How much Cna work should an RN do?

OCNRN63, RN · Aug 7, 2012

is it ok for cnas to take a break if the rns are super busy?

trauma_lama, BSN · Aug 7, 2012

Scope of practice.

roser13, ASN, RN · Aug 7, 2012

I don't consider anything that the CNA does to be outside my own assigned tasks. Just because the RN has additional tasks and responsibilities does not mean he/she cannot help or does not need to help with what are traditionally considered to be the CNA's duties. And no, I would not sit down and take a break while a CNA was running his/her butt of taking care of OUR patients. Just because a CNA is assigned to x number of patients doesn't mean that the assignment is fair or do-able.There's an awful lot of quality assessment that goes on during baths, turns and trips to the bathroom.

trauma_lama, BSN · Aug 7, 2012

But to elaborate I mean to say everyone should work as a team and figure out how they can best accomplish goals by working within their individual scopes of practice. For RNs, passing meds and wound care take priority over ADLs for instance. So if RN is super busy with med pass and wound stuff, NA could step up with ADL help. If NA is swamped and RN is caught up with stuff, it's really nice if RN can do some ADL-ish stuff. It's not "us vs. them," it's "all of us together to accomplish a goal."

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Aug 7, 2012

I worked with an RN once who refused to do anything that could be considered CNA work. No matter how busy the CNA was, she would allow a patient to lie on a wet or soiled bed until the CNA was done, then tell the CNA to change the bed. One day I got enough of it, and I said to her supervisor within earshot of this nurse, "I don't know about you, but where I went to school, they taught me how to put on a pair of gloves." The message got across.

Elladora · Aug 8, 2012

The unofficial policy at our workplace is "you can (and should) work below your qualifications, but never above them".

Meaning? As an RN, you can do the work of a DCP, CNA, LPN and RN. If you have time, do it. Nursing is a team effort. Never, ever think anything is beneath you. It leads to better relationships with your co-workers AND better patient care.

uRNmyway, ASN, RN · Aug 8, 2012

Well, as far as having to work as a CNA before we can work as an RN, I disagree. For one, I needed the money desperately while I was in nursing school, and if I had to work as a CNA with the CNA salary, I would have never gotten through school. For two, we have to do clinicals WHILE in nursing school. I dont know about where you all went to school, but my first clinical semester was essentially all ADL/communication/hygiene. Then they would slowly increase what we were allowed to do as we learned it in class. So we do know how to do all that stuff.

Now if we are talking about doing CNA tasks once we are already an RN, then yes, absolutely, we should help out with it. Like Ive mentioned in other threads, where Im from, a lot of the things CNAs can do in the US are not allowed. For instance, inserting/dc'ing foleys, VS, BG, etc. So I did that as part of my job description anyways. If you are NOT behind in your work, you should definitely help your colleagues. Remember, scratch my back, Ill scratch yours. Besides, anything the CNAs do can be used to your advantage when it comes to full patient evaluations. Taking a patient to the bathroom? Other than the obvious elimination evaluation, you can check their mobility/gait, you can get a quick skin check, you can TALK to them and establish a therapeutic relationship. Ditto on the bed baths.

Dont get me wrong, if I am busy with other things that only an RN can do, I will get that done first. But I do not think we as RNs are above doing a little 'dirty work'

NayRN · Aug 8, 2012

My NAs know who to come to when they need help with a non RN task. I don't care if it's my patient or not. I work on a med surg floor with up to 7 patients per nurse. I like to help with baths as it is a great opportunity to do a really thorough skin assessment. I set up trays, pull patients up in bed, dc foleys, refill waters, do oral care, get snacks, take pts to the bathroom. Now, if my NA is sitting at the desk texting and I am about to be late on morning meds, yeah, I will ask them to do their job. (happens a lot) Its a give and take-and to answer your first question- As much as necessary to ensure good care.

allnurses Guide · Aug 8, 2012

How much "CNA work" should the RN do? Well, considering that everything the CNA is doing, the RN is responsible for it getting done, I would say however much it takes to make sure the patients are well cared for.

Bfts76d · Aug 9, 2012

Thanks for your input! I agree with what you say, doing whatever it takes to keep your patients comfortable and safe. I also believe it's important to take care if yourself by taking short work breaks and your full lunch break every shift, so you can give your best self to your patients. That goes for the aides too: they need breaks too, they need nurses to relieve them so they can give their best selves to our patients! I will absolutely give showers and answer call lights to keep the aides from feeling overwhelmed.

TraumaMama179 · Aug 9, 2012

Thanks for your input! I agree with what you say, doing whatever it takes to keep your patients comfortable and safe. I also believe it's important to take care if yourself by taking short work breaks and your full lunch break every shift, so you can give your best self to your patients. That goes for the aides too: they need breaks too, they need nurses to relieve them so they can give their best selves to our patients! I will absolutely give showers and answer call lights to keep the aides from feeling overwhelmed.

Well said!!