Are we overworking the CNA's or are we lacking teamwork?

[abbaking]

Being a former CNA I understand the back-breaking hard work that the assistive staff preform on a daily basis. I am lucky to work with fantastic CNA's but I have noticed some alarming trends both on the floor and during staff meetings.

Sometimes there is only 1 CNA for the 20-bed tele/med/surg unit. Our CNA staff do vital signs, assist with bathroom needs, admissions, transfers, feeding patients and other important duties. Some of my co-workers seem to take advantage of this and request the CNA to monitor the surgical drains output (JP's, Hemovac). BIG NO NO! That is a nursing responsibility and In my opinion it is not something the CNA staff should be responsible for. Its a great learning experience to observe the RN and ask questions but its not something that I feel the CNA staff should preform.

The CNA's have told me that when its terribly busy during the start of shift and the RN's can't be found to tell them about abnormal vitals, the CNA gets reprimanded for with-holding information. This is a big issue on our unit but I side with the CNA's. Look at it from their perspective - they have 20 patients vital signs to do (with outdated equipment mind you). Call lights are going off left and right (which the unit clerk pretends is not going off - god forbid she actually have to answer it). Patient need help to the bathroom. Patients are dirty and need to be cleaned up. Post op patients are arriving on the unit and need assistance into bed and routine post op care. Patients need to be fed and some patients need to be transfered for tests. AND ITS ALL EQUAL. That would put anyone behind in their duties. The argument is always communication and teamwork - but depending on who your working with as a CNA, an RN can mean either a Registered Nurse or Real Nutcase.

My manager told the CNA's that if vital signs are abnormal and the RN can't be found, the CNA's are to stop what they are doing and document on the computer in real time the vital signs. I saw one of the CNA's doing just that the other day and the charge nurse told him to get off the computer and work and answer call lights. Thankfully this guy has balls and told the charge to do it herself - your still a nurse here and being a charge nurse doesn't mean your the queen of england - LOVE THAT GUY! I feel for the CNA staff tremendously. I will do my vital signs and help them out whenever I can

What do you guys think?

Is this crazy or is it just me?

[pat8585]

CNA's are TOTALLY overworked AND underpaid!

I was one and have never worked so hard in my life for 10.05 an hour!

If CNA's were male dominated fields, the starting salary would be at least 15 bucks an hour if not more!

Oh , and not appreciated AT ALL by the higher up's!

[anotherone, BSN, RN]

most i work with are lazy and will tell you " you are the nurse and you are responsible " while they sit texting. some are GREAT and those get too overworked by some lazy nurses. I never ask the aides to empty any drains. one or two might but the rest dont and I do not excpect them too. If i have a light assignment i will certainly help with vitals. I need them done on time and accurately. However if i am running around paging ortho, gen surg, am geting an admission, a pt is tanking and needs assessment now, another wants pain meds and I think ms. smith needs to be checked as she is incontinent, and ask two aides sitting at the desk to change a patient I DONT WANT TO HEAR A WORD ABOUT " its your patient" if they are sitting there doing nothing.