Medical Equipment

[WannaBeNrse]

Hi,

I was wondering how much you learn in CNA class about the use of certain medical equipment?

I just started a new job (dd group home) and some of our clients require quite a bit of medical care- oxygen tanks, CPAP machines, nebulizers..... and i am a little intimidated by all that.... i am taking the CNA class in March, will i learn how to properly use all that then? I know I will be trained at work, too, but sometimes that's a little chaotic and i would prefer some "classroom" training..... don't want to make a mistake...

Thanks!

[casi, ASN, RN]

Nope. CNA courses teach you the bare basics and from there you're expected to be educated by the facility that hires you.

[shadchan]

CNA course taught me the bare bones in equipment like that, but it wasn't until I started my internship and my on the job training that I learned how to operate and adjust oxygen tanks and concentrators as needed, ergolifts, Hoyers, etc.

Don't be intimidated by them. For instance, the oxygen tank -- ask someone like a LVN or therapist to teach you how to use it when they have a moment. Listen closely and ask questions if you think of them.

For the Ergolift, which we use in my facility, we have an instructional video we have to watch before we can be allowed to operate it.

[PralineLPN]

These devices are very simple to operate-don't be worried about them.

The o2 tanks have a knob that controls flow (rated in Liters/min), usually set around 2-3, no more than 4. Be careful with the tubing, when you move the tank or the pt, make sure you have enough slack, or you'll wind up with a strangled pt. I wouldn't recommend taking it off, check with nurse first, as some pts sats drop -suprisingly- rapidly. Don't adjust o2 levels unless specifically instructed to do so.

Also in use are o2 concentrators, look like a box on wheels with a tube coming out of it. Same concept as tanks, but don't need to be refilled. Most have a water bubbler that humidifiesbthe o2. Pevents nasal drying.

Nebulizers-the machine just has a tube coming out of it, with a resevoir that liquid medicine is poured into. A face mask or "pipe" is then attached. The nebulizer mists the medication, and the pt inhales it. You can see the mist when it is functioning. If there is no liquid in the chamber and no mist, it's done, you can turn it off. If there is liquid and no mist, the machine is malfunctioning, tell the nurse.

CPAP/BiPAP- for sleep apena and other respiratory disorders, forces air into the lungs-just put the mask on the pt and turn it on. some units have a water resevoir that humidifies the o2. It should be set properly, but check with the nurse or resp therapist first.

Check with your nurse before doing anything if you are not sure. You'll get used to the stuff in a month or so.

[jelorde37]

yeah, the job should train you to use equipment such a hoyler lift, properly putting on a nasal cannula, marrisa lift, and other medical equip. if theres something that you are unfamiliar with, just call the nurse. also, i believe that they consider the use of o2 with patients as a form of oxygen, check with the facilty with that one cause everytime i administer o2 without and order, ill put it at 2L(just to be safe).