How to get along with CNAs

Randy RN ASN · Mar 12, 2016

I think the best way to get along with a CNA (or any team member really) is to show them you care! (about your patients, your job, and about them as well). By posting about this topic, I can already see that you want to be a valuable team player. Just remember to be kind, sincere, and go above and beyond for everyone.

VANurse2010 · Mar 12, 2016

I'm sure you'll get plenty of good advice, but I'll just throw in that some CNAs are always going to have a problem with authority and subordinating themselves no matter what you do.

SaltineQueen · Mar 12, 2016

Never delegate anything you aren't willing to do yourself, or that you haven't already done yourself in the past. And say please & thank you.

LeChien, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2016

Have a game plan at the beginning of the shift, and let them know you are there to help, not just there to bark orders at them.

Rexie · Mar 12, 2016

Some CNAs are just a a pain to work with. You have to hunt them down to get them to do anything or they roll their eyes when you ask them to do something. Not much you can do about them except to expect them to do their job and to maintain a professional attitude towards them - which can sometimes be challenging.

I always let my CNAs know just how much I appreciate what they do, especially the really good ones. At the hospital where I work, the pay is not the best and the CNAs can have heavy assignments.

If they need help with a boost, I'm there for them - even if it's not "my" patient. If we're changing a pt and we've gotten to the point where I'm no longer needed, I pick up the dirty linens and dispose of them on my way out the door. If they're short staffed and I'm able to, I'll do my own vitals. It's more about being thoughtful and not taking advantage and working as a team. Nobody likes to feel disrespected.

The majority of the CNAs will do anything I ask of them without giving me a hard time. The one who rolls her eyes, well, at least she'll still do what I ask. And the one I had to hunt down, she moved on to a different line of work. :)

Libby1987 · Mar 13, 2016

I think it helps if you've done their workload yourself as well as be able to command respect and trust by being able to pitch in and work hard along side them.

My coworkers know I never shirk work or regard anything as beneath me. If anything I think they're more concerned about disappointing me. They see how others respect my concern for patients and work ethic, they know I'm not just bossing them around. And they believe I have as much regard for them as anyone else. I don't see anyone better than another, based on position.

I guess it comes down to earning street cred, just like we expect of our managers.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Mar 13, 2016

Show respect, ask for opinions/observations("Mrs. ABC seems to be not herself, have you noticed?"), and have a game plan in place. ( "I am psyched you are working with me today!! Come with me while I am doing assessments and we will get people ready for ______________(breakfast, dinner, shower....) and we have 2 finger sticks too, so lets grab the glucometer.")

"Mr. DEFG is on the call bell ALOT! What is his reasoning? Maybe a UTI or does he seem more uncomfortable to you?" And if someone is on the call bell every 2 minutes, that needs an assessment by you. Something's up, and if it is pure boredom maybe a volunteer or family member to gab with the patient for awhile...

Anyways, I never call a CNA by their first name unless asked to. I always Ms. Lisa or Mr. Paul or whatever.....just the little things.