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.

[jessica0rae]

I want to thank everyone who responded! I wasn't expecting so much feedback...

I went to the evening weekend supervisor and explained my predicament. Frankly, she's new and hadn't formed any allegiances yet. She was actually willing to listen and jumped right into action. It was the single most satisfying one on one I've had with someone in a supervisory position since working for this company. There was an initial scare amongst the CNAs when it was first addressed but, like it usually does, behaviours slipped right back to the comfortable. However, the DON was alerted last month and actually did a drive by at 3am which whipped everything right back into shape. So far, I haven't caught a single person sleeping (only on their breaks) on the unit.

[NurseBlaq]

I want to thank everyone who responded! I wasn't expecting so much feedback...

I went to the evening weekend supervisor and explained my predicament. Frankly, she's new and hadn't formed any allegiances yet. She was actually willing to listen and jumped right into action. It was the single most satisfying one on one I've had with someone in a supervisory position since working for this company. There was an initial scare amongst the CNAs when it was first addressed but, like it usually does, behaviours slipped right back to the comfortable. However, the DON was alerted last month and actually did a drive by at 3am which whipped everything right back into shape. So far, I haven't caught a single person sleeping (only on their breaks) on the unit.

Seems like you have supportive administrative staff. Glad everything is improving.

Word of caution: Be sure to do everything you're supposed to do because I've seen some hateful, vindictive staff, on every level, do things as retaliation for being confronted with not following the rules.