Want to transfer to L&D/PP as a CNA

[StarNurse2006]

Hi all!

I am a CNA on a skilled nursing unit. I am also a student hoping to enter a local nursing program next year. I have known for some time that I wanted to work L&D when I graduate.

I started working in a hospital setting 4 months ago, and up until now liked the unit I was on (I took the position on this unit because it was the only one avaliable when I was hired and I wanted to work at this particular facility). Several nights ago I was floated to postpartum, and I left wondering how I could have ever been happy on my usual unit and dreading the next shift back in skilled nursing. We had a blast! Those ladies showed me the real meaning of professionalism, teamwork, and loving what you do.

I know many hospitals don't use CNAs in L&D/PP, but the hospital I work at has an L&D/PP unit as well as a PP unit only, due to the fact that they deliver about 40 babies a day since 2 other L&D units nearby were closed. I would be happy to work in either unit, as a CNA or unit secretary. For those of you who do work with CNAs, could you answer a few questions for me?

1. What do your CNAs do in a typical shift?

2. What do you expect of your CNA?

3. What knowledge do you find it helpful for your CNA to have?

I would appreciate any responses, since I have to request a transfer and really prove myself since positions come open infrequently and I plan to speak to my supervisor and any other supervisors in the hospital that could help me transfer. Thanks in advance!

Jen

[cabbage patch rn]

We do not have CNA's at the hospital I work at, we do primary nursing. But I do some PRN work at another hospital that utilizes "OB techs" which is a combination between an aide and unit secretary. I think one of the most important things that you can do to make yourself more marketable in the field would be to become certified in BLS and NRP. The techs are responsible for taking and recording vital signs, assisting moms with peri-care, passing out trays and ice, answering call lights, making post-partum appointments for patients with their ob providers, general paper work/answering the phone, and occasionally they will watch the babies if the mom wants to rest. I'm sure they do more than that, but that's all I can think of right now. :) Hope that helps some.

[BETSRN]

1. What do your CNAs do in a typical shift? Our techs do vitals, draw blood, give bed baths, are our scrub techs for a section, help with babies, do hearing tests, help clean, transport patients, and lots more.

2. What do you expect of your CNA? That she is always part of the tearm. There is no question about that anyway.

3. What knowledge do you find it helpful for your CNA to have? The same skills you probabloy already have and the ability to make the RN's aware of her concerns. Our techs have picked up a couple of really improtant things that the RNmight have missed, simply because she as with the patiwnt at the right time and asked the right questions.

[StarNurse2006]

Thanks Bets and Cabbage Patch, I appreciate your responses! I was so impressed by the team (especially the HUC, who is also a CNA) that I felt a bit intimidated as far as my knowledge went. I guess it's a good thing I had a couple babies of my own, that helps a little bit!

If anyone else has any suggestions, they would be appreciated!

Jennee