More CNA woes.

[Virgo_RN]

Some of you are probably already familiar with the culture on my unit, where CNAs are permitted to perform abysmally with no consequences (this has been the culture for years). Float pool nurses and nurses from other floors have refused to float to our unit because of it. Good RNs have left the unit because of it.

Not very long ago, the aides made it clear that they expect RNs to *take turns* with the "toilet Q2s" and the "turn Q2s".

Well, now they're complaining that some RNs delegate all routine vitals to them, and we're going to reevaluate our VS protocol as a unit, and they're requesting that RNs help with passing and picking up meal trays.

It's one thing to help out with this stuff when I have time, and I totally don't mind, but this is getting ridiculous. It's not like I sit on my behind picking my nose while the aides scurry around. I have missed many a dinner break and have had to stay late to finish charting on many an occasion, yet the aides *always* get their breaks and get out on time.

They take a half an hour to give CNA to CNA report, while call lights go unanswered that entire time. What if the person is having chest pain? What if they are bleeding from their groin site?

I even recently overheard one CNA saying to another "We don't do VS. That's part of the RN's assessment."

Then, last night, while I was busy in a room with patient care, my wireless started ringing in the middle of what I was doing, so I looked at it before silencing it (instead of throwing it out the window, which is what I really wanted to do), and it was a text that read "Please help pass trays".

Is this normal? Am I crazy to think this is absurd?

[Flatbelly]

your education is superior to that of a nurses? How? Nurses are educated to make extremely quick decisions in high pressure situations that can save a life-or end it, if they make the wrong decision. A nurse is the last line of defense after a doc and a pharmacist when it comes to the meds a pt receives. We had better be right, and better be sure we are right, or patients may die. Please tell me what education is supirior to that?

So, an education in any other field isn't worth a penny? Only the nursing education that counts in this world?

I have a masters degree BTW.

And please - this has nothing to do with the topic.

[Mrs.Rollins, ASN, RN]

Not much to add, other than to echo the sentiments of others that it might be time to hit the ole' dusty trail. I mean, if management is aware and this is truly the culture of the unit, versus a few isolated personality clashes, then what exactly do you expect to happen at this point? You've said it's already cost the unit good nurses; sounds to me like it should cost them one more.

Best of luck to you, my dear. I wouldn't want to be in your shoes right now.

[nursel56]

Obviously, understanding what you read is not your strongest point. I never wrote that I have no respect for nurses. Quite the opposite, I respect almost every nurse I work with. Not because of their education - mine is superior BTW

There is not one credible reason for you to have included this aside in your post other than to prove your intellectual heft. . .and to imply that YOU are not just any CNA, but the CNA with the Masters Degree in whatever-ology.

It is disingenous of you to admonish others for responding to your initial comment.

[Flatbelly]

There is not one credible reason for you to have included this aside in your post other than to prove your intellectual heft. . .and to imply that YOU are not just any CNA, but the CNA with the Masters Degree in whatever-ology.

It is disingenous of you to admonish others for responding to your initial comment.

You are entitled to your opinion.

In the hospital I'm just another CNA, I try to be a good one though.

[vivacious1healer]

We are in the same boat here....

The PCTs have a union, and as you can guess it, they go running to them whenever they feel 'it's not in my job description' or 'i didn't like the way the nurse spoke to me' kind of BS. Sooo ridiculous!

I am not above answering call lights, cleaning patients up, putting them on the bedpan or walking them to the bathroom; but I expect the same from them as well seeing that those duties ARE in their job description.

I will not tolerate a PCT telling me what my job is....and how interesting they ALL seem to be experts on what RNs should be doing.

The one PCT i am working with tonite has total tunnel vision: only does vital signs and blood sugars...will walk right past a call light, and not answer unless someone pages her. Will sit at the computer putting in vital signs while watching the rest of us running around like crazy answering call lights. Then when asked, 'hey, any abnormal vital signs tonite', will she remember she forgot to tell you that one patient has a low b/p of 76/40 pulse of 94...that was taken like an hour ago...

Sorry for the rant...but this subject hit a nerve with me tonite!

[nursel56]

You are entitled to your opinion.

In the hospital I'm just another CNA, I try to be a good one though.

I could tell that from your previous posts. I guess I'm wearing my snippy shoes this morning. :)

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

What an interesting topic. Lets get back to helping the original poster (OP).

Thanks everyone...

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

This is the first time I have read about the "culture on my unit". Where's your manager or DON in all this? If they are supporting this insubordination by these CNAs then that is the real problem.

[treysdaddy08]

You are entitled to your opinion.

In the hospital I'm just another CNA, I try to be a good one though.

You are the one bragging about edu ational superiority, not I. And IMO, if you have a masters degree and are working for CNA wages, then yes, your degree isn't worth what you wipe up all shift.

[tbel1ma]

With all due respect, I was an aide for over ten years before I became a RN and truly I saw it all, and experienced how some RN mistreated CNA. It was so very sad how "egos" get on the way of a honorable profession.Needless to say, there's a saying that says "what goes around come around". So, treat others as you would like to be treated.

I believe we all should work "together" and just because one have more education does not give you the right to humiliate others. I've seen that on some nurses. It always made revaluate the whole "nursing" profession.Are we here to push people around or for working as a team?.

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

With all due respect, I was an aide for over ten years before I became a RN and truly I saw it all, and experienced how some RN mistreated CNA. It was so very sad how "egos" get on the way of a honorable profession.Needless to say, there's a saying that says "what goes around come around". So, treat others as you would like to be treated.

I believe we all should work "together" and just because one have more education does not give you the right to humiliate others. I've seen that on some nurses. It always made revaluate the whole "nursing" profession.Are we here to push people around or for working as a team?.

Yes, I agree with this too. I feel that an important component of teamwork is that everyone understand and fulfill their role within the bigger team. When one person is not pulling their weight, it drags the whole team down. While another important part of teamwork is that we help each other when we're drowning, this is not the same as consistently attempting to do less and less, while putting more and more of one's responsibilities onto someone else, who already has a full plate.

[Flatbelly]

You are the one bragging about edu ational superiority, not I. And IMO, if you have a masters degree and are working for CNA wages, then yes, your degree isn't worth what you wipe up all shift.

That is just plain rude. You know nothing about me nor my motivations to change careers. From me - EOT.