Advice to avoid "more CNA woes"?

Ms. Nurse Assistant, LPN · Aug 20, 2009

I don't know what to tell you. I had bad experiences as a CNA working in LTC facilities. It seems that the ones who were gossipy, in cliques, and were tattletales (always telling RNs/LPNs what everyone was or wasn't doing) were the ones who stick around; and they did just enough to get by. If you are attractive, mind your own business, don't get involved in cliques, do your job, you will get picked on and fired.

RNperdiem, RN · Aug 20, 2009

I work in ICU. I do not have to depend heavily on CNA's, or delegate anything to them.

There is usually one CNA on my 16 bed unit. Always, the CNA is a nursing student with a future interest in ICU. The CNA's know they need to develop a good reputation, and they work hard.

In ICU, the CNA assists me with my patient turns, clean-ups and transports. She also keeps my bedside cart stocked.

To avoid the CNA problem altogether, I work in an area where I don't rely on them so heavily.

Alert&Oriented · Aug 21, 2009

I totally agree with you! About 20 years ago, I worked in a nursing home as an NA, but lasted only a month. I was given 25 patients to feed, bathe, etc. on my own with no help. The other NA's were nowhere to be found - I never saw any of them when I needed help with a patient. One of these NA's told the head nurse that "I did not wear underwear to work" which was the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of. I was fired for "not wearing underwear???!!!

oslogirl · Aug 21, 2009

Hi. I admire your thoughtfulness about your potential position. I worked as a tech, which is basically a nursing assistant through nursing school. In fact, I worked in neuro and orthopaedics. The key to success, IMO, is to remain professional at all times and work smart. By this, I mean stay out of the gossip and do your job to the best of your ability. If you need clarification about something, ask. If you need help, ask. If you are not busy, try not to hang out at the nurses station too much. Find something to do. Ask the charge nurse if there is anything to be done. Always report abnormal vital signs/accuckecks to RN immediately. During your interview, a good question to ask is: What is a typical day like for the nursing assistants on this floor? Take notes. Good luck!

nu2id · Aug 21, 2009

I agree with the previous advice. I started as CNA then LPN and finally after 14 years became RN. IMO, it is important to show interest in learning. Ask questions, be willing to do the things that may not be what you are there for if needed. Be a team player not a team sayer.

Nursing is a rewarding career, it does require those of us that are special to do it and enjoy it. There r those of us that are and those that wanna be. Gossip and popularity is not what nursing is about. Good luck with the interview. Ortho can be a challenging unit because of patients limited mobility and pain but is a great learning experience.

Dont be afraid to ask what is required of you.

What is a typical assignment?

What is a typical RN assignment?

chicookie, BSN, RN · Aug 21, 2009

My biggest problem with the CNAs that work with is nothing that has to do with the work environment. Its my age. Because I am young, they think I have nothing valuable to contribute. They think I don't know what I am doing. Granted I am still a new nurse but when I need them to do something. I NEED them to do it. If I can do it, trust me I will. After almost a year working with them I think they are finally starting to get that I am a nurse and am not out to be lazy and make them do all the work. I do love all of them though.

Butterfliesnroses · Aug 21, 2009

I'm an aide in LTC and the things I see that bother the nurses is sitting around doing nothing, being on the phone all the time, arguing with them about patient care (especially in front of the resident), not getting their vital signs in a timely fashion (if they give me the courtesy of giving them to me at the beginning of the shift, I try to get them right away), them having to hunt you down, etc. They like good communicaton (hey I'm going to break, or hey I'm gonna take the smokers out). They like being told problems right away...I err on the side of caution, which most nurses appreciate, and they usually thank me for letting them know. I look ahead at what needs to be done, rather than waiting to be asked. I try not to whine about how hard my job is or about so and so who didn't do something...they really don't care to hear it (their job is hard as well and they've had nurses leave them stuff to do). Just stuff like that makes the nurses appreciate from what I can see.

kgillette · Aug 24, 2009

Thanks for your replies! They've been really helpful! Will keep it all in mind.