How would you, as an LPN, feel about a CNA being YOUR supervisor? I've been a nurse for almost 20 years, and this really ticks me off. Is this even legal? I recently started a new job, at a new facility, and the staffing coordinator has the title of Nursing Coordinator. The chain of command....her then the D.O.N. I have no problem with an LPN being my supervisor, I was a nursing supervisor for a few years, but a CNA? PLEASE!!!!!! She and the D.O.N are good friends, but still she should not have the title as Nursing Coordinator AND be the direct "supervisor" of LPN's, or can she? I just don't agree with this, and it has me totally upset, ticked. That would be the samething as me supervising RN's, atleast I would think so. She is a CNA, never has been to nursing school, so how can she tell US what to do, or how to do it? Something is totally wrong with this picture. Thing is, she even acts like she's an LPN. Honestly, I thought she was until the other day when I found out different. Just wanted to know what someone else's oppinion is on this. Thanks.
I did some soul-searching after reading through these posts, and have discovered something not so pretty about myself: It IS about the title with me! I DO take offense if a CNA tells me how to do my job. I DO feel like I am "above" CNA's. Eewww. That is not a very pleasant revelation. I honestly didn't realize that I felt that way. Thank you, everyone for helping me figure that out. Now I can work on getting over my over-inflated ego and maybe listen to my aides more closely. If I'm not careful, I might learn something. :selfbonk:
Oh my goodness I did not know such situations existed. I don't know if I would want a CNA telling me anything about my job. I would have a word with HR.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
The concept of CNAs fulfilling supervisory and managerial roles within the healthcare facility is nothing new. In my area, these positions are titled differently, but all tend to be filled by competent CNAs in order to save labor costs. The company saves money by hiring a CNA to assume these roles.
The roles of "nursing home administrator," "nursing coordinator," "staffing director," "central supply manager," "director of staff development," "medical records director," "staffing coordinator," and "health claims analyst" have all been filled by smart CNAs. Again, this does not bother me because I'd rather earn my money without the headache of being a manager or supervisor. If they want these jobs, let 'em have them.
I prefer these jobs because they let me go to school and clinicals and work a full time job without killing myself physically. Going to school after 8 hours on the floor is bleh... :)
Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.
Stanley, I don't blame you a bit. I think with your military background, you most likely have more managerial expertise than most.
I am with Commuter: nothing wrong at all with CNAs performing these functions. It's been done in my area forever, and has never been an issue. Most BONs have guidelines regarding oversight of clinical functions and delegation. As long as those guidelines are adhered to, then there should be no problem.
[quote=dixieedarlin;At our facility recently, we were told that CNA II's could change colostomy bags, do treatments, etc........sometimes that is threatening because it seems we go to school longer and now CNA's can do a lot of what we are doing"
As a nurses aide in 1976 I was doing much of that, including soap suds enemas til clear for colonoscopies in the morning (I was working 11-7)
It amazes me still that I have CNA who refuse to change/empty a colostomy bag
sorry, saved then tried to edit, and wasn't allowed to..
The staffing co-ordinators where I currently work(LTC) have always been "civilians"- non nursing people. They have the guidlines from the higher ups, (such as census is down, 3 CNAs as aooposed to 4) and have done a wonderul job. (Though sometimes I do question if they have actualoy made calls trying to replace a call in)
ADONs have been either LVN or RN; makes no difference to me.
None of them have ever pitched in on the floor in a pinch
"What I meant was that nurses learn nursing. They don't learn leadership or managerial skills."
I have to disagree with this statement. Nurses are taught about delegation, different styles/approachs to take in managing the staff, etc. It might vary from state to state, but leadership skills are a big part of nursing.
"What I meant was that nurses learn nursing. They don't learn leadership or managerial skills."
I have to disagree with this statement. Nurses are taught about delegation, different styles/approachs to take in managing the staff, etc. It might vary from state to state, but leadership skills are a big part of nursing.
I did not mean they did not take classes. I mean they did not learn. Leadership and management skills are not learned in the classroom. They are learned by practice.
Trust me, we pick up those skills quickly. At least I had to. Your unit won't run if you can't guide the staff. Especially for those evening and night shifts when a DON/ADON aren't readily available and you might have one supervisor.
Atheos
2,098 Posts
Bleh! Nevermind, it's not working for me...