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?
Specializes in UR/PA, Hematology/Oncology, Med Surg, Psych.
I was wondering, were you at a long term care place? It is common knowledget that experienced CNAs in long term care facilties take "short cuts." It might be with hygeine but with a heavy patient load, sometimes short cuts have to take place..
Certainly experienced nurses and CNAs learn 'short cuts' over time. But ethical health care workers do not use ones that compromise patient care and safety. They do not use 'short cuts' that break the law, are fraudulent, or could potentially harm their patients. So called "mirror charting" does all of the above. Having a heavy patient load is not an excuse for poor care.
...But ethical health care workers do not use ones that compromise patient care and safety. They do not use 'short cuts' that break the law are fraudulent, or could potentially harm their patients. So called "mirror charting" does all of the above...[/quote']
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. 
dream'n, BSN, RN
1,162 Posts
Certainly experienced nurses and CNAs learn 'short cuts' over time. But ethical health care workers do not use ones that compromise patient care and safety. They do not use 'short cuts' that break the law, are fraudulent, or could potentially harm their patients. So called "mirror charting" does all of the above. Having a heavy patient load is not an excuse for poor care.