Can a CNA dictate to nurses?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Can a CNA Dictate,

Without more context on your situation, I'll give you my thoughts.

If the CNA works in the staffing office, then yes, they may be delegated with calling nurses in and sending extra staff home when needed, under the guidelines or staffing matrix provided by their supervisor.  

In this case, they are not working as a CNA but under other job titles, such as scheduling assistants or administrative personnel. They would be given rules to follow, such as a staffing matrix.

They would report to a house supervisor or another nurse manager and do not have the authority to make nursing practice decisions.

For instance, they cannot independently determine patient acuity and dictate subsequent patient care assignments.

 On the unit, nurse managers or charge nurses typically make staffing decisions, including patient care assignments and sending nurses home based on patient acuity, staffing levels, nurses' experience and qualifications, and hospital policies.

If you encounter a CNA attempting to make staffing decisions beyond their scope of practice or authority, it's essential to communicate this concern to the appropriate nursing management or administrative personnel within your healthcare facility.

Clear lines of communication and adherence to established protocols are crucial in maintaining a safe and well-organized healthcare environment.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth