communicating with CNA's

dekatn · Feb 9, 2006

The CNA's that work with me always get report on the residents and it is encouraged by management. Personally, I think of our CNA's as part of our team and in order for them to do their job and to help us do ours, they need to know what's going on with the residents. It helps the CNA's and empowers them to know whats going on and why. It also benefits the residents that our CNA's know what to watch for and what needs to be reported to us. They aren't nurses, but, they are our eyes and ears, if a pt. is having some problems, starts a new med or an exacerbation of an illness, the CNA needs to know what to watch for and report to us. eg: side effects from a new med or allergies. They have more hands on with the residents than we do.

misty7850 · Feb 9, 2006

The CNA's that work with me, get report for the previous shift CNA's. However I like to touch base with them also at the start of the shift to go over what is happening with our residents. Our managment does also encourage communication.

dinkymouse · Feb 9, 2006

Our Cna's are required to attend report and before they leave I make sure they know what to watch for and what I need to know asap.

bethin · Feb 9, 2006

I'm a CNA and I get report from CNA's. Not too helpful. Basically they just let me know if a pt. is a 2 assist, complete care, etc. I wish we would get report from nurses. It would help if I knew the patient's affected side, medical history, etc.

Cute_CNA, CNA · Feb 9, 2006

At the beginning of each shift, ALL nursing staff who are coming on the shift at that time attend report. So everyone hears the same thing, whether it be RN, LPN, or CNA.

Just wondering · Feb 10, 2006

I use to be a CNA at an LTC and walking rounds while giving report was mandatory. It was very excellent b/c as we were walking it's difficult to miss any event that happened with a particular resident, we just had to caution to our tone of voice when we walked pass the residents room.

Now that I'm a nurse at another LTC they don't do that, they just talk briefly and previous shift is on their way out. But that was bad b/c the CNA's who just came on have been complaining about previous shift leaving things behind...and not doing certain tasks that they are assign to do, which now leaves the current shift to pick up after. I've told my shift, "Don't accept the floor if certain things aren't done, stop the nurses from report and tell them." Big change from that.

After I get my complete information from report I alway give full report to the CNA's about everything and the rationale. Those of you on board that are CNA's don't be ashame to ask for report if your nurse doesn't usually give it. Hey, you would like to know if your resident who has an illness is being treated, or who is due for laxative, suppository or fleet. Communication is the key and it works.

JKDON · Feb 12, 2006

I like my CNAs to go to report. There is no way they can give safe care without it. Have to know who has changed, who is sick, who's going out, and what to look for. I think 80% of what my nurses chart on comes from the CNAs and the housekeepers. I can't imagine a facility discouraging open communication between levels of nursing staff. How would anything get done and done safely?

HappyJaxRN · Feb 12, 2006

I am curious how many facilities encourage communication between CNA's and nurses. I find it really helpful to give a report to my CNA's and tell them what my concerns might be with a particular resident. However, I don't see this encouraged. Are their any facilities out there where communication is encouraged?

I think it should be encouraged. I find a lot of times the information that they get from CNA to CNA is outdated or just simply incorrect. We work on a specialized unit in a hospital and most of the time, it's very important that the CNA gets details about the pt. Unfortunately, it's overlooked....giving them report of any kind....Which I think is sad.

annabrooke93 · Feb 21, 2006

I always give my cna's report. Like others who have responded, I feel that they cannot be of much help to me unless they know what is going on. I have nurse co-workers that tell me that it is none of the cna's business and that nurses "should know more", I personally think this is a bunch of crap because cna's are our eyes and ears and they are more willing to help us if we involve them a little, they don't have to know the residents full history, just what is going on with them that they can help out with. I have been told that they respect me more due to the simple fact of including them and not outcasting them like I am so much more superior.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2006

I have been told that they respect me more due to the simple fact of including them and not outcasting them like I am so much more superior.

I agree that outcasting CNAs and talking down to them are pervasive problems. All members of the healthcare team should feel included.

MNlpn · Feb 21, 2006

All our shifts here at the hospital overlap. So there is a half hour at the start of the shift for all the oncoming staff to listen to report while the previous shift is covering the floor. It's imperitive that everyone know what's going on! The CNA's are also encouraged to take notes during report. When report is done, we nurses give them any specific things to be done, vital signs, urine collections, pvr's etc, etc. We also have small grease boards at the head of each patient bed that gives short details on diet, transfers, precautions, I&O,special equipment etc.