Did or do you work as a CNA in a hospital

Fumanchuesday · Jun 10, 2012

once upon a time about 2 years ago, I was a CNA in a hospital... I did it for a year fulltime on a medsurg floor. Things I did: take vitals, pass out meal trays 3x a day, record how much was eaten, pass out ice, assist pts with ADLs mostly baths/ linen changes (every patient, everyday), measure intake and output, empty foleys, and most importantly, clean up code browns... its way better than nursing home CNA work IMHO

PeaceKeepr · Jun 16, 2012

once upon a time about 2 years ago, I was a CNA in a hospital... I did it for a year fulltime on a medsurg floor. Things I did: take vitals, pass out meal trays 3x a day, record how much was eaten, pass out ice, assist pts with ADLs mostly baths/ linen changes (every patient, everyday), measure intake and output, empty foleys, and most importantly, clean up code browns... its way better than nursing home CNA work IMHO

Pretty much what he said.

I worked on a Med/Surg floor for 2 years while in my ADN program. Usually, there were 2-3 CNA's. Being a guy, you will be called on to do the heavy lifting. I think my time as a CNA was a great learning experience while in school.

Kristen82483 · Jul 24, 2012

Hey peacekeepr, i will start the adn program there are darton..do you think it would be good for me to work as a cna also? I need some income while in school but it would be great i think if i could learn how to do soem things needed in clinicals.

dfw_bsn · Jul 25, 2012

I'm a current CNA right now working in the hospital. I empty foleys, drains, provide hygiene care, and several more things that are not even in my job description. I think the hospital is better because you get more medical experience and also you do not have all dependent patients.

BrandonLPN, LPN · Jul 26, 2012

You'll spend most of your time getting vitals, checking blood sugars and charting I+O's. Unlike in LTC, the whole direct care bit is secondary to the medical aspect.

bpowers5211 · Jul 26, 2012

I am now an RN but I started as a CNA in a cardiac telemetry unit while I was in school. I did all the "basic" CNA stuff but it was pretty laid back. I'm really glad I got to work as one before getting my RN because it really helped out a lot. Plus it's kinda like hospital "street cred" where I work lol.

Vinniesguy · Jul 29, 2012

I was a CNA in England working for an agency so I got sent all over the place - mostly hospitals becuase that's what I asked for. Edned up in all sorts from cardiac to surgical ortho to general medical. In each place it was generally the same stuff - vitals, emptying a variety of bags hanging from the bedside, hygiene etc but I learned heaps about different disciplines just from what I saw and heard.