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Discussion

CNA's scope of Work

As a CNA we are the eyes, ears and nose of medical team right?

But I can't understand is when I do a skin check on residents in LTC, and found scratches, pressure sores, or other skin irritations, I look for signs of neglect, abuse, and infection. I'm not documenting anything or taking notes.

I just want to know exactly what I saw, in case I have to write a report they are base on facts.

But Nurses in our facility consider it rather annoying, and reported me for assesing/diagnosing the residents.

First I'm not documenting, nor treating, just basic observation, then I will report to the nurse for their assesment and treatment.

Second it is part of Nursing assistant program, to know about the signs and symptoms of diseases,sickness, abuse and neglect, if we are not allowed to know then what why the are included in State Exam.

Nurses said CNA like you shouldn't do this and that! I just feel it is dicrimination.

Is it? Did you have the same expirience?

I am new CNA (6 months) and I apply what I've learned in school especially advocating for residents.

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    • Featured Replies

    I can't tell what your Nurse's problem is from reading this, but maybe it's that you're telling them what the cause of the irritations/marks are when you report them without actually knowing it? Is there an ongoing skin assessment form that you complete after, say, bathing your residents and then go over with your charge nurse? If so (or if not) have you tried just saying "Hey Nurse X, I just finished showering Mr. Y and I wanted to know if you were already aware of the skin tear on his left shin or not? And of the bruise on his back?" That way you're just stating what you saw and not saying "Mr. Y has a skin tear that looks like it's from abuse and a bruise that is from so-and-so putting him in his wheelchair".

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    • Author

    "Hey Nurse X, I just finished showering Mr. Y and I wanted to know if you were already aware of the skin tear on his left shin or not? And of the bruise on his back?"

    That's what I normally do. And you're right,maybe I did say something thats sounds like "I'm stating my own assesment" and I should be aware of that from now on.

    Thanks for response :)

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    Maive, I think your heart is in the right place. Just remember that there is a difference between reporting the facts and giving your "CNA assessment." lol Keep up the good work.

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    Do you use the words neglect and abuse like you did in your post. If so, you're probably considered a liability.

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    It took me two years working as a CNA to finally learn it is no different than any other job. People to whom I report don't want problems, they want solutions. Try stating:

    "Miss X, I just finished showering Mr. Y and I noticed a skin tear on his left shin and a bruise on his back. If he has any more skin tears or bruises the next time I care for him, or if these get worse instead of better, I'll be sure to let you know."

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    It took me two years working as a CNA to finally learn it is no different than any other job. People to whom I report don't want problems, they want solutions. Try stating:

    "Miss X, I just finished showering Mr. Y and I noticed a skin tear on his left shin and a bruise on his back. If he has any more skin tears or bruises the next time I care for him, or if these get worse instead of better, I'll be sure to let you know."

    That would most certainly impress the daylights out of me. I'd still want to see for myself, but you'd have instantly gained my utmost respect (except for calling me Miss X :D ).

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