calmoseptine

[makes needs known]

In your LTC facility, are cna's legally allowed to apply barrier creams? We use calmoseptine and have just been informed that because of ingredients in it, it needs to be applied by the nurse. I was a cna for many years and I applied barrier creams. It make sense for cna to apply after performing peri-care. I checked ingredients are: zinc and menthol. We have been told because they were written in our tx book that the nurse is suppose to apply. We were told that NY nurses were in trouble/suspended/lost license? for allowing aides to apply creams with peri-care when they bathe patients. What case is our facility referring to? Do you use calmoseptine?

[steelcityrn, RN]

I think the cna's are allowed to use this product. You can buy both over the counter. The reason its on a MAR is to make sure the RN notes that it was done. Skin prep is also documented by the nurse that is was done. I'll wait to see what others have to say on it, but I think they can.

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

In my LTC facility if its on the MAR/TAR then the nurse has to apply it. Its a "doctors order" and there for must be done by the nurse. The powers that be in the facility rationalize it to this..its no different than a doctor ordering tylenol..the CNA can't give the med (even though its an OTC med) the nurse has to, so even with skin barriers, creams, lotions etc..the doc ordered it..the nurse has to to it.

a bit silly, because we can use "nursing judgement" and decide to use a barrier on a patients red bottom and give the CNA a little bit of the barrier cream to apply..but once it becomes a doc order, its on the nurse to apply it.

[caliotter3]

I would think that besides the doctor's order, it is on the TAR to make certain it gets done. However, orders on the MAR/TAR in my facilities did not necessarily result in compliance. How many times the nurses wouldn't even bother to initial off at all, for weeks at a time. Nothing like making it obvious that you aren't doing all of your job.

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

Will the nurses actually comply with this? For example, at one facility I worked for, passing out Ensure was in the MAR, but they always asked us caregivers to give them to the residents.

[Daliadreamer]

At my facility, the CNA's could apply the barrier creams, BUT they were locked up in the med cart with the other meds. The CNA's would have to find the nurse to unlock the med cart, and then the nurse could verify who the CNA was applying the cream to at that moment.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

One of my biggest pet peeves. If it is basic prevention...it shouldn't be on the TAR. I've been asking for ages to have it put on the CNA documentation sheets or now that we have it the computer. I personally don't have time to apply inct barrier after each and ever inct episod on all of my assigned residents. Srlsy...who does?

[Kyrshamarks, BSN, RN]

Good god when are we as nurses going to stop being so anal about things like barrier cream? It is a cream for crying out loud, do we think those poor hard working CNA's are that dumb that they do not know what end the cream goes on? Give them a break. Common sense has certainly left the field.

[RNfaster]

I think it might have to do with medications included in some creams and assessment of improvement, no improvement, etc. Barrier creams without medications are okay for CNAs to apply.

[Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN]

One of my biggest pet peeves. If it is basic prevention...it shouldn't be on the TAR. I've been asking for ages to have it put on the CNA documentation sheets or now that we have it the computer. I personally don't have time to apply inct barrier after each and ever inct episod on all of my assigned residents. Srlsy...who does?

It is on the CNA care plan for some residents who get it. Others its not. If they usually get a cream, we give the cream to the CNA and they apply it when they put them to bed or change them.

I don't have time to apply it and for those who say they do .. well you can come do my treatments then lol

[Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN]

Good god when are we as nurses going to stop being so anal about things like barrier cream? It is a cream for crying out loud, do we think those poor hard working CNA's are that dumb that they do not know what end the cream goes on? Give them a break. Common sense has certainly left the field.

Which is why I let them apply it. They know what residents get it, and they come to me to get the cream or the treatment if a dressing has to be made.

[littlemammanurse, BSN, RN]

The PSWs where I work apply it, they also hang and prepare feeds and flush gtubes.Just depends on facility.