. Jun 21, '12 by
    I do all of my own vital signs because they are part of my initial and ongoing assessment throughout the shift.

    The techs are more than happy that I do this so they can take care of all the other tasks they need to do.
  6. Guide
    Jun 21, '12 by
    Sqeaky wheel syndrome. Patients.residents/families/administration see and comment on fresh water. The aides are trying to keep out of hot water with them. I lke the idea of copies of vitals and hand delivered immediately. There were times when that communication allowed me to say "retake in an hour and report it to me immediately". That did a few positive things: Showed the aides that their work was noticed, appreciated, and utilized. It also conveyed a belief in their skills. If something was really off it gave me the opportunity to ask questions.

    Aides are great. Sometimes it helps to ask them what is going on. You might be surprised at the answers.
    zombi LPN, CompleteUnknown, stelon, and 8 others like this.
  7. Guide
    Jun 21, '12 by
    Quote from aknottedyarn
    Sqeaky wheel syndrome. Patients.residents/families/administration see and comment on fresh water. The aides are trying to keep out of hot water with them. I lke the idea of copies of vitals and hand delivered immediately. There were times when that communication allowed me to say "retake in an hour and report it to me immediately". That did a few positive things: Showed the aides that their work was noticed, appreciated, and utilized. It also conveyed a belief in their skills. If something was really off it gave me the opportunity to ask questions.

    Aides are great. Sometimes it helps to ask them what is going on. You might be surprised at the answers.
    YES!

    I wish I could "like" this post a few more times.
    nurse671 and wooh like this.
  8. Jun 21, '12 by
    Taking the vitals yourself or helping pass the water... is NOT the answer. Doing their job for them will take time away from your RN duties.
    Look at the job description of the assistant... it reads "Under the direction of a registered nurse".

    You have to direct them into the proper work flow. If they refuse your direction, may sure your manager is aware.
    If the manager can't get them directed, they need to be written up.
    Of course I will pass water, place a bedpan, take vitals... if I feel my patient needs another set.
    But to take over their work, simple because they don't follow direction is not appropriate.
    Not_A_Hat_Person, Mom To 4, anotherone, and 11 others like this.
  9. Guide
    Jun 21, '12 by
    Quote from Been there,done that
    Taking the vitals yourself or helping pass the water... is NOT the answer. Doing their job for them will take time away from your RN duties.
    Look at the job description of the assistant... it reads "Under the direction of a registered nurse".

    You have to direct them into the proper work flow. If they refuse your direction, may sure your manager is aware.
    If the manager can't get them directed, they need to be written up.
    Of course I will pass water, place a bedpan, take vitals... if I feel my patient needs another set.
    But to take over their work, simple because they don't follow direction is not appropriate.
    I wish I could "like" this more than once, too!
    Been there,done that, Mom To 4, anotherone, and 1 other like this.
  10. Jun 21, '12 by
    I think it also depends on the setting in which you work. Acute care CNAs/techs seem to be more knowledgeable than LTC CNAs. This is something I've noticed, starting out as a tech in med/surg, then becoming a LPN in a nursing home.

    In my LTC facility, it seems like at least 75% of the aides are shaky at getting manual BPs. And I'm shocked how many of them think nothing of charting a temp of 95 degrees or lower. I blame those stupid tympanic thermometers for that. I have literally tried to hide the tympanic thermometer so no one can use it, LOL.