CNAs sleeping on the job... What can I do as a new nurse?

[jessica0rae]

So...

I've work at this facility for two years as a CNA and I just recently (one month ago) passed my NCLEX

and transitioned into the role of RN. So I've known the bad habits of my co-workers for years, but now it's under my watch/license. These aids feel so comfortable they pull their chairs yup in front of the nursing station and just conk out.

Everyone who works 11-7 knows. Most of these CNAs have been working here for over ten years We have no overnight supervisor... And as a CNA I just worked and grumbled about it with other CNAs. But with my nursing license on the line...

I feel like I'm in such an awkward space. Has anyone been in this position? Any suggestions? My DON is pretty gruff, I don't know how or if I should approach her.

Any thoughts our guidance would be appreciated.

[ComeTogether, LPN]

I think the best approach here is to have someone in management bring it up in a meeting or via a memo, along with whatever other inservice they have going on. Then, you won't be coming out of left field when you reprimand them.

I use the "kill em with kindness" approach.. I'd say something like "Don't get too cozy over there or you might doze off", etc. Just letting them know I'm not ok with them sleeping without actually saying it and making them feel like I"m being the bossy boss.

It usually works pretty well.

[NurseBlaq]

You have worked with them this long so you knew what it was from the beginning. Plus, if they've been doing this for 10 years you may be the one they get rid of, not the CNAs. Have you tried speaking with them in a real conversation? You know, something along the lines of "I know I used to be a CNA and now I'm a nurse but I now know how unsafe it is to be asleep instead of monitoring the patients, blah blah blah." Maybe something similar. Either way, management more than likely already knows if it's been going on for years. Either get a new job, change shifts, or learn to communicate better with the CNAs. I've seen CNAs who were just outright hateful or felt slighted ruin many nurses or make their shifts super hard.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Good tips but bear in mind that is most facilities having a cell phone or recording device on is grounds for immediate termination. I would just quit. Plus the OP is unlikely to lose her license if CNA's are sleeping, even if something bad happens. All nurses to check their BON website and familiarize themselves with the type of things nurses typically lose their licenses for.

Hppy

The OP may not lose her license if there is an untoward event while the CNAs are sleeping, but she may lose her JOB. I hate to encourage new nurses to quit a job after less than a year, but perhaps that is the way to go.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

People can forgive anything but someone who rises from the ranks. The CNAs are probably testing you along with just being lazy. I remember going to work in the same hospital I'd been an aide in, and those gals questioned my authority as a nurse at every turn. "Forgotten" post-op vital signs, call lights not answered, I&Os not measured, just a lot of passive-aggressive stuff. Eventually they came to accept me as an RN and gave me respect, just as I respected them for the work they did and helped them whenever I could. But those first few months were really tough.

[Medic_Murse, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Sooooooo! I can tell you, when I worked as a Tech, I started nursing school...co-workers would ask if I would work there. Hell yes, I would! Unfortunately, as the years went on, and faces changed (others that would not go away), I started to realize that it was a bad idea. Glad I did! Your situation, it's either deal with it, leave, or walk a fine line. My answer is a combination of two of those possible scenarios.

1. You're in a predicament (obvious)
   
2. You use to be a CNA, but now a step up on the totem pole. Be real careful how you handle giving your former equals direction (it'll go sour quick).
   
3. I wouldn't start out writing people up, but I would keep track of it. Reason being, it's going to be a you said, they said when it gets escalated and the fact they have been there that long, means it's tolerated.
   
4. I would also make attempts to politely motivate them and keep track of when, who spoke with, what you said, their reply, and the actual response.
   
5. I would do this for (depending on your shift schedule) two weeks. If it's the same issue, results, I would bring what you have to management and see what their response is. At a very minimum, it shows you're not just running to mommy/daddy to complain. It is a long standing issue, you took the time to take appropriate measures on your own (which shows leadership). The best that can happen, they take it seriously and implement measures to correct it. At worse, status quo and if that's the case, get the F out. Then when you interview with another facility and they ask why are you leaving, if needed (don't go directly to the issue) you are well prepared to say, this was the issue and this is what I did to help resolve it.
   

Oh, and be prepared (if you do take action and they find out who it was, there is no anonymity in complaints) , those CNA's are going throw you under the bus. I don't mean to say that to scare you, but you need to be prepared, if you decide to put your foot down. With that said, stand up straight, head up, shoulders back, and have confidence in yourself and what you believe in. If you decide to do something about it, it could go great, it could go wrong. At least you'll know, but if you don't stand up for yourself, status quo and you'll never know.

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

Wow that will start a war ,do you want to go home with your car in one piece?Legally video taping to report even as a defense in my area will get you fired.I am just saying.

[Paws2people]

Have management address it first in a group meeting, but tell them you don't want the CNA's knowing the complaints came from you. Then when they are sleeping, wake them up and say, "You fell asleep, I am waking you up so you don't get in trouble." That way they feel as though you are on their side.

If it still continues, you have to write them up. You'll have no choice.

What do the other nurses think and do about this issue?

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

Why is your license on the line? CNAs do not work under your license. Nobody works under your license but you.

Usually, I completely agree that people overplay the Chicken Little "My license! My license!" But...

if you're delegating a task to someone who you KNOW is not capable of carrying it out i.e. they're not conscious, don't you have some culpability if the task isn't completed, or something goes South?

Just wondering...

[klone, MSN, RN]

Usually, I completely agree that people overplay the Chicken Little "My license! My license!" But...

if you're delegating a task to someone who you KNOW is not capable of carrying it out i.e. they're not conscious, don't you have some culpability if the task isn't completed, or something goes South?

Just wondering...

A) when you delegate a task, it is still your responsibility to make sure the task is done. Because ultimately it's YOUR task.

B) Presumably you wouldn't be delegating a task to a sleeping person. Presumably you would be waking the person up first, and then delegating.

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

A) when you delegate a task, it is still your responsibility to make sure the task is done. Because ultimately it's YOUR task.

B) Presumably you wouldn't be delegating a task to a sleeping person. Presumably you would be waking the person up first, and then delegating.

Re: A - I think you're sort of agreeing with me...?

Re: B - Yeah, but normally the assignment (delegation) is done at the beginning of the shift when all staff are conscious. If people are already snoozing at change of shift, this place is hopeless :-)

[Daisy Joyce]

If this has been going on for years and all the other nurses tolerate it, do you really wanna die on this hill?

Also, if you used to be one of the sleepers, lotsa luck being an agent for change.

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

You say you used to be a CNA there? Be honest, were you a sleeper? Did you ever report sleepers?

Tread carefully here