A problem with CNAs

amaikiwi · Feb 2, 2009

If the CNAs don't do their job, it will reflect on you. One suggestion is to tell them exactly what you want from them and when you want it done as soon as you get on the floor. Example: You want all the collected vitals on a sheet in your hands within the first two hours of shift. If what need is not done, find out why and what you can do to improve the outcome.

olli975 · Feb 2, 2009

If the CNAs don't do their job, it will reflect on you. One suggestion is to tell them exactly what you want from them and when you want it done as soon as you get on the floor. Example: You want all the collected vitals on a sheet in your hands within the first two hours of shift. If what need is not done, find out why and what you can do to improve the outcome.

That's exactly what I do: I write their assignments, and I highlight it too... and I tell them: if for any reason you did not or could not do this, tell me ASAP... Doesn't help

Also when they are utilized as sitters, they literally sit on the chair, watching TV, hiding food in pockets and attempting to use pt's phone to make personal phone calls...

Tech_2_RN · Feb 3, 2009

When I worked on the floor as a CNA, I would never have done these things to an RN. I read these stories all the time and I just cannot understand HOW lazy CNA's get away with this stuff. One thing I did notice when I was a floor CNA is that there is a different mentality for CNAs who are in nursing school versus those who are not. If a CNA is in nursing school, he or she will be more than willing to work hard for you because they are thinking of their future career. However, if the CNA is not in nursing school, they are only thinking of themselves and their JOB, not career. I saw this over and over on the floor.

If you have any good CNAs who work hard for you, don't forget to thank them. This means alot to us after a hard day of work and should mean alot to you because a good CNA will definitely make your life easier.

Just my two cents.

masry123 · Feb 3, 2009

I am a C.N.A . I know what you are saying .It is a shame , I do not know why but thank god we still have some of the good ones.

RedRobin8 · Feb 3, 2009

I am the equivalent of a CNA in my hospital, and see exactly what you all have observed. Upon entering nursing school at the age of 40, I quit a $27/hour to take this $9/hour position to gain the value of the experience on the unit in which I wish to work as a future nurse two years from now. Those who are in nursing school (generally speaking) work hard, are responsive, and do extra because they want to learn and build upon skills to be appied when they graduate, as well as have an ongoing good reference with co-workers. The others (generally) lack the motivation associated with potential upward mobility, because it is just a job with no monetary future. It's a shame there isn't a prevailing desire to simply give an honest day's work, but that is everywhere right now...right?

:twocents:

Mags_RN, BSN · Feb 3, 2009

i am a pct (cna with more training) at a hospital, we have clearly stated guidelines what i am responsible for and if were not to complete the task i will definitely hear about it the next time im at work. even if i am unable to take a pt vitals because they are off the floor, i have to pass that on to the other pct coming on after me to do it once they get back to the floor. if im too busy with an admit and i dont have the time,then it is my responsiblity to ask another pct to do it for me. as a pct, i do peripheral blood draws from my pts and even during my first month there,when i yet wasn't certified to draw blood, it was my responsiblity to pass on the task to another pct on my unit so they would do it for me. i couldn't just say to the rn "no, i can't since im not certified" and walk away. everything from vitals, baths, linen changes, accuchecks, i/o's, ambulation, bathroom walks, diaper changes, post-op vitals, vitals during blood transfusions, etc was my responsiblity. if i didnt do it, it was as a serious offence as if a rn didnt do her nur assessment or pass out her meds. of course the rns help but if she were to empty out a urinal she is to tell me that she did it and how much to chart but i am to chart it (unless she does it and its no big deal, but i still have to know so i can monitor the output so i can report back to her if output for 8h shift is

gregmotz · Feb 3, 2009

if she were to empty out a urinal she is to tell me that she did it and how much to chart but i am to chart it

Does this happen a lot, charting what someone else does?

allnurses Guide · Feb 3, 2009

I also spoke to charge RNs when I had a problem. Other RNs have the same problem with those few CNAs. This morning I emailed my manager with things to mention at the next CNA meeting for everyone (basically remind them on what their job description and responsibilities are) and told her about everything.

Do you think I handled this situation right? How do you handle it at your job?

Yes, its your manager's job to handle this.

If things don't change, start keeping a list of dates and times things are not done, and by whom. Don't be confrontational, just factual; "no VS done on pt X on 2/2/09", "Asked CNA to total I/Os at 2 PM. No totals charted on pts X,Y and Z, on 2/3/09". Managers can't do much without a paper trail. More work for you? yes, but hopefully very short term.

lookingbeyond, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2009

I so feel your pain...I am truly amazed at the amount of healthcare workers that really don't care...Last night...I had one leave for one of her many breaks...She closed the door to a resident's room leaving me to wonder if she was caring for them...Nope, one was left on the toilet alone (90 years old) and needs a lift to get to bed. The other had her 02 off and dirty linen and briefs on the floor...She was gone for 20 minutes...leaving the door closed with the residents in danger...

I wrote a letter to the administrators. I think that is a great idea. The sad reality is, many don't need more training. You can't train someone to care... :mad:

lookingbeyond, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2009

Yes, its your manager's job to handle this.
If things don't change, start keeping a list of dates and times things are not done, and by whom. Don't be confrontational, just factual; "no VS done on pt X on 2/2/09", "Asked CNA to total I/Os at 2 PM. No totals charted on pts X,Y and Z, on 2/3/09". Managers can't do much without a paper trail. More work for you? yes, but hopefully very short term.

Thank you for this advice. I will do the same thing with what I am dealing with! Thank you so much. :mad:

rngolfer53 · Feb 22, 2009

The others (generally) lack the motivation associated with potential upward mobility, because it is just a job with no monetary future. It's a shame there isn't a prevailing desire to simply give an honest day's work, but that is everywhere right now...right?

It's no real mystery why some people remain on the fringes of poverty their entire lives. That's where they belong, based on their lack of any real value to an employer.