CNAs who control LVNs and tell them what to do :(

Blackcat99 · Feb 17, 2007

It sounds like you need to start doing some write-ups. Tell them to answer their call bells and when they don't you write them up each and every time. You are in charge and you need to let them know it. If they don't do what you tell them to do that is insubordination-write them up! Good luck:specs: . Be tough and let them know you mean business.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2007

As a former CNA, I can tell you I would have never thought to talk to a superior like that. Now, we did have a few CNA;s who'd kind of push the RN/LPN to see how much they could get away with. If the nurse didn't push back and insist on the scheduled breaks and lengths of those breaks, didn't bat an eye if the CNA didn't answer a bell etc..then said CNA's would keep doing it. So unfair to those of us CNA's who followed the rules.

You need to start writing people up! You need to speak with the nursing director and you need to get that backbone needed to take back control. Other wise you will be doing your job and the job of those CNA's who aren't doing what they are supposed to!

postmortem_cowboy · Feb 17, 2007

It sounds like you need to start doing some write-ups. Tell them to answer their call bells and when they don't you write them up each and every time. You are in charge and you need to let them know it. If they don't do what you tell them to do that is insubordination-write them up! Good luck:specs: . Be tough and let them know you mean business.

In total agreement with the above. You hold a license, they hold a certification. Your license was much more difficult to obtain. There was much more involved, and more of a specialized set of training. It would be one thing for a group of CNA's that are good, do their job and are kick ass to give them some leeway, but if they go on break, someone has to cover their call bells, either another CNA, or a license, or them personally. Just because you go on a break does not mean that the hospital stops caring for patients. If they want to take a break "whenever" fine, then when your call bells light up you'd better be off your hiney and in that room within' 60. You can always go finish up your break after you've answered that call bell. I don't know how many times i've gone to take a break and it get's interrupted by this or that, and a 10 minute break ends up being 2 minutes here 2 minutes there over the course of an hour. Yeah it happens, but it's our job. I'd think you need to have a sit down with all those CNA's and have a heart to heart with them and tell them that your fine with breaks, no problem, but they will either answer their call lights or else the write ups will ensue. Give fair warning first, that way they can see who's in charge and that you won't be accepting their misbehavior. That way when you do end up writing them up, they can't say they weren't warned beforehand. And it would also be a good idea for someone else higher up to be there as well to verify that you had this little chat with them as well. They need to know you won't be steamrolled like this, and once you give them a foot they'll take a yard, then ten yards. Get a copy of the CNA's job description from HR, get a copy of the handbook and point out little things in there such as breaks are to be scheduled, call lights are to be covered during break periods, and the even bigger one, who the supervisor is and isn't etc etc etc. If you can point out that a part of their employment is contingent on these things they've agreed to, you can set them straight on their little attitudes.

Go higher up, get someone to sit in on the warning session, and start writing up. They will test you if they think you won't follow through. You have to follow through with everything you say, or they'll keep doing what they're doing now. Get yourself a big pile of write ups and keep it where they can see that you mean business.

Wayne.

firstaiddave907 · Feb 17, 2007

I agree with you CT pixie as a former Cna i would never speak to a supior like that. It sounds like those cna's need to be brought down a few notches and maby a couple write ups will teach them not to speak to your supior like that.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Feb 17, 2007

I have a new job..CNAs control the whole floor..They can take breaks all the time and they do not answer the call bells..Also, they tell me what to do and what I cannot do.. What can i do.. This is very bad..I am being dragged down...

My goodness, you have been getting it for this first year, haven't you...poor thing. What I am curious about is how long these aides worked at this place and what have previous supervisors done in the past. It may be on going behavior and if the supervisors have not handled it, it may be harder for you to do this because you may not have support. However, I would do as other suggested and let them know what the deal is. I'd also ask the supervisor how to handle them as well as ilicit their support.

Mags4711, RN · Feb 18, 2007

I'd be getting another new job...

Hershey's Mom · Feb 21, 2007

Getting A New Job Sounds Nice And All But I Mean U Dont Wanna Be A Job Hopper. This Is An Easy Situation, Simply Put, Just Let Them Know Who's Boss. Your Their Supervisor So Supervise.

squeakykitty · Feb 22, 2007

It sounds like you need to start doing some write-ups. Tell them to answer their call bells and when they don't you write them up each and every time. You are in charge and you need to let them know it. If they don't do what you tell them to do that is insubordination-write them up! Good luck:specs: . Be tough and let them know you mean business.

I have a new job..CNAs control the whole floor..They can take breaks all the time and they do not answer the call bells..Also, they tell me what to do and what I cannot do.. What can i do.. This is very bad..I am being dragged down...

Is there any backup from the DON and administration. Also, be prepared to CYA with plenty of documentation just in case you get lied about.

Bala Shark · Feb 23, 2007

I am the orginal poster.. It is getting better now..I am getting to know some of my CNAs...They know I like to control them and they seem to accept it..They know that I dont let them do what they like now..

On the positive note, I got into trouble because I called a ambulance to pick up a patient from a nursing home..Well, I thought I was going to be written up...The CNAs thought I did the right thing in calling the ambulance..Well, one CNA said to me that, "If you are going to be written up, I will also since I was part of it.."So he told the DON that he should be written up also, LOL..The DON decided not to write me up..I could imagine, that she would have to write up two people in the office...LOL

azlisa · Feb 25, 2007

I just finished CNA class! Passed. I do work in a SNF where some LPN, LVN, RN's help us "bed pan jockeys". But I've also seen some LVN,LPN's who will tellthe CNA's to "go get your friend and work". I do agree though, that there has to be a chain of command, and respect. Being nice is great, but work is work, and the patient's care should come first. CNA's refelct the licensed and vice versa. A bad CNA can sink a LVN, same as a LVN could sink a CNA. Hope this was worth reading. Lisa W.

nefretery · Feb 25, 2007

Cna's always seem to be ignoring what the lpn tells them to do , the right thing is to figure out who the ring leader is and take them to task for any mis step they make. Do not ever let anyone tell you what to do , do not toloerate poor call bell answering practices , force your cnas to do ther job, afterall 10% of you job is to ensure cna tasks are done