advice for new CNA??

I_See_You_RN · Jun 23, 2009

Hey Mary. I think the two most important parts of a CNA's job are vital signs (which include change in a patients level of consciousness) and communication. Review the normal blood pressure ranges, heart rate, breathing rate, temperature of a patient as well as level of consciousness (did your patient go from talking and conversating to being extra sleepy and not being able to say his name). Because when these things are out of the normal range it'll be your job to report that to the nurse.

And thats where the second part comes in.. communication. You'll be communicating both verbally and reporting what you seen, as well as being apt at communicating through paper. Communication also means listening to others or checking the chart or signs in the room that might say "blood pressure only taken on left arm", or not offering or giving a cup of water to a patient that has NPO on their kardex,.. because believe me,.. they will beg you for it even though they know they shouldn't have it.

And the third is body mechanics. Maybe review the proper way to move a patient in bed or position a patient in bed to prevent skin break down. Dont forget that turning an immobile patient in bed every two hours is EXTREMELY important although it might not seem so (it could be detrimental to them), don't forget to put the SCD's those pumping socks back on a patient after helping them with a bed bath or ambulating, etc (it might lead to a respiratory event before you know it).

And most importantly,.. just breathe. a lot of that stuff you will learn on the job and i am sure that whoever is hiring you already knows this. just hope for supportive co-workers that will help you along the way and never be afraid to ask questions.

Good LUCK!!

1lollipop · Jun 24, 2009

Thanks for the advice, Iseeyourn!

I have 2 questions: 1) What did you mean by "SCD"??

2) Also, do CNA's and PCA's have to do range of motion exercises with the patients? I'm assuming yes. I know I have to review that.

I_See_You_RN · Jun 24, 2009

Hey,... no problem.

SCDs = Sequential compression devices. they look like inflatable plastic leg warmers that are attached to this little machine that massages the patient's legs. It keeps them from developing blood clots if they have been immobile for a long time.

And as for the range of motion exercises. It all depends on the patient. If your patient is getting up out of bed or rolling around in bed by themselves then that isn't really expected for you to do. In places that I have been and such activities were a necessary part of care for the patient, then the nurse usually does that. Unless you are working in a nursing home then I've seen the PCA's do that.