Nurse and CNA/PCT teamwork! Opinions?

animal1953 · Aug 17, 2012

I just graduated and recently got licensed as a CNA. I'm awaiting word on an interview at a local hospital and still filling out applications. The other student sounds sort of elitist in that response. The CNA/PCT are the eyes and ears of the RN. We see the patients more frequently as we are answering the call lights as well as doing Vitals and assisting with movement to the toilet or bed pans as well as changing sheets and stuff. You can learn a lot from the RN by keeping your ears open and asking questions. Some RN's will let you assist with certain duties if you show a willingness to learn. If that student makes it to a RN level and works in a hospital, she will learn to appreciate the CNA/PCT very quickly.

panjia · Aug 17, 2012

Thank for your response! Good luck in your job hunting!

Since I have zero experience working as a CNA, I find that nursing homes are my best place to start. Most hospitals in my area require 1 -2 years of experience.

Regarding the idea that CNAs are the eyes and ears of the RN, I have a great example...these CNAs who had work for a long time at this facility was wondering why this certain resident's behavior and physical ability had changed dramatically. Before, he was able to walk and stand on his own. Last week, I definitely remember that too. This week, he can't even bear his own weight! Very strange, and definitely not a good sign, that he is going downhill. So difficult to transfer him, that I feel like people ought to use the hoyer lift now. But that's just my opinion, because he is very heavy too.

I appreciate your post.

Best wishes!

sarahsmile44 · Aug 17, 2012

I think that RN's that have previously worked as NA's can definitely understand what a physically and mentally demanding job it is! I worked as an NA and then as a Nurse Tech while in school. As an RN, it's hard for me not to run after all the call lights and help the patients with all their needs, but need to refocus on my role. If I'm in the room, I would never not help the patient with a need, whether it's to go to the bathroom, change a brief, etc. I'm always helpful to my NA because a good NA is priceless! On that same token, I am now responsible for EVERYTHING that has to do with this patient. I am responsible for monitoring that the NA's do their tasks, do my assessments, monitor for changes AND pass all the meds, do the treatments/dressing changes and call/page the doctors and put their orders into the computer when necessary. Not to meantion the LOADS AND LOADS of charting that has to be done. Our roles change as RN's. Having said that, we are all a very cohesive team on my Ortho unit. We help eachother and work as a team...never letting anyone drown, whether NA or RN. We all know our roles, but also know that these roles intermingle at times. =)

Littlepiggies · Aug 18, 2012

I'm an RN on a busy post operative unit- and I must just say- a good nursing assistant is invaluable asset to the team. They are absolutely needed and we all know and recognize that. :)

alwayskatiek · Aug 21, 2012

Good grief! I CAN NOT do my job without the CNAs. That nursing student will learn soon! And he/she will have a long few months learning that lesson and trying to get back in their good graces. Healthcare is a amazing when you have a team approach. Everyone had their spot, dr, nurse, cna, lab tech. But none of us are at our best without the others!

BrandonLPN, LPN · Aug 22, 2012

Maybe you're misunderstanding the nursing student in the OP. I would never say "eff that" to doing CNA type work. I pick up empty CNA shifts all the time where I work. But you better believe I get paid as a LPN. I'm thinking that student was saying "eff that" to quitting nursing school and becoming a CNA. I totally agree with him there....