CNA straight cathing and giving suppository?????????

[Stone06]

I recently started a new job and last night was asked to job shadow another aide at a clients residence. The client is on a bowel program that includes giving a suppository and inserting the catheter into his member. I was not taught to do this in my CNA training. I am not really sure how to address this with my employer. I am willing to do both of these things, but I should be fairly compensated. I am sure the employer has never had anyone call them on this, but what should I do something I'm not licensed to do for half the pay. Any suggestions?

[Lizzie21]

I know that some hospitals in Colorado will train CNAs how to do extra things and then test out of them. I would highly suggest looking at your scope of practice for your state. I also think it's a good idea to talk to your employer about your concerns. Ask them if they will train you how to do these skills and if you'll get compensated for it. It never hurt to ask.

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

Hmmm...a CNA giving suppositories? I work in NC, and I am pretty sure this is out of their scope of practice since it is technically administering a med.

[ktwlpn, LPN]

QUOTE>>>I recently started a new job and last night was asked to job shadow another aide at a clients residence. The client is on a bowel program that includes giving a suppository and inserting the catheter into his member >>>QUOTE

I understand this to mean the OP is referring to a home care situation. The scope of practice for the cna is very different in that setting then in LTC or acute care and as we all know it also varies from state to state and even within each state. If you are not comfortable ( I would not be,either) I don't see anything wrong with your asking for training in these procedures from a licensed nurse instead of from another cna. There can be problems such as infection or injury if these procedures are not done correctly. Good Luck.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

All answers have addressed the responsibility/legal issues, which some may consider a priority. But don't forget, OP's question is whether she is expected to do these things without being "fairly compensated."

I'm not sure that she's worried about liability or ability - she wants to request higher compensation for performing these tasks.

[wooh, BSN, RN]

Hmmm...a CNA giving suppositories? I work in NC, and I am pretty sure this is out of their scope of practice since it is technically administering a med.

Not if it's glycerin. Then it's pretty much just bowel stim.

[JDZ344]

Not if it's glycerin. Then it's pretty much just bowel stim.

That is considered a med here, and we would not be allowed to give it as it is a prescription item in the hospitals. We are not even allowed to apply TED stockings as they have to be prescribed and signed off on the MAR- and only an nurse can sign off on it.

[MissJulie]

During my training, we were never taught to do either of these things. Putting the patient in the proper position for the procedure, sure, but not the performance of the actual procedure. As far as I know, in Kentucky, both of these procedures are administered by a nurse. The reason being that the suppository, even if OTC, is still a medication; think about it, in a hospital, nurses have to have a doctor's order for tylenol, which is OTC. Also, cathing a patient is considered to be an invasive procedure (duh!) and is hence performed by a nurse.

I'd double check with the employer and, of course, the nurse acts for your state.

[nursel56]

HHAs in my state can be trained to do catheter insertions if they want to but I doubt very much they will be paid extra for it. The job market is a "seller's market" right now, and it is reflected in the attitudes of many employers these days.

[Batman25]

Hospital RN and our CNAs don't do either.

[smartnurse1982]

I fail to see it as great that some cnas can straight cath or give a supp.

This is one of the main reasons why new grad nurses can't find jobs.

I don't get why would someone take on that much if they aren't getting paid for it.

As someone pointed out,sure they get taught the skills but do they know the how and why?

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

I fail to see it as great that some cnas can straight cath or give a supp.

This is one of the main reasons why new grad nurses can't find jobs.

I'm failing to see the correlation.

[newway]

I would think the nurse in charge of that patient would have the biggest problem with this. To be honest it is not that more much responsibility for the CNA. If they mess something up it’s the RN’s problem not theirs. CNA’s are grossly underpaid for what they do. But I don’t see that changing.