what should CNA's carry at all times?

[NatashaArian]

I am starting CNA training in 2 weeks, I would like to know what I should carry around with me while I work. should I have my stethoscope at all times? what do I need to keep in my pockets? is there anything that I shouldnt carry?

I like to be prepared for any situation at all times, I see nurses and cna's with those little pocket organizers all the time, are those a good idea?

your input will be most appreciated.

[AnxiousStrawberry]

In my pockets I normally carry: handsanatizer, an extra pair or two of gloves, a black pen, another colored pen, a highlighter, and my assisgnment sheet.

[CoffeemateCNA]

I also carry a Sharpie for labeling residents' personal care items (boxes of gloves, barrier cream, etc.) and for lab specimen containers.

Post-its are always great for writing down observations or vital signs to give to the nurse and for reminding yourself to do something.

Gait belt, of course.

I also ALWAYS carry my cell phone. Technically it's against policy but it's never stopped me before. I don't use it when I'm working -- not even for texting or checking the time. It stays strictly in my pocket. I keep it there for safety reasons. Most staff members will not answer call lights unless they are their own. There have been emergency situations (i.e., resident suicide attempts, grand mal seizures) where I or another CNA wasn't able to leave the room to go get help. And, of course, I put the call light on but nobody ever came. I was able to whip out my phone, call the front desk or the nurses station and yell for them to run/send somebody down here. I would rather get in trouble for having a cell phone than risk being involved in other more serious issues, if you know what I mean (plus my phone would get stolen if I didn't keep it on me ).

[NatashaArian]

I never thought of post-its, good one. But what about steth? bandage scissors? tourniquets?

[annacnatorn]

Your first day on the floor will be (past History) usually orientation. Look around, get a visual. IN my pockets I had:

1. phone...emergency use only set to silent

2. hand sanitizer

3. gloves

4. note pad of some sort

5. black pen (sometimes I would wear the pen around my neck on a chain, then tuck it back in after making notations..I hate loosing pens)

6. Assignment sheet

7. creams/ointments

8. Vital sign apparatus

9. DONT FORGET YOUR WATCH! YOU WILL NEED IT

Your pockets will get heavy but as you work the floor you will learn how to use it then loose it..what I mean by that it, you will first take v/s, get your linens together per pt, assemble the supplies you need for initial run, then work from there.

Dont forget "TEAM WORK" There is no I in team work, you help them, they help you.

Also, dont forget that you will be assigned to follow another CNA, she will be your preceptor, sometimes they are not so happy to do this as it adds to the work they are doing, but if you start out by saying "thankyou for taking me on..." you should be all right. I was always HAPPY to get a student...I got help and I got to teach.

Good Luck!

Ps..dont forget to wear cotton socks and forget crock shoes, they offer no protection at all and are full of holes, yes they are comfortable, but not a good choice. This is my opinion.

good luck! enjoy the wonderful world of nursing

[JDZ344]

I keep:

A tourniquet

Utillity scissors

Transpore tape

IV caps for d/c fluids and capping the line

Handover sheet

Pens

I think thats all.

[annacnatorn]

Duh....I forgot Gait belt...You will need it!

If you need anything else, they will tell you

[CoffeemateCNA]

Stethoscope? Most people don't carry them. It's just more weight. I sometimes carry mine in my pocket if I know I will have a lot of vital signs to take during the shift.

Bandage scissors? If you find small ones, they are handy to have around. I have a cheap pair of blunt child safety scissors that I keep in my pocket.

Tourniquet? You won't need it unless you are working in a hospital and are trained in phlebotomy.

[e71x]

Things I carry in my pocket are:

1. EKG monitor leads

2. Lister scissors

3. Black pen

4. Permanent marker

5. Medical tape

6. Sheet of paper where I write vitals and I&O

7. Hairclip when I don't want my bangs falling in my face while I'm prepping a PT

8. Our beeper

9. My mobile phone

I don't carry my stethoscope but I keep it in my locker just in case.

We use digital BP machine.

[Ev1987]

An extra set of gloves, hand sanitizer, pen, paper and ID.

[Poi Dog]

-hand sanitizer

-black Sharpie and regular pen

-highlighter

-gloves

-cell phone in pants pocket

-alcohol wipes

[eveningsky339, LPN]

I also ALWAYS carry my cell phone. Technically it's against policy but it's never stopped me before. I don't use it when I'm working -- not even for texting or checking the time. It stays strictly in my pocket. I keep it there for safety reasons. Most staff members will not answer call lights unless they are their own. There have been emergency situations (i.e., resident suicide attempts, grand mal seizures) where I or another CNA wasn't able to leave the room to go get help. And, of course, I put the call light on but nobody ever came. I was able to whip out my phone, call the front desk or the nurses station and yell for them to run/send somebody down here. I would rather get in trouble for having a cell phone than risk being involved in other more serious issues, if you know what I mean (plus my phone would get stolen if I didn't keep it on me ).

I always carry a cellphone for the same reason, but I would call 911 before I dared to call the nurse's desk. Many residents have died in my facility because the nursing staff has no idea how to respond to emergency situations. I remember one incident in particular where a resident began having difficulty breathing at the start of the night shift, but the charge nurse didn't know what to do. So she waited for the day nurse to come to discuss it, but she didn't know what to do either, so they called 911. Of course, the resident was dead on arrival.