Am I fired? CNA Checking Blood Sugar

Nurses General Nursing

Updated:   Published

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Well something unfortunate happened...I am both an LVN and CNA at different jobs. I was at my CNA job when an RN asked me to check a B/S, I did it without even thinking twice (because I do it all the time at my other job) Someone saw and reported it. Am I fired ? What are your thoughts? Thanks 

In MA you are not allowed to work below your license. This could be a problem for the employer, mostly if you file a complaint about being asked to do work above your CNA job, but paid as CNA. 

Different policies at varying hospitals I have worked at, whether CNAs do FS  or not. 

Outisde of prison hospital unit we do have no cameras in pt rooms, d/t HIPAA. 

Most likely there will be little to no consequences,BUT why would someone report this?? Are they trying to get RN in trouble? Sounds like you need to watch your back on that unit. 

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Specializes in LTC.

Ask your employer. They’re the only entity that can tell you.

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Specializes in Student.

1. Why are you working as a CNA instead of a LVN.

2. When you login into the computer, is it under your CNA credentials.

3. It all depends on your state and the facility you work at.

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I'd do a Mea Culpa and say it'll never happen again, then move on. It doesn't sound like any harm was done to the patient.

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Specializes in Primary Care, Military.
On 1/11/2021 at 8:42 PM, oldie said:

No no! No cases of abuse ever where I work! They say its for patient safety , I do find it creepy though and I wonder if thats a violation of privacy but apparently patients are aware of it.

The inpatient psych unit I worked in had cameras as all psych units do and they say that's only for patient/staff safety in case of aggression/violence. Unfortunately, management used the security cameras to monitor staff behavior and Monday-morning quarterback staff decisions during behavioral codes from the comfort of their offices and hand out write-ups and discipline. Staff were under closer observation than the patients were.

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On 1/11/2021 at 2:09 PM, klone said:

Doesn't your glucometer require you to log in with your username/employee badge? If so, how do you have access if you're not allowed to do BG checks? 

I believe that some facilities do not require badge scan to do glucose check because they still use the old fashion/home use glucose check machine. Hospitals use glucose check machine that require badge scanning. I am not sure about her facility.

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Sounds like a toxic kind of environment. Why would you get reported???!

you helped the nurse, you completed the task delegated. Clarify with the nurse if it was a problem, your nurse should talk to the supervisor about it if it is a concern. No harm done to the patient. 

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Specializes in LTC & Rehab Supervision.
On 1/15/2021 at 9:50 AM, robinasq said:

In MA you are not allowed to work below your license. This could be a problem for the employer, mostly if you file a complaint about being asked to do work above your CNA job, but paid as CNA. 

This is immediately what came to my mind as well, I'm in MA too. I didn't even know it was possible to work a job below your license (Unless you're a nurse covering a CNA shift for nurse pay or something).

 

Why ARE you working as a CNA when you're an LVN anyway? That doesn't sound right or fair to me. Is this your or someone else's doing?

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Specializes in CNA.

Oh you guys didn't see my update ? Everything is OK thank god. 

16 minutes ago, JabuJabule said:

Its because I make 7 dollars more an hour as a CNA I just became an lvn in the last year or so.

Why ARE you working as a CNA when you're an LVN anyway? That doesn't sound right or fair to me. Is this your or someone else's doing?

 

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6 hours ago, oldie said:

Oh you guys didn't see my update ? Everything is OK thank god. 

 

I am glad you are OK but word of advice DON’T do this again. I am from California and know all about this very well being that I worked as as CNA while LVN. The blood sugar for your facility was not under your scope of practice and you definitely could have got into trouble. I’m glad you’re good. & I’m guessing the nurse knows your a LVN too and decided it will be OK because he/she was busy and you know how to do this, but you both could have been in trouble if it went further up. Please don’t jeopardize your license for something minor, because what happens is they will try their best to save their license and throw you under the bus.  Glad you’re good. Take care 

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Specializes in LTC & Rehab Supervision.

Well I'm glad everything worked out okay! That is quite a pay difference. You do what you need to do. ?

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Specializes in OMFS, Dentistry.
On 1/15/2021 at 9:50 AM, robinasq said:

In MA you are not allowed to work below your license. This could be a problem for the employer, mostly if you file a complaint about being asked to do work above your CNA job, but paid as CNA. 

Different policies at varying hospitals I have worked at, whether CNAs do FS  or not. 

Outisde of prison hospital unit we do have no cameras in pt rooms, d/t HIPAA. 

Most likely there will be little to no consequences,BUT why would someone report this?? Are they trying to get RN in trouble? Sounds like you need to watch your back on that unit. 

Exactly my thoughts!!  And I was amazed at the cameras because I am in MA too. We don't have that here.

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