Do you ever get EVERYTHING you need done during your shift?

hookyarnandblanket · Aug 10, 2015

At first, yes, but after time, I sped up because I found a routine that worked for me and I learned how to efficiently use my time.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Aug 10, 2015

Good day:

As you develop a routine, you will get done more and more each shift. If you've not done so already, I recommend finding downtime after a shift to review the flow of work, events, etc. and try to determine what order (if any) can be changed to help speed things up.

Thank you.

Princess Bubblegum · Aug 11, 2015

I've been a CNA for 7 years and it does get easier. You'll have crazy days where it feels like nothing goes as planned, but you'll learn to prioritize and organize. It does take time. Hang in there. :)

These are a couple things I learned the hard way when I started as a new CNA and I always make a point to share with the new hires I train:

Accurate, timely vitals are a big deal. The nurses need those to determine whether to give/hold certain meds or get the physician involved if things are too out of whack. Weights are crucial too, especially in your patients with cardiac or renal issues, where a few pounds of weight gain could mean bad news.

Get the vitals and weights done and charted ASAP and report any abnormalities to your nurse immediately, and don't assume that just because you charted them that your nurse knows about them. Speaking from experience here.

Try and bundle tasks together to minimize walking back and forth between rooms, and make sure you have the supplies you need before you get started. Nothing worse than getting partway through changing a soiled bed and realizing you don't have clean linens. Good planning pays off.

Best wishes! Don't forget to breathe and have fun.

Valcorie34, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 11, 2015

I have been at it a while and I dont always get everything done. BUT I know how to accomplish the priorities. Always get vitals to your nurse early. Either as you get people up in the AM or as soon as your shift starts. As you go room to room bring your gear with you. To make it easier for me I have my own BP/stethoscope kit I bought a pulse oximeter and I have a thermometer with disposable covers. I just take my bag room to room as I go for my first rounds.

Make a plan for showers. i do one between breakfast and lunch and one after lunch. If I pull a day with three showers then I do one at 6am as soon as I start. I try to chart 4 people at a time in the time before breakfast, after breakfast, after lunch then before I leave.

Just try to plan your tasks. For example if you have a double room. Get bed A up to toilet in AM, then get Bed be up and in chair. Dress bed A in bathroom. Then set them up out side of bathroom with hygeine tasks and get Bed B in bathroom and dressed. Try to multi task when ever possible.

If I have wet beds in AM and no time for a full bed change i just strip everything and bag it and make beds after breakfast before I lie people back down.

Good Luck, it takes time but you can do it. If you struggle find an experienced CNA and ask for pointers. Get a critique as for tips from your hall partner.

knoxnurse236 · Aug 11, 2015

I really hate to leave anything undone. I would rather stay late or work through my lunch then leave tasks for the next shift. Of course this is within reason. Occasionally if I have something like five admits and discharges, I will have to inevitability leave a few tasks. I think what's more important is to not make a habit of leaving things undone. Yes, there are 12 hours in a shift but nobody looks forward to extra tasks right at the beginning of their shift. Do unto others... You know the story.