CNA in L&D

chadash · Jul 5, 2006

Hey everybody! I'm currently a CNA student and Iw as wondering what exactly a CNA does in the L&D department. For some reason, I'm not into the whole idea of working in nursing homes...I always feel depressed.... and I was just wanted any suggestions or feedback for L&D or any other department. Thanks a bunch.

Congrats on getting your CNA! Best wishes!

NurseKittyAtlanta · Jul 5, 2006

Congratulations on your CNA. I hope you enjoy your new career. In L&D (as well as many other units) you will do many duties such as taking vital signs, ambulating patients (such as after a C section), assisting with hygiene, changing bed linens, assisting patients to the restroom (some patients are unsteady on their feet especially after an epidural), and anything else that may fall within your scope as a CNA. Depending on the facility, you may also "fill in" for the unit secretary on occasion which would involve answering the telephone, ordering meal trays, some basic filing, directing visitors, etc. You will definitely stay busy and never be bored. There is always something to do. :-)

SilentfadesRPA · Jul 5, 2006

Should there be no openings or you are having difficulty getting a position I would consider voluntering (SP) on a LD you want to work at.

Marc

KellNY, RN · Jul 12, 2006

At my hosptial, the only patient care a CNA does in L&D is transport, once in a while a finger stick for gdm/iddm. Their main jobs are stocking the supply carts, setting up the birth tables (sterile), running (to pharm, central supply, specimin receiving, etc), stripping rooms, etc.

And if it matters to you, they're never there for the deliveries.

Antepartum and Post Partum CNAs have a lot more patient interaction.

Suebee6 · Jul 13, 2006

We have OB techs in our L and D department (we are strictly L and D, no PP) they scrub for sections, set up vag delivery tables, attend vag deliveries and assist docs and us (hand them sutures, bring us the scale..) and help us transport patients.