CNA and CPR

Sorry, but that is a stupid policy. CPR is not rocket science & delaying it because the RN is not bedside can only harm the patient.

Totally agree.

It's good to have a CPR certification anyways, even for people not in healthcare. Never know when an accident or emergency happens and you can potentially save someone's life!

I work as a CNA in a hospital and we float units including the ER and we are responsible for calling and starting codes if necessary so I'd def take CPR class but be careful because some facilities require your CPR to be from American Heart Association.We had a few CNAS who were hired that had to retake a CPR class for that reason.

That's the way it is in our facility. Most of our residents are DNR

and even so, there is always at least one (usually 3, 1 on each side of the unit and the unit coordinator) RN within shouting distance....ALWAYS.

It really isn't such a "stupid" policy when you see the actual set up.

Most of our residents are DNR...

Getting hung up on that mentality is why they put that policy in place. They may as well go all the way & make the policy to just call 911. (remember that story & thread?)

Can all three nurses respond to a code instantly? (They never get entangled in a complicated wound dressing, tube feedings, etc?) Or does the other staff stand & watch while a lone RN attempts compressions, breaths, & gathers the info/chart for EMS?

Just strikes me wrong.

Getting hung up on that mentality is why they put that policy in place. They may as well go all the way & make the policy to just call 911. (remember that story & thread?)

Can all three nurses respond to a code instantly? (They never get entangled in a complicated wound dressing, tube feedings, etc?) Or does the other staff stand & watch while a lone RN attempts compressions, breaths, & gathers the info/chart for EMS?

Just strikes me wrong.

Exactly, that is going to be one tired RN when EMS gets there, they might wind up having to do CPR on her/him as well.

That's the way it is in our facility. Most of our residents are DNR

and even so, there is always at least one (usually 3, 1 on each side of the unit and the unit coordinator) RN within shouting distance....ALWAYS.

It really isn't such a "stupid" policy when you see the actual set up.

Our AHA BLS trainer said that there should be three people attending a code until the on call provider gets there. One person does the rescue breathing, one does chest compressions, and one runs the AED. They then switch in order to keep from getting fatigued. Other BLS certified staff may be asked to step in. We always have at least two nurses on duty but with all that needs to be done, CNAs are sometimes called upon to assist with a code.

Since our nurses also take care of the ER, if they have a patient they are attending to, and one of our patients on the floor codes, we have to be the ones to announce the code and start CPR until the ALS staff can take over. I can't imagine doing a code in your facility.

Hospital I'm starting at Monday mandates we have it. And since I'm certified already, I just had to text proof of it to the recruiter that interviewed me on the phone. Made it easier for me.

All programs are going to be different in one way or another. Bottom line, just get a BLS regardless if the program offers it or not. It is better to have it and not need it. Rather than be in a situation where you wish you had it.