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.

[NiquiCNA]

LOL.. I got a pen. and maybe my chapstick if I remember it. Gloves are in the rooms, as is hand sanitiser.... stethescopes are unnecessary.. sometimes I have lancets and alcohol wipes from doing blood sugars. When I was in LTC.. was the same, except no glucometer supplies. Never carried the gait belt (never found a use for it.. the last facility I worked at banned them because they did a study and discovered they are more dangerous than they are helpful). Sometimes my assignment is in my pocket, sometimes its at the desk so I can chart vitals..

[Penny82]

I carry pen, marker, resident census, hand sanitizer, chapstick, badge, and resident census in my pockets. I always have my gait belt on me.

In my bag I carry extra scrubs, stethoscope, food, and any other personal items I may need like my phone.

[blue cna]

my phone on silent to check the time throughout the night.

gait belt.

3 pairs of gloves.

[caribgal]

I keep some menthol lyptus cough drops in my pocket in a sandwich baggie.

They help avoid inhalation of unattractive smells.

[Cthebigguy]

Well, in the world where pockets are plentiful and we don't need to worry about weight and things getting in the way:

Scissor, sanitizer, gloves, vomit bag (works for dementia patients that want to water the plants too), trash bags, phone, watch (with second hand), bleach wipes, wet wipes, gate belt, stethoscope, sharpies, post-its, ID, pens, paper, and specialty items for your specific field (disposable rags for LTC, EKG leads for ER, etc.)

In reality:

Sanitizer, gloves, paper, pen, and a watch. Trash bags if your going to be hauling stuff you need to bag up.

That sum it up?

[chorkle]

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.

As an experienced paramedic (could have used more), and hospital E.D. Tech as well, eveningsky's tale is entirely believable. Not universal, fortunately; but much more common than any of us would like. CNA course soon (nursing prereq), hopefully for PT work while doing prereqs.