Hospital Units

azcna · Apr 14, 2009

I work in LTC. Nothing specialized really, just longterm care unit. Kind of a mixed bag; MS, strokes, seizures, heart failure, macular degeneration, quadriplegic, dementia, etc. Never gets boring :)

I would like to work on a psych unit eventually.

texastaz · Apr 14, 2009

I would never work peds (I turn into a cry baby)or OBGYN-just doesn't appeal to me. Never thought I would do this either- next week I start in a facility all aides and TB patients. My experience is ER(burned out), Hospice(favorite), LTC(work is too hard), Psych(love it but it has it's days), Head Trauma(I hate it).

Ninja Nurse, ASN · Apr 15, 2009

This thread rocks! Keep 'em coming!

samuelrob22 · Apr 21, 2009

Yea I just got hired at the University of Tennessee medical center and I work in the trauma step down unit which is pretty sweet!

mochabean · Apr 21, 2009

1) I work on a med-surg unit

2) I would like to work on a OB/GYN or peds unit

3) I wouldn't want to work in the ER

What does a CNA do on a OB/GYN anyway?

Katie89 · Apr 22, 2009

Hey mochabean;

Our OB/GYN unit is divided into two separate halves. Some nights I'll be on OB (post-partum) and some nights I'll be on GYN (I work third shift). On GYN it's pretty much typical hospital CNA duties- vitals, I/O, ambulating, weights, blood sugars, taking out foleys/IVs, getting up the post-surg's, etc.

The duties on OB differ greatly from night shift to day shift- day CNAs take care of both the moms and the babies, but 3rd shift I'm pretty much in the nursery taking care of the babies all night. I keep them fed/changed/burped/quiet, maybe help a mom with breastfeeding, do part of the assessments at the beginning of the shift (temp., blood pressure, weight, change their clothes/crib bedding if needed, stock the cribs, check the numbers on the ID bands and make sure they have a security sensor on, take off the cord clamps, etc.), also I give the first bath after delivery, take blood sugars/state infant screen draws, do hearing screens, take newborn pictures, stock, QC the glucose meters, pick up/deliver food trays, etc. Sometimes I am a "PACU partner" where I help in the recovery room after a c-section; I really just help clean up the mom and do baby's vitals and bath and blood sugars so that the baby can stay with the mom instead of being sent to the nursery.

I'm probably leaving some stuff out and I'm sure it varies from place to place but that's my typical night. Hope that's what you were looking for!

mochabean · Apr 22, 2009

Katie89, thanks for that description! I've been thinking about transferring to a neo-natal unit next year, but the hospital I want to work at requires nursing assistants to be certified. Peds would be another option.

Ninja Nurse, ASN · Apr 23, 2009

I'm gonna be on a med/surg unit, does anyone have a description for that?

SoulFood · Apr 23, 2009

I'm still in my CNA program, and will (obviously) start in LTC. Our hospital required CNA II (Acute Care) certification, and when that is completed I will be looking for a hospital position. I think I would eventually like to get into OR or ICU. :specs:

Steve EMT-B · Apr 23, 2009

I work in a Special Care Unit ( Step down from ICU). I see a wide variety of patients.

I would want to work in a critical care setting Trauma and Psych especially interest me including neurology and neurosurgery

I would least like to work in OB/GYN listening to all the woman cussing and swearing at there husbands. Granted they HELPED get them into that situation. It TAKES TWO. I always had to explain that to my father in law when he was complaining. However now that he is a Grandfather he couldn't be happier. I also don't think I could work in peds at this time. Having all the suffering and death to the little ones just to go home and see mine and have the fear something could happen to them. Parent of a 22 month old and a 9 month old. Both girls.