Being Asked to Come in and Work as CNA...

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

Wondering how many nurses out there get asked to come in and work on the floor as a CNA.. My employer does this quite often, they have even mandated nurses to come in and work as CNAs. My scheduler called me the other day and asked if I would come in and do a 12 tonight, 4 hours as a CNA and then my regular 8 as a nurse, I did not call her back for fear she would try to mandate me.. I have no interest in working overtime and I have even less interest to work as a CNA. And no, it's not because I think I am better than that or what not.. I have nothing but respect for CNAs, they have the hardest job in healthcare. It's been 12+ years since I worked as an aide and I put myself through school to be a nurse, not a CNA. If I had wanted to work as a CNA I would've saved myself from the student loans, stress, and hardwork..

Anywho, just wondering who else gets asked this and what your thoughts are..

Specializes in Nephrology.

I dont mind as kong as they'll gonna pay as RN rate. That would be awesome. Im an RN but i love beimg a CNA also.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

I sure wouldn't mind it but my facility would never allow it. Nurses have offered to cover a CNA shift and been told absolutely not. They would much rather mandate and pay the overtime CNA wage than pay an RN to perform as a CNA. On very rare occasions there have not been enough CNA's even with mandates, in that case the scheduler worked the floor [she keeps her CNA licensing current for that reason] and/or they just worked short.

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I would definitely go in as a CNA getting paid my nursing pay! Do a few baths, change a couple of diapers, feed a few people their lunch? Of course! Beats the stress of getting med pass done on time, charting, dealing with docs and appointments and other nursley duties! I never had an issue when I was an aid with my work!

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When I worked in assisted living, I enjoyed working as a CNA a few times. No pressures, go to the charge nurse with any issues, and still get my LPN pay.

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I've done it. No biggie.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I would definitely go in as a CNA getting paid my nursing pay! Do a few baths, change a couple of diapers, feed a few people their lunch? Of course! Beats the stress of getting med pass done on time, charting, dealing with docs and appointments and other nursley duties! I never had an issue when I was an aid with my work!

Too bad I can't like this MORE!!!

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Specializes in Psych, LTC/SNF, Rehab, Corrections.

We have this going on, though, management doesn't make a big thing out of it because they don't actually want to pay nurses to work the floor. It's not 'mandated';if it were, there'd be problems.

We're paid LVN and RN wages. I normally don't mind. I get to show up, wipe butts, earn nurse pay and not be in charge? Wonderful. I still pass, though. These days, I don't want to be bothered with nursing or pt's unless I'm working. I just plain don't like nursing well enough to want to do it when I don't have to - not even for more money.

If you don't want to work as an aide that's fine, too. You shouldn't have to preface your statement with 'I respect aides; they work so hard' and blah, blah, blah. I was an aide. You were, too. Their job is hard. Please - in healthcare, everyone's job is hard. If nursing were sooooo 'easy' why are nurses in here so willing to work as aides instead of their real job?

Even if you have a problem with doing 'aide work' - what of it? I work with plenty of LVNs and RNs who'd never come in to work the floor as aides. MOST would have a problem with mandated CNA hours. Don't feel the odd man out. Your opinions are pretty much 'in line' with most nurses that I know.

I sure as hell wouldn't work 4 hours on the floor, then jump behind the cart for another 8. Get outta here.

I need to be working the whole shift as an aide or it's a no-go. By shift's end, I'll either be dealing with sore muscles or a headache.

Either/Or. Not both.

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I'm an LPN... My question is: if you're an LPN, but working in the roll as a CNA, if someone codes, etc., are you held to the standard of a CNA or LPN on that shift??

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I work in Peds/NICU and we are occasionally floated out as aides (the ratio here is 1:10!). We hate it - we haven't done that kind of work in years and really probably aren't the best choices. Also, you're held to your highest degree when you're working - if I miss that high BP or don't move fast enough on the chest pain it's my license - I can't just say "but I was working as an aide!"

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
I'm an LPN... My question is: if you're an LPN, but working in the roll as a CNA, if someone codes, etc., are you held to the standard of a CNA or LPN on that shift??

This is one of those questions for which I've never found an answer, and I have tried! Many times we'll have parallel threads, one like this and one from someone who worked as a CNA while in nursing school and was fired after passing the NCLEX-RN or PN because "you can't work below the level of your license", which makes absolutely zero sense to me considering that the duties of a CNA are well within the RN and LPN scopes of practice.

The closest thing I've found as an answer is that it's a facility-generated decision based on their potential liability only insurance and legal departments understand. I don't think such a restriction has been codified in state laws.

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Make no mistake- I was first and foremost a nurse, but I was a nurse doing 'aide work'. I was still responsible to my license, both ethically and legally, and frankly never gave it a second thought that it would be any other way. I was there to provide care to my residents either way.:yes:

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I was asked to do that countless times when I worked LTC. I refused every time.

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