Did you need a stethoscope when taking the class?

[can'tdecide]

I start CNA class next Monday. The only things on the list were scrubs and TB test. I asked the lady enrolling if we needed a stethoscope and she said she didn't think so. Is this something we are going to need? If so where do you buy them and how much are they?

[CNABESS]

I work in a LTC/REHAB facility (one entire floor is dedicated to stroke/cardiac/brain injury rehab.) I take vitals everyday. We do use electronic most of the time. There are times when we do manual, and I have my own stethoscope for that. For me, it is about germs. I wont put anyone elses junk in my ear. EEEWWWW!

[Saysfaa]

I needed one. The CNA class didn't require it but it it took me a lot more practice than I could get in the half hour or so that we spent taking turns practicing taking vital signs in class. I bought a good one (Littman Classic II) - because I decided from posts on allnurses and other places that it was worth it (vs the cheap ones) and because I thought it was a good idea for a nurse to have one even if nursing school didn't require it. May as well get it a bit early and benefit from it in the CNA class also.

I think a cheap one would have been adequate. I just would rather put that money toward the one I eventually wanted then end up with two.

I got mine at the school bookstore, I looked at the online options but my school's bookstore doesn't hose people on books or required supplies. The stethoscope was about the same price as online, had no shipping costs and had the color I wanted.

If you get one for CNA class, it won't do you much good without a sphygmomanometer too.

[pramseyrn]

As a nurse (and an instructor), I feel that I should jump in here. Learning how to take a manual BP is a very important part of becoming a CNA. While it is true that in many settings you will be using an automatic cuff, every CNA MUST KNOW how to take a manual BP. If you look at a policy and procedure for obtaining blood pressures, most of them indicate that if the automatic BP reading is abnormal, it must be re-checked manually. CNAs should have their own BP cuff/stethoscope in order to manually check abnormal readings. Using "community" BP equipment is an infection control risk, and often not in good working order.

CNAs should take pride in the technical aspects of their job and learn them to the best of their ability. Having your own equipment means more practice opportunities at home. Plus, it provides valuable experience that you may not get in the classroom as blood pressures sound different from person to person. Remember, not all settings have automatic cuffs!

If you don't need one for class, get one for yourself! Be the best CNA you can be!

[yousoldtheworld]

While yes, to be an aide you need to learn how to take a manual BP, not every CNA needs to own their own BP equipment. Aides are not allowed to take vitals at my facility, when they are needed they must be done by the nurses. The only facility I've ever worked at where the aides took vitals regularly was the hospital.

Using your own equipment on multiple patients/residents is no less of an infection control risk than using the facility's equipment, especially considering the fact that if you're doing your job, you're cleaning them between uses.

I AM the best CNA I can be, and I don't own a stethoscope.

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

I know how to take a manual BP and actually prefer them over the machine, which takes forever. But I'm not spending my piddly paycheck on my own BP kit when I can just use one laying around the facility and not have to worry about toting it around all day, damaging it (from all the bending over side rails, picking people up, bending over toilets and in showers, etc.), or having someone swipe it from me. Not a single CNA I work with has their own personal BP kit.

[CoffeemateCNA]

I bought my own BP cuff several years ago. How many times have I used it at work? None. Don't waste your money. The facility should have plenty laying around. If they can't provide such basic equipment for it's staff, then what's next? CNAs buying briefs? Gloves?

I do prefer manual, though. It seems like those stupid DynaMaps have to pump up 2-3 times if the resident even flinches, and by that time you know the machine has inflated and deflated enough that the reading (if you even get one) will be inaccurate. Not to mention lazy people not plugging them in to charge.

And I don't understand why using a community BP cuff would be any different than sharing gait belts and such, yet nobody seems to have a problem with those. If the person is infected with something to begin with, they need to be in isolation with their own disposable equipment. They use the same BP cuff on everyone at the doctor's office and I'm sure most people make it out of there alive. Ditto with those big BP machines at grocery stores and pharmacies. I doubt anyone ever cleans them.

[soxgirl2008]

1. You are probably not getting a job in a hospital anytime soon.

.

I know plenty of brand new CNA's who were hired in hospitals, myself included.

As for the BP, my hospital floor uses the machines, but once in awhile a nurse will ask you to take a manual but we just borrow the stethescopes. I don't think any of our CNA's own one.

I should mention that in my state CNA's aren't even taught blood pressure at all, and it's something you learn on the job.

[Getreal2011]

I just finished clinicals this past week. We did use them during class. While during clinicals at a nursing home, I did notice that a good few CNAs had their own. I paid about $35 for a stethoscope and cuff.

[adampricecna]

CNA take blood pressures, and your facility may have one for you to use, but you will definiately need one if you are taking manuel blood pressures.