CNAs sleeping on the job... What can I do as a new nurse?

[jessica0rae]

So...

I've work at this facility for two years as a CNA and I just recently (one month ago) passed my NCLEX

and transitioned into the role of RN. So I've known the bad habits of my co-workers for years, but now it's under my watch/license. These aids feel so comfortable they pull their chairs yup in front of the nursing station and just conk out.

Everyone who works 11-7 knows. Most of these CNAs have been working here for over ten years We have no overnight supervisor... And as a CNA I just worked and grumbled about it with other CNAs. But with my nursing license on the line...

I feel like I'm in such an awkward space. Has anyone been in this position? Any suggestions? My DON is pretty gruff, I don't know how or if I should approach her.

Any thoughts our guidance would be appreciated.

[Wiggly Litchi]

Document and report~ If nothing's done, I would honestly start looking elsewhere.

I believe that if the DoN won't do anything to rectify the problem, then they'll be more likely to throw you under the bus should a problem arise.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

Incident report every time it happens. Kick the chair and get them up every time their patient rings or they need to do something, don't do their work for them. Speak to the boss and say that if they are asleep there's no point in having them on duty. With her permission send them home for being useless, and make sure you have a phone in your hand so you can call the police and have them removed if things get hairy. Record them asleep and their reaction to you waking them to perform their duties.

Lastly/... quit, and release the video to the news.

[LovingLife123]

Why is your license on the line? CNAs do not work under your license. Nobody works under your license but you.

[Sour Lemon]

That definitely sounds like a problem, but it has nothing to do with your license being "on the line". If they've been there for ten years, expect that this situation will cause problems for you. Write them up, but look for a new job, too. You'll probably be the one who ends up being pushed out. Good luck.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Why is your license on the line? CNAs do not work under your license. Nobody works under your license but you.

Exactly. Unless you delegated a task to a CNA who is actively sleeping...

[caliotter3]

This is why typically in the military a newly promoted supervisor is transferred to a new unit so they aren't faced with trying to discipline former peers. You have your work cut out for you if your managers don't support you.

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

Incident report every time it happens. Kick the chair and get them up every time their patient rings or they need to do something, don't do their work for them. Speak to the boss and say that if they are asleep there's no point in having them on duty. With her permission send them home for being useless, and make sure you have a phone in your hand so you can call the police and have them removed if things get hairy. Record them asleep and their reaction to you waking them to perform their duties.

Lastly/... quit, and release the video to the news.

Good tips but bear in mind that is most facilities having a cell phone or recording device on is grounds for immediate termination. I would just quit. Plus the OP is unlikely to lose her license if CNA's are sleeping, even if something bad happens. All nurses to check their BON website and familiarize themselves with the type of things nurses typically lose their licenses for.

Hppy

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

Why has it taken you two years to complain about this and want to do something aboutvit? If it bothers you this much, it should have been addressed much sooner. If you address it now, it MAY come across that you think you are better than your coworkers now that you're a nurse. I've seen it happen. And why take a job at a facility where you know this is going to be an issue?

[Persephone Paige, ADN]

Address it directly ONCE, report it ( in writing ) and start carrying an air horn. If I have treated you like an adult and you continue to sleep, get ready.

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

Why is your license on the line?

Because people are made to feel that every little thing puts one's license at risk.

To the OP, I would start with the simple--wake the person up. It is going to be difficult to reprimand individuals who used to be your equals, and probably will not be well taken. If people are still sleeping, escalate to the DON or whomever is "in charge." Be prepared to be further vilified if you have to go this route. Having other job options is probably a good idea.

[klone, MSN, RN]

OP, this has already been addressed by others - but your license is not on the line because CNAs are sleeping on the job.