New grad needs to know how to deal with a CNA

[stephy642]

I am a new grad nurse working in a very busy rehabilitation center. I hardly have time to get my job done and am there late most days charting. I know my CNAs are busy too and I try not to ask too much of them. Tonight during my evening med pass a patient told me she would like to use the bathroom at a specific time. When I found my CNA and told her she said "Shes already on the toilet, but if she weren't why couldn't you do it?" I was at a loss for words. I would have never said that to a nurse when I was a CNA. I always help when the patients really need to go and the CNAs are busy with other patients. How do I explain to my CNA that I have my own work to do? She wasn't busy when I asked her but she has worked there a long time and I don't want to burn any bridges with my CNAs.

Thanks!

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

Moved to First Year After Nursing Licensure for more response.

[YourHero]

I think being a new nurse you must be assertive, after all you can do your job and theirs too. Don't waver, because of fear. Your CNA's are there to help you hence the name of their title. If u need them to be toileted than their job is to do just that. If they have a problem then offer to get the nursing supervisor involved, I'm sure they will reiterate. If you show signs of weakness they'll run over you with every opportunity.

[loveRNlove]

If they make such remarks just tell them what you have to do instead. "Can you help so and so off the toilet I'm passing meds or changing a dressing or talking to doctors, etc." Its not something you should always have to do, but some CNAs will make those remarks and thus a return remark that shows your reason would help end the conversation. I try to get my patients to the bathroom myself as well, but if you're in the middle of med passes or other important RN duties, the CNA needs to be the one helping with bathroom trips. Don't feel bad for asking, it's their job, and it's your right to delegate certain tasks. It would be one thing if your sitting around doing nothing and ask them to do something.