Caregiver

[MechelleMyBell]

I wasn't sure where to post this. I hope someone can help me. I am a Certified Medical Assistant and can't find a job so I took a position as a caregiver through an agency.

i do know a little bit about being a CNA but it's been years.

anyway, it was my understanding as a caregiver/companion I was suppose to help with meals, cleaning, Dr. Appts and hygiene needs as needed and be a companion.

My first day was with a dementia patient who was on hospice. He had a CNA and nurse come once during my 12 hour shift. The family was giving moraine throughout the day. My supervisor told me to empty his catheter and measure his urine every 2 hours and also to turn him every 2 hours and record this info. Not a problem but I want to make sure I'm not over stepping what the CNA should be doing. It doesn't say anything like this in my job description and I have a CMA that I don't want to lose for a dumb misunderstanding.

can someone plz help. Thank you.

[caliotter3]

Actually a CNA should be doing that, but there should be no problem since you were trained as a CMA. You could consider getting a CNA/HHA certification if you don't mind the added expense and duplication of what you covered in your MA course. That way, you could work for higher wages in an agency providing more than non-medical care.