I recently interviewed with a family for a private duty position. Without going into the specifics, I will say that the patient has Nooners syndrome, is on a vent, with a g-tube and trach. I will be getting paid directly from the state.
I just finished my very first shift and I was with a LPN that was showing me her routine. Im feeling a little overwhelmed to say the least. I have never been around any patients that needed the care that this patient does. My exp is as a CNA in a LTC facility on the Alzheimers unit. All of my residents were ambulatory and able to feed them selves..ect.
I watched the LPN give a nebulizer treatment, put medicine in the g-tube, check the vent and reposition tubing through out the night. She also had to suction the trach 5 times and once while she was suctioning, the patient got agitated and she had to "bag" him giving him O2 with the bag.
My "orientation" with the nurse will last for 2 shifts. Although the patients mother explained that she will oversee me after orientation untill she is confident that Im able to do everything.
I feel like Im not catching on fast enough. Is it reasonable for other people to know this stuff after an orientation of 2 shifts? Im just scared that Ill do something wrong or forget a step. I told the LPN I was with, that Im really surprised that the state says its okay for people other than actual nurses to be providing this care. The nurse told me that years ago..only RN's or LPN's could be hired for the posistion but now the state says that CNA's and even PA's (patient assistant's...who have never had any formal health care training) can do the job as long as they have the required 2 shift orientation and are able to demonstrate the skills back to the nurse.
I am thrilled to have this expierence as Im sure it will help me in nursing school a great deal, but I dont want the exp at the expense of the patient's health or safety. Iv'e only met the patient twice but I already really like him.
He is such a sweet boy with a very optimistic attitude.
Anyways, how long does it take before you get to feeling confident and comfortable with this level of patient care?
There is a huge difference between working as an attendant and being asked to manage a ventilator and G-tube. If you are nervous as an RN with those tasks, imagine trying to do something for which you are neither trained nor licensed.
It might be a great job opportunity for you, but not for a CNA. Asking nurses questions isn't going to make her competent or licensed.
I completely understand what your are saying, but please read my post again.
I was saying how Medicaid is paying for these non-licensed attendants, its not something I agree with, but its happening.
I also stated that it would be a good job opportunity for her as a CNA, but that she would benefit more from a CNA job where she would be around nurses throughout her entire shift and able to ask questions. You arent alone as a CNA in a hospital setting.
I completely understand what your are saying, but please read my post again.
I was saying how Medicaid is paying for these non-licensed attendants, its not something I agree with, but its happening.
I also stated that it would be a good job opportunity for her as a CNA, but that she would benefit more from a CNA job where she would be around nurses throughout her entire shift and able to ask questions. You arent alone as a CNA in a hospital setting.
I think we're actually in agreement. I have to wonder if there has been a breakdown in communication between the OP and her employer and the state that's paying her. I wonder if they realize the scope of practice she's being asked to do as a CNA. Paying for a private duty CNA to provide hygiene and ADLs might be what they're expecting, not that she would be taking care of the ventilator and the G-tube.
I think we're actually in agreement. I have to wonder if there has been a breakdown in communication between the OP and her employer and the state that's paying her. I wonder if they realize the scope of practice she's being asked to do as a CNA. Paying for a private duty CNA to provide hygiene and ADLs might be what they're expecting, not that she would be taking care of the ventilator and the G-tube.
I do think that we are in agreement. I would hate to see anyone take such a risk as to manage the care of a ventilator dependent patient who hasnt had the proper training to take care of said patient. I said it myself - I'm nervous with vent patients - so I cant imagine how nervous someone who will have 16 hours of training is.
I hate to give the OP a negative image or portray one that says "no we dont think you are qualified to do this job", but I do hope the OP takes all that has been said into account before making their decision. I personally think that a hospital setting is the best place to start for a CNA- it allows the CNA to gain needed skills, learn the basics of patient care, and if they are a nursing student, they can ask questions and learn from the nurses they are working with.
TexasPediRN
898 Posts
I completely understand what your are saying, but please read my post again.
I was saying how Medicaid is paying for these non-licensed attendants, its not something I agree with, but its happening.
I also stated that it would be a good job opportunity for her as a CNA, but that she would benefit more from a CNA job where she would be around nurses throughout her entire shift and able to ask questions. You arent alone as a CNA in a hospital setting.
-Meghan