Being a CNA in the PICU

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · May 6, 2017

I doubt very much that you will have much if any patient contact. PICU is an uber-specialty with all-RN staff. Truthfully, I cannot think of much that a CNA could do in that environment.

Kunzieo · May 7, 2017

Hi, I work in a PICU, and we do have CNAs, but they have more of a desk position. They answer the phones and let people in and out (it's a secured unit) and do daily safety checklists, restock the galley and nurse servers and isolation carts, and sometimes serve as a second (or third) pair of hands during a linen change or bath. They don't do vitals, or give baths or help people to the bathroom. But the ratios in our PICU are pretty good, 1:1 or 1:2, so the nurse usually has time to do all of that, and most honestly prefer to do so, because the charting is so intensive so it's important to keep track of everything and know everything that's going on.

india.thomas1 · May 7, 2017

Oh okay I volunteered in the NICU last year and what you just explained is what I noticed the CNAS doing (mostly desk work and answering phone calls). Thank you :)

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · May 8, 2017

It will depend on the PICU. I hope you got a chance to ask those questions and tour the unit at your interview. My PICU had CNAs, and while they did a lot of running for supplies and answering phones, they also were very valuable members of the team. They would help with care of our more stable kids (the peds floor didn't have monitors, so we got a lot of kids that just needed some observation, but we're super sick): change diapers, empty catheters, hold and play with the babies that needed attention. During bedside procedures, they would be available to bring equipment or supplies as needed. You'll have more opportunity for patient care in some places than others.

india.thomas1 · May 9, 2017

Yes I had the interview there earlier today and they told me what the job entailed. I didn't get a chance to look around though because I wasn't scheduled to have a job shadow but I still want to work in this unit, I'm praying I get the job thank you í ½í¸Š

dreamerachiever, BSN, RN · May 18, 2018

Our floor has CNAs and Nurse techs. The CNAs take vitals, give baths, and assist when neeeded.

aroundtheworldnurse · Apr 29, 2019

On 5/8/2017 at 8:16 PM, india.thomas1 said:
Yes I had the interview there earlier today and they told me what the job entailed. I didn't get a chance to look around though because I wasn't scheduled to have a job shadow but I still want to work in this unit, I'm praying I get the job thank you í ½í¸Š

Did you get the job? If so, what is it like?