CNA issue

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This isn't a rant about CNA's....just one in particular. We have CNA who work all three shifts per diem. She is in nursing school, but I am not sure how far along in the program she is. Well the issue is, she is a complete LOUD MOUTH, KNOW IT ALL! She has told me several times "if the nurse doesn't call the MD, I will notify the director. If so and so nurse doesn't call the director, I will. " and so on and so on. Who is the one in charge here? She undermines the charge nurses authority. Unfortunately, everyone seems to just brush it under the rug because she always picks up shifts.

She will ask me things like why wasn't a xray ordered? How come this patient isn't on ABX? If I explain that the Dr. was notified and there were no new orders...she can't let it go. She is overstepping her bounds. If she was asking to learn what the rational behind the nursing orders were, I would be more than happy. But she is completely accusational.

Speaking as a CNA and student nurse, I think I may be able to add a little insight. Now, there are a few differences between myself and this particular person, from what I've read in your post. These differences being that I am in nursing school, all be it the first semester, but still, and I work in a pain management office, not a hospital. So, my job duties are far different, and I have actually been asked to do a number of things by the staff that I'm sure I wasn't supposed to if going by the SOP, etc.

Anyway, maybe she's thinking she will look "smarter" by asking these questions, like she's reading ahead, paying extra attention in class, etc. But, she may need to be put in her place and be informed that even though she may have learned this or that in school, she is working as a CNA and due to that, she is entitled to information that affects her job. Will she bathe the patient less if he's had a X-Ray ordered? And, as far as medications, I'd think that the only med it would matter if she was informed of would be a blood thinner because of turning, etc.

As far as calling the director, next time, I'd dial the phone and hand it to her. You're doing your job, and she's stepping over a lot of lines!

Oh, and I've had it go a different way. I came in from class one day, and the doctor asked me how class had been that day, I told him we had checked off on med adminstration. Two days later, he asked me to give a B-12 injection for him because the nurse was busy. I refused, he look puzzled, and I quietly asked to speak with him in the hall. I told him that I was working under my CNA and as such I wouldn't give an injection for him, period, until I recieve my RN! If he wanted someone to work at our office and be able to do my job and give injections, he should hire an MA!

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I am a PCA and a student nurse, and I've read all of the replies to this question. I'm wondering why not just be straight with her? "I'm getting the impression by the way you are coming across when you ask me these questions that you think I'm not acting in the best interest of the patient." or "I don't mind answering your questions but I feel like you are accusing me of something." Isn't it easier to just be straight and honest with people?

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I am a PCA and a student nurse, and I've read all of the replies to this question. I'm wondering why not just be straight with her? "I'm getting the impression by the way you are coming across when you ask me these questions that you think I'm not acting in the best interest of the patient." or "I don't mind answering your questions but I feel like you are accusing me of something." Isn't it easier to just be straight and honest with people?

I think you make an excellent point and I am going this route

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I have had this before from CNAs who are nursing students. Sometimes it is because they dont realize that even though you as the nurse have done everything that can be done and the benefits and risks of doing said procedure and value was evaluated by the interdisciplinary team. They think everyone is evil, nursing students. I will admit, I did too, because I didn't completely understand the whole situation. If you feel like being an informal mentor, explain to her that not everything can always be done by "what the books have taught her" especially in long term care, but that does not mean the staff is being negligent, and how dare she imply these accusations, if she really means them

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Specializes in LTC, home health, critical care, pulmonary nursing.

She would last about 20 minutes with me.

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

I had an aide once that I finally had to haul into the shower room..things were pretty heated between us (and not from shower room steam). I finally yelled "When you get your license we might do it your way but today we are gonna do IT MY WAY". This was with a cocky 20 some year old male CNA. Eventually he quit & I thought that was the end of that. But, I must have really made an impression because years later he showed back up in my life looking for a job again. Day one, he smiles sweetly at me and says "I have a license now..can we do it my way"? Lucky for him he grew up & turned out to be a pretty darn good nurse.

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The CNA is practicing licensed nursing without a license. The CNA is legally not allowed to be assessing the res. or supervising the Lic. nurses work. My guess is this bully is too busy trying to control the licensed nurses that they are not getting their work done. You can get out the employee handbook and file a grievance against this CNA in writing. When you meet with the admin. make sure that you inform them that she is practicing outside of her scope and interfereing with your ability to do your job. Watch her work closely if she does anything wrong, any res. complaints, documentation errors bring this to the admin. attention to.

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