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Specializes in Telemetry RN.

I've been a CNA for several years, but never in the hospital setting. Since I know where I want to work when I graduate from nursing school, I've been keeping an eye out for any CNA/PCT openings at this hospital, thinking it would give me a foot in the door when the time comes. Unfortunately, it's been several months of watching and waiting for a position to open - the recession even affects UAP! Never thought I'd see that happen.

Anyways, a listing finally opened this week and I immediately applied. It's for a 3-11 CNA position in the OR department.

Now what exactly does a CNA in the OR department do? I wouldn't be surprised in any of the inpatient departments, but I will be going into an interview with no idea what to expect as far as job responsibilities. Some vital signs, some moving of people from one stretcher to another, some paperwork (what kind of paperwork???) is the most I can come up with. The job description just stated must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and have computer skills.

Cross-posting to the CNA board.

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The ORs I have been in, the CNAs will take specimens to the lab, move pts in and out, strip carts of pts discharged and sometimes clean the rooms for next patient. You'd enter vitals(if your hospital is running EMR), some labs specs obtained need to be signed off in the computer. Emptying foleys, documenting I/Os, either on paper or on flowsheets in computer, do patient belongings inventory. Obtain snacks or meal tray for patients if permitted. Good luck...

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Specializes in Occupational health, Corrections, PACU.
The ORs I have been in, the CNAs will take specimens to the lab, move pts in and out, strip carts of pts discharged and sometimes clean the rooms for next patient. You'd enter vitals(if your hospital is running EMR), some labs specs obtained need to be signed off in the computer. Emptying foleys, documenting I/Os, either on paper or on flowsheets in computer, do patient belongings inventory. Obtain snacks or meal tray for patients if permitted. Good luck...

That is a very good description of what CNA's in the OR do. They also help position patients for surgery, help the circulating nurse get supplies, get kits for different surgeries, etc. Plenty to do, and a very busy place. You must be able to tolerate seeing incisions and lots of....uh....well...no way to say it otherwise...blood and guts (literally). If that is not for you, better to re-think it now. Good luck!

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Specializes in Geriatric Nursing.

I heard that, theres a lot of job opportunities in Australia

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