CNAs doing things not under licensure?

Jmas7 · Mar 24, 2011

It depends on a lot. Some states have different levels of CNAs, or in hospitals they might be trained as a Patient Care Tech, or they have special training on doing those particular things. It's not an uncommon thing.

nursing6207 · Mar 24, 2011

CNA II's can do this in NC. :)

hkendrick1987 · Mar 24, 2011

In Kentucky, it isn't uncommon at all for CNA's to perform these types of tasks. They're trained in a hospital setting to do these things, and it's actually part of their responsibilities in some hospitals so that the work load is taken off of the nurse some.

Asystole RN · Mar 24, 2011

These were most likely what are officially known as "PCTs" or patient care technicians. A slight distinction on paper but in most states they are unregulated and allowed to do PIVs, Foleys, and blood draws.

They are very similar to "ER Techs." In house hospital training and certification allows CNAs to gain these titles and perform these advanced procedures.

Boog'sCRRN246, RN · Mar 24, 2011

I'm a BSN nursing student, and today I had a clinical rotation at the hospital. The CNA on the floor there was taking out IVs and Foley catheters. I don't work as a CNA, but I did take the class and I'm pretty sure that you're not allowed to do that (at least in my home state). If I see this, am I obligated to say something to someone about it? I feel like it's wrong but I didn't know what to do at the time. Is this a common happening and what should I do about it? Thanks so much!

Most CNAs won't blatantly disregard their scope of practice by d/c'ing IVs and Foleys. More than likely they've received extra training through the facility and are more than capable of performing these tasks. You should probably find out for sure before you stir the pot.

CVmursenary · Mar 24, 2011

don't snitch, they are trying to help out the nurses.

LvANrse80, ASN, BSN, MSN, CNA, LPN, RN, APRN, NP · Mar 24, 2011

Here in wisconsin hospitals cna's can take out foley's and insert them most cna's working in hospitals are nursing students like yourself , i don't know about taking out iv's which i highly doubt, but maybe if they've recieved iv training???

student29349 · Mar 24, 2011

Thanks everybody! Now that I read your responses I'm pretty sure the nurse I was assigned to, who often works as a charge, wouldn't just let anybody do that so I'm sure she has some kind of extra training or something. Thanks for your help!

Sugarcoma, RN · Mar 24, 2011

In the facility for which I work the PCT's have received extra training and their scope of practice includes the ability to d/c foleys, NG tubes, d/c IV's and do lab draws. They cannot start IV's or NG's or foleys. They can do dressing changes but cannot do any that require medicated ointments or powders. Most of the nurses prefer to do their own dressings so they rarely do dressing changes. They are a godsend and SOOO much help to us nurses. A good PCT is worth their weight in platinum!

kool-aide, RN · Mar 24, 2011

I'm a CNA in a hospital in Indiana and through my facility, I'm trained to D/C IVs and foleys per RN delegation. Completely legal within my facility.

CNABESS · Mar 24, 2011

The LTC facility I work at is also part Rehab Hospital. CNAs are trained in these things and they are within the scope of practice of our state. We are also required to be licensed in our state, so this may be a bit different.