I don’t report everything as a CNA … is it okay to let my nurse assess

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I USUALLY chart EVERYTHING. I'm learning to step back and stop putting unnecessary stress on myself. At work a few nights ago my nurse questioned my ability to do my job because out of ALL my patients she didn't like that this patients vitals were high. I don't lie or add fake numbers. I'm actually one of the only staff who doesn't just chart 18. I just count ?‍♀️ there are times I struggle because I'm doing my job correct but the patient has low breathing rate. Sometimes patients hold their breath while getting their vitals. I had a patient that I didn't record any breathing for all night HOPING I'd get one good number. I did watch from outside of their room and I think I got a good number..didn't record it but was comfortable knowing in my heart they were not in distress. Eventually told my charge nurse that I had no number recorded because it all looked so low. Admitted their sleep rate was extremely low but asked could she assess. I am done carrying a burden  of shame for being honest so now I’ll give the burden back to the nurse to assess themself. Honesty has caused me major anxiety at work and insecurity. My bestfried who is a nurse basically agrees that I should just put a “normal number” if they don't appear to be in distress.  I'll leave it blank before I falsify a number. My anxiety is trying to make this a huge issue and it's trying to guilt me into feeling undeserving of a job. I always think “if I don’t record MY number and everyone else is lying … someone could die because of me”. Is it wrong to allow the nurses to assess themselves and me not put anything for a number that is deemed too high or too low ? I’m tired of being treated like I’m dumb when they see the answers I submitted. I’ll put the right and they’ll still chart next to mine “18”. I can’t win. 

Specializes in oncology.

I worked where someone would assess an IV site as 'healthy'. When I asked about the meaning of this, I was told 'there was no inflammation, redness or pain at the IV site.'. This, of course, was before computer based charting. I guess it was inevitable that we needed some standard of charting! 

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Specializes in Research & Critical Care.
On 8/13/2022 at 8:08 PM, No Stars In My Eyes said:

Also some charted "reported low resp rate to RN." But I was told that if the nurse didn't follow up on that, it could "get her in trouble."

Things like that make me question management and their entire operation. 

It would be exactly equivalent to getting a call from lab for a critical potassium and then someone saying I shouldn't report it to the provider and document because they could get in trouble if they don't follow up. It's my JOB to report and document it and it's their JOB to follow up. Them not doing theirs doesn't change if I'm going to do mine. ?‍♂️

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On 8/11/2022 at 4:44 PM, Anxiousandafraid said:

I apologize for my defensive response. All in all … I’m just going to document what I get and move on. If they(nurses)  get mad ,oh well. I come to do a job and I’ll do it. It’s not (their attitudes ) worth the stress I feel later hoping no one “suffered or died because of me “ by trying to appease them with my answers I obtained . Thank you for your response. 

As you should. You are stressing waaaaytoo much.  Breathe easy and document accurately. 

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Specializes in CNA telemetry progressive care ICU.

You are lucky to have some sympathy and support when I was a new grad it was cruel and similar to what your experiencing but much harsher. After years of experience working so many places and caring for all kinds of people what I can advise is to know your role. Support your nurse your a team not opponents  your best to work with not against. Regardless or anything.what car you drive, what scrubs you wear, where u live or anything else don't allow your insecurity or lack of experience show! Stay long enough you might be surprised how many freeze up after years experience every scenario is that and everyday is new. Best afterthought or advice is to be yourself nobody will like anyone who is not themselves but pretending to be that nurse they think someone likes that doesn't end well ....be authentic  show who you are but watch your back by doing your tasks and documenting everything even small details work on skillset of efficiency doing your rounds and vitals quickly...so the nurse doesnt have to ask you for things you already know you need done. Realize they don't have time to micromanage or hunt you down to get communication for those types of requests its easier to see it already in your charting system and more efficient clearer that way. don't take things personal or  make excuses for your lack of doing thi gs as your not liked its not a popularity contest its a chain of command and even though the nurse will ultimately be responsible for the patients care its also your part to observe report and communicate so errors don't fall on anyone during that shift. Just relax keep working focus ans if things get hectic ask to take a quick reset don't allow emotions to dictate your behavior remain calm professional ans it will be successful

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Specializes in CNA telemetry progressive care ICU.

Oh btw I was same way but maybe not first go or nee grad worried anxious ect but if care doesnt come natural I agree maybe its not for you

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On 8/19/2022 at 12:37 AM, MEDFET said:

Oh btw I was same way but maybe not first go or nee grad worried anxious ect but if care doesnt come natural I agree maybe its not for you

Care comes natural… me even posting this I hope would show the care I feel for my patients as I wouldn’t take my time outside of work expressing my anxiety about work and reporting to the nurse LOL 

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