New CNA in Telemetry

[runningchk]

Hi all!

I've recently been certified as a CNA and will be starting my first CNA job in the telemetry unit at a hospital near my house (2nd shift). My question is what exactly a day looks like for a CNA in a telemetry unit. I did clinicals in a LTC facility, but I feel like the hospital will be a lot different. Am I right to believe this? My interviewer covered the basic tasks expected of me as a CNA, however I'm still really nervous! I start orientation next week, so if anyone could help me out here it would be greatly appreciated!:)

Thanks!

runningchk

[Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN]

Hey congrats!!

I have floated to tele a lot and this is what a normal day looks like for your shift which should be 3-11.

When you come on you will need to do vitals on all your patients which is temp,pulse, resp, and BP. Then you will need to do any blood sugars that need to be done at 4. Then you will change anyone that needs to be changed and answer lights, etc. At 8 you will need to redo Pulses and BP, and temps if need be. Then at 9 you will do your bloos sugars and PM care and at 11 you will empty and chart foley and patient output. and then at 11 30 you can go home YAY!!!

[krazy_coconuts]

Hi. Congrats on the new job!

I worked as a CNA on a tele floor for over three years. My day to day tasks (morning shift) included: Q4 vitals, glucose checks, showers/ baths & beds in the morning, we did some dressing changes (PICC and JP), everyone was daily weights and strict I/Os, passing out and picking up trays, DC'd foleys and IVs.

On my unit we also had the option of getting tele tech certified, and if your unit offers it I HIGHLY recommend you do it! Its interesting and a lot of fun, and I don't know if you're in NS, but knowing tele is a huge advantage in school! One less (somewhat difficult) thing to study for.

Anyway, don't be nervous and have fun! I love cardiac patients!!

[Kunzieo]

You will learn a lot! 2nd shift is a lot of ambulating patients, tidying rooms up from the morning frenzy, doing blood sugar checks, q4h vital signs, setting up trays for supper, feeding some patients, helping patients get ready for bed including bathing, oral care, HS snack, and getting a fresh water for each patient, probably twice per shift, measuring I/Os and helping people to the bathroom or bedside commode. In fact, plan on spending a LOT of time walking LOLs (little ol' ladies) back and forth from the bathroom!

It,s busy, but very interesting, a good place to watch and learn if you plan on nursing school.

Good luck to you. I hope you enjoy it!

[runningchk]

Thanks so much you guys! I'm finishing up my pre-req's this fall semester and starting NS in the spring, so I'm glad to hear working on this floor will help me out!