Ok, so as I posted before I am taking CNA classes for the NS. Today was my 2nd day of clinicals, and I observed some practices that other "real" CNA do, and I am not sure they are doing the right thing. Just a couple examples: In charts they are charting for July 27, 28, 29, while it's only the 26th. They charted that resident K. had 50% food intake and 300 ml. fluid during the day shift on the 29th!!!!!! 2 days FROM now. They also charted that resident V. had 1 BM, was anxious and restless, and they changed him 2X (briefs) and walked him outside for 10 minutes. Again, this was under July 29th. When asked, they told me that it's called "mirror charting" when they chart ahead based on the "usual behavior and numbers" for this particular resident. So, if I usually have 1 bm, and eat 50% of my lunch, they will chart that for the whole week on Monday!!!! They also did the same thing with vitals: pulse, BP, etc.
Am I just jumping to the wrong conclusions, or should I talk to the nurse?
Yes, I'd report this; but don't be surprised if your concerns are brushed off. I'm betting the other nurses know exactly what these CNAs are doing.
Oh, I agree. It seems administration doesn't listen to aides (at least where I work) and only listen to the nurses who are thorns in their sides.
You can try though. At least do that. I don't think you'll get them to change their minds about how they chart but at least administration will know. And you could report it to the state.
doesn't the state when they come in and make their rounds don't they check the charting and the care plans ? talk about false documents. and hasn't there been alot of places getting fines ? i would go report it seriously.
I told the nurse (the only RN I could find there), she told us , the trainees that "Oh, yeah, CNAs have a lot to do, so they chart based on usual behavior, when they have a minute. Some CNA's have been here for years, and know what Jane or Joe Resident usually do, they are experienced"
Our own nurse instructor, an RN with a 20 years of experience told us that "That's not OK, but tha's what they do".....
So, yes, I agree with the apathy part.
I think I will let the DON know. NOT SURE it will change anything, but I just have ths nagging feeling that something bad is going to happen because of this behavior.
well if the state comes in and they inspect the charting. lets say the c.n.a has charted for john doe on july 30 when its only july 26 , john doe passes away on the 27. i wonder how wo explain that including the facilty?
DO NOT LET THEM BULLY YOU INTO THIS....I would actually fire you for this, and have fired past employees for charting that x resident came to x and x social for the next 3 weeks because "they always come to socials".....well, I base my quarterly notes on what you chart because I can't always make it out there.....
DO NOT DO THIS....our hospital actually has a computer system now that vitals must be charted on as we go...we can back date but only for same day/shift......NEVER ahead...this "future charting" is a good way for them to blame you when something happens and good luck ever getting another CNA job.
I'd let the DON know, maybe through a "anyomous" call, say you were a student there last semester and this has been bugging you since.....I bet the Head nurse may be unawares...but apathy is unexcusable...when did nurses quit caring?
That sort of laziness is also illegal. What if the patient gets dicharged or transferred or has an emergency prior to the charted dates & times? How will the CNA explain that?
I told the nurse (the only RN I could find there), she told us , the trainees that "Oh, yeah, CNAs have a lot to do, so they chart based on usual behavior, when they have a minute. Some CNA's have been here for years, and know what Jane or Joe Resident usually do, they are experienced"
Our own nurse instructor, an RN with a 20 years of experience told us that "That's not OK, but tha's what they do".....
So, yes, I agree with the apathy part.
I think I will let the DON know. NOT SURE it will change anything, but I just have ths nagging feeling that something bad is going to happen because of this behavior.
Experience does not give them the ability to see into the future. So what happens if the I&Os change the next day drastically and they have to go back and change the "mirror charting?" I believe re-writing a chart without documenting the change is illegal as well.
This sounds like a BAD and LAZY practice and you are right to bring it up to the DON.
Oh my goodness, I've seen people chart at 8 and 12 for flow sheets, but never DAYS!!! I just cannot believe that! I have worked as a CNA prior to becoming a nurse, and my hospital would never permit such events. I would seriously think about if this is a place that you would want to stay employed with, as it may present come serious complications down the road. It is better to protect yourself and do what's right, however, it seems to me that you alread know! Good Luck
Ok, so as I posted before I am taking CNA classes for the NS. Today was my 2nd day of clinicals, and I observed some practices that other "real" CNA do, and I am not sure they are doing the right thing. Just a couple examples: In charts they are charting for July 27, 28, 29, while it's only the 26th. They charted that resident K. had 50% food intake and 300 ml. fluid during the day shift on the 29th!!!!!! 2 days FROM now. They also charted that resident V. had 1 BM, was anxious and restless, and they changed him 2X (briefs) and walked him outside for 10 minutes. Again, this was under July 29th. When asked, they told me that it's called "mirror charting" when they chart ahead based on the "usual behavior and numbers" for this particular resident. So, if I usually have 1 bm, and eat 50% of my lunch, they will chart that for the whole week on Monday!!!! They also did the same thing with vitals: pulse, BP, etc.
Am I just jumping to the wrong conclusions, or should I talk to the nurse?
Thanks! :uhoh21:
They are breaking the law!. If working under me they would be fired period. No second chance for this! And I would report them to the state.:angryfire
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Am I just jumping to the wrong conclusions, or should I talk to the nurse?
Don't talk to the nurse, because (s)he probably knows that the charting is being completed ahead of time. Keep your mouth shut.
In addition, these CNAs are falsifying the medical records of their patients, which is a grimly serious offense. They would be up the creek without a paddle if they documented that the patient had a BM on the 29th, but the patient ended up deceased on the 28th. In this hypothetical situation, the falsification of medical records would really be exposed.
That sort of laziness is also illegal. What if the patient gets dicharged or transferred or has an emergency prior to the charted dates & times? How will the CNA explain that?
When asked, they told me that it's called "mirror charting" when they chart ahead based on the "usual behavior and numbers" for this particular resident. So, if I usually have 1 bm, and eat 50% of my lunch, they will chart that for the whole week on Monday!!!! They also did the same thing with vitals: pulse, BP, etc. 
EmmaG, RN
2,999 Posts
Holy crap!
Yes, I'd report this; but don't be surprised if your concerns are brushed off. I'm betting the other nurses know exactly what these CNAs are doing.