CNA allowed skills

[johndough]

Are CNA's allowed to perform glucose check test? or is it okay to be trained to remove patient IV's as a CNA? or give medicated eye drops to patients?

Some of the skills are pretty basic like glucose test, which I know how to do. I work in an ambulatory surgery center and in home care. My clients in home care usually ask me to give them med eye drops which puts me in a dilemma. If I don't do it, no one will.

I'm more concerned on performing these tasks as someone with a CNA title. If I were a PCT, I know I can do more invasive skills. Any thoughts?

A nurse asked me in the surgery center to check pt glucose. She looked at me like I'm stupid because I hesitated. It's one of those prick test, so it involves pricking a pt.

I live in AZ. I'm just trying to protect my butt in case something bad happens. If I made a mistake and lead to a pt misery and they sue the center, I don't know if I should have been performing those tasks.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

At my workplace, CNAs perform finger stick blood glucose testing with glucometers and lancets. In the state where I live, CNAs may administer medicated eye drops if they have attained cartification as a medication aide.

[cd365c]

In Ohio, apparently there are classes to get certification in starting and discontinuing IV's as a PCT. Obviously, you can't push meds, but the trend is to delegate increasing responsibility to the PCTs. It is already a very common practice to have PCT's who do phlebotomy draws and dressing changes in the ER. One interesting thing that stopped being delegated to non-licensed personnel was inserting foleys. The problem was sterility wasn't being maintained (lots of infection)!

Not very helpful to living in Arizona, but it is an interesting discussion.

[duskyjewel]

I live in Arizona and when I worked in the hospital, the CNAs did the blood sugar checks. Where I work now, it's a nurse task. So it seems that legally, we can, but company policies vary.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Check with the agency that issued your CNA certification regarding administering eye drops. In my state that might only be permitted in LTC or assisted living if you have the certified medication aide credential. Never in home care.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

There is no standard answer. You will always need to check with your employer's policies and procedures to find out exactly what tasks you are allowed to do. If anyone asks you to do something that is not on that list, just respectfully decline and tell him/her why.

[VampyrSlayer, CNA]

Not to hijack, but are CNAs typically allowed to fill nebulizers?

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Not to hijack, but are CNAs typically allowed to fill nebulizers?

Not in my state. Respiratory therapist, RN or LPN except LTC/AL if certified med aide for scheduled nebs not PRN.