How to work independently as a CNA or nurse

cayenne06, MSN, CNM · Aug 22, 2017

What kind of unit/facility do you work in? Typically as a CNA you would have a defined, relatively autonomous set of duties you are responsible for. This would be rounding, routine vitals, repositioning, ambulation, bathing, feeding, bed changing etc. You should know exactly which patients you are responsible for and the exact duties that are expected from you. You should also have responsibilities that you share with your nurse and other coworkers. This might be extra vitals as needed, assistance with procedures, working with families, education and training new staff, etc. You would also be expected to report any concerns you might have to the RN (skin breakdown, changes in mental status etc) even though you aren't the one doing the actual "assessment."

Sounds like you aren't having a good experience? Are you not being given guidance on your responsibilities?

RNNPICU, BSN, RN · Aug 22, 2017

Whe I was a PCT/CNA we had specific time slots to do our work. For example,

7-8 report, arrival, talk to nurses

8-10 Vital signs/ baths, feedings, glucose checks, or any other ADL task assigned by the nurse

10-12 - finishing any other tasks, relieving sitters, or anything else needed such as diaper changes, repositioning, etc

12-2 - vital signs, lunch, glucose checks, other ADLs

2-4- my break, recheck patients, other activities as needed

4-6 - vital signs, glucose checks, dinners, ADLs,

6-7:30 wrap up , last checks, sign-out

I was independent in some of the tasks, I picked the order to see the patients, for patients that were two person assist for turning, I would ask the nurse or fellow co-worker.

You should have specific time frames for certain tasks. Independence in you create your timetable according to the tasks and activities that need to happen at certain times. Some tasks cannot wait, such as glucose checks before a meal, but others such as a routine blood pressure check could be delayed by 15 min, etc unless the nurse needed to give a medication in accordance with your results.

allnurses Guide · Aug 22, 2017

If you are upsetting people it is possible you do not understand your scope of practice as a CNA or what it is the nurses you assist are needing from you. To be independent you have to understand what you are supposed to do and then demonstrate competency in doing it. I would suggest you get with your manager and get information on what your assigned duties are in concrete terms. Then, you need to make sure you aren't straying into trying to do things that aren't in your scope of practice.

You state you are "trying to be a nurse", which makes me wonder if you are trying to do nursing things during your shift. You must understand you aren't qualified nor legally allowed to do nursing tasks at your current level. You will have to get that education while you are in nursing school, not while at work. At work they need you to do the job they hired you to do. You may be able to find a job that is an externship/internship, in which you function as a CNA but are permitted to work alongside a nurse practicing nursing skills. Usually those are rare and open only to individuals who have completed a certain level of nursing school clinical orientation.

clarinets, CNA · Aug 22, 2017

I work in a med surg unit as a CNA. I struggle with independent prioritizing and figuring out situations. How do I do this? Sometimes when the floor is busy asking for help is not an option especially when it comes to turning patients. Not always is there guidance. I wish there was.

clarinets, CNA · Aug 23, 2017

I work in a med surg unit. I have been here two years. Sometimes I don't get help. I can do the skills taught in school but struggle with independent prioritizing in tasks and situational thinking. I need help with this. Please advise!! Nurses sometimes get upset when they are not first..