what should CNA's carry at all times?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

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. :D

Specializes in LTC.

Black pen

chapstick

pocket watch

assignment sheet

butt cream

gait belt (around my shoulders)

name badge- it annoys me so I usually stick it in my pocket then if the admin is around I put it back on.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think that having the cell for emergency use is a must have. At the last facility I worked at I was helping a resident in the bathroom when the door locked us inside. Like the others have said it was against policy to have a phone on you but was so glad that I did. Who is going to answer one of my call lights (no one). Anyway, I was able to contact the front desk and they were able to let the resident and I out.

Things that I carried with me were:

Sharpie pen

at least 2 writing pens

1 to 2 pairs of gloves

cell phone

my vitals sheet

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CNA.

Resumes. :lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

no cell phone in my pocket... I would probally drop it in the toilet anyhow.

Gait belt is around my waist.

sharpie for marking briefs- i buy a laundry one so I can also mark clothes if i need to

2 pens-black

crib sheet.

Thats it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg, Home Health.

Depends on your facility setup. Glove boxes in all rooms? If so, just carry a pair or two. If, like in my facility, gloves only live in one or two central rooms by managerial edict, buy a fanny pack, wear it in front, and stuff it with as many gloves as you can carry.

And...I work in an ALF, where supposedly we don't need a gait belt. I still make sure to bring one with me.

This is just an example. Here are the things I carry and why I carry them:

When doing caregiving (which in my facility only seldom involves vital signs)

Fanny pack:

3/4 of a box of gloves inside

Hand sanitizer

Sharpie

Pen or two

Clear plastic bags - about 8 of them. They are like gold in my facility, and hoarded like gold.

Assignment sheet

Left pocket:

Facility phone

Right pocket:

My own phone, set to silent

On the other hand, when I'm doing the prescription inhalers/creams round instead of caregiving, the setup looks like this:

Fanny pack:

BP cuff

Some gloves

Some of the smaller prescribed items

Sharpie

Pens (several)

Right pocket:

My own phone, set to silent

Temporal thermometer

Alcohol wipes for temporal thermometer

Left pocket:

Facility phone

Hand sanitizer

Around neck:

Stethoscope

In back pants pocket:

List of vitals and weights to be taken, in back pocket so it can be separated from all the rest of the jumble I have crammed everywhere else

So much depends on what you're doing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

awesome, thanks for the advise. now i know what i need to buy this weekend.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You might want to wait until you start your first day. You will get a good understanding on what you need and WHY you need it.

In Hospital floor I had no Steth because we used auto BP

Pen (s)

Floor sheet (of all pt in what rooms with space to write i/o, vital, BG

blank sheet of paper to write ehat rooms needed what linens, set ups, etc

2 extra pairs of gloves - rooms had gloves but not in the hallways...you never know :D

alcohol wipes.

Butt cream (gold there !)

Name tag was ALWAYS ON !!

Everything was there that I needed.

ER was about the same but I didn't keep the pt list -duh- just a very small notebook to write things down.

extra gloves - you never know if you have to run outside

pens

Scissors

PAPER medical tape - HOARDED IT !!!

For those of you that don't know Paper tape, it sticks but is NOT hard on the skin BE KIND TO YOUR ELDERLY !!! Their skin is like paper and rips easily. This tape is also not as bad on people that have tape allergies .

In Dr Office...... Steth and pens that was it.

I have not worked in a LTF LTC what ever one you call it

So you see it is very different in different settings

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you work in LTC, I highly recommend the paper tape. The nurse gives me a roll from the treatment cart, and I keep it with me until I use it all up. The tape comes in handy for ripped briefs -- you can use the tape and "salvage" it without having to throw it away and get a new one. It saves the facility's/residents' money.

The alcohol wipes are so important too. Always grab a big handful and stick them in your pocket. Too many CNAs try to get by without any type of infection control. Stethoscope bells/diaphragms, pulse ox cables, etc., really should be wiped down between usages. There may not be too many microorganisms on them (or maybe there are?), but at least it gives the resident a little bit more confidence in you to know that you are going after the small details. Also essential for changing Foley reservoir bags.

A small tube of lotion for yourself is essential, too. My hands get extremely dried out from all of the handwashing we have to do. I've found that if I put on lotion between every 2-3 residents, I'm much more willing to wash my hands between everyone and be safer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Hospice.

I have been working in LTC for five years now. In my pockets I carry: extra gloves, a couple of pens, my cell phone-set to silent, facility pager that is connected to our call light system, a small notebook and a couple of extra small size garbage bags. Gait belt is considered part of our uniform, so I wear it loosely around my waste for easy access. I also have a messenger type bag that I carry from room to room in the morning while getting everyone up and also keep handy for toileting and such. I fill this with baby wipes, baby oil gel, my own stethesope, cuff and temple thermometer, handy wipes, room deodorizer spray, extra pens, baby powder, a&d ointment packets, alcohol wipes, a bottle of water or gatorade, a box of granola bars or other such small snack item, a mini sewing kit, nail clippers, hand lotion for me, hand sanitizer and a Tide stain erase pen. I am always adding stuff to it, I like to be prepared.

Nicole

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have been working in LTC for five years now. In my pockets I carry: extra gloves, a couple of pens, my cell phone-set to silent, facility pager that is connected to our call light system, a small notebook and a couple of extra small size garbage bags. Gait belt is considered part of our uniform, so I wear it loosely around my waste for easy access. I also have a messenger type bag that I carry from room to room in the morning while getting everyone up and also keep handy for toileting and such. I fill this with baby wipes, baby oil gel, my own stethesope, cuff and temple thermometer, handy wipes, room deodorizer spray, extra pens, baby powder, a&d ointment packets, alcohol wipes, a bottle of water or gatorade, a box of granola bars or other such small snack item, a mini sewing kit, nail clippers, hand lotion for me, hand sanitizer and a Tide stain erase pen. I am always adding stuff to it, I like to be prepared.

Nicole

WOW, sound like me...always prepared for a hurricane even tho its only sprinkling.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Carry 50 pairs of gloves with you, trust me your going to need them:lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Things I always carry at work:

  • hand sanitizer!! ALWAYS!
  • extra gloves - I hate going into a room and then finding no gloves so I always carry a bunch of extras
  • pens
  • Care plans!
  • lip balm
  • hand moisturizer
  • watch (I don't like to wear it as I find it gets in my way)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment