CNA question

[ann22]

So I am working on my general ed classes for RN school. Well I will be as of this summer! I am thinking of taking the CNA class and working a couple of days a week as a CNA to gain experience. My question is what does a CNA do in a hospital setting? I know clean the bed pan and bodily fluids, but what else. Any CNA's could you tell me what an average day is like.

[1uvakindmom]

I did some time as a CNA myself, but only in nursing home/assisted living. I am about to gradutate PN school and can tell you what I observed the CNAs doing in the hospitals while I was there during clinicals. They would take the morning vitals on the stable patients, assists with toileting, bedpans, ADLs as needed, feed pts who need help, observe fall risk/psych pts, do the blood sugars, etc. In other parts of the hospital, or in more urban hospitals, you can take CNA up a notch (and get paid more) if you do EKGs, catheters, blood draws, etc. They are usually called Pt Techs or something similar. Good luck to you in whatever you decide and hope I have helped.

~Missy

[nkara, CNA]

I work in a hospital and CNA's and this is what I normally do on a shift.

1. do vital signs on all patients.

2. check incontinent patients and change them.

3 perform blood draws when needed

4. perform ekg's when needed

5. help with new admissions

6. sit for CO's. (constant observation patients)

This is typical for night shift. On days you would do more as far as cleaning patients. Bed baths, helping with personal care, feeding, etc.

Hope this helps.

I think if your going to be a nurse going into a hospital setting as a CNA is a positive idea. You get to see exactly what is needed for your job. Thinking that once you get your RN license you won't have to do the "dirty" work is also an incorrect thought. Make sure you can handle everything that nursing entails.

Good luck:up:

[donnamac723]

I have had my CNA license since I was 16 years old and depending on where you work, your duties will vary. Pretty much everywhere you will be making beds, handling soiled sheets/materials, taking vital signs, transporting patients from place to place, helping patients to and from the bathroom, giving bed baths, putting patients on bedpans, washing their hair etc. When I worked in a nursing home though, CNAs when they had a slow moment or on down time, we would soak the female patients nails and give them a quick manicure, more so sort of for fun and it makes the patient feel good. Regardless of where you work, CNA work is hard, laborous and you often feel like you are low man on the totem poll--and its true. I have found that a lot of people make you feel small but you have to keep your head up and remind yourself that you are working to make your patients feel good, make money, and get experience. Good luck!!!!