Oxygen Administration

Published

Hello everyone...

I was wondering if you could please provide me your feedback on whether or not you allow CNA's to switch a resident from a concentrator to a portable tank and vice versa.

Thanks in advance.

achot chavi

980 Posts

Specializes in acute care and geriatric. Has 20 years experience.

NOPE!!

DPRN

60 Posts

Specializes in long term care, school nursing.

Yes, once taught, all the nurse aides both certified and noncertified are able to switch a resident who is on oxygen from the concentrator to a portable tank for transportation and vice versa.

achot chavi

980 Posts

Specializes in acute care and geriatric. Has 20 years experience.
Yes, once taught, all the nurse aides both certified and noncertified are able to switch a resident who is on oxygen from the concentrator to a portable tank for transportation and vice versa.

After two incidents where 2 different CNA's transfered to an empty or nearly empty portable tank, I dont take those chances anymore...

pmnurse615

2 Posts

Thank you everyone for the replies... This helps and is the same thoughts that I've had.. Great to bounce things off others!!!

noc4senuf

683 Posts

Specializes in Geriatrics, WCC.

yes, I do. then they report to a nurse who checks the rate.

bossynurse101

131 Posts

Specializes in Med Surg, Nursing Administration for SNF. Has 2 years experience.

In my state oxygen is considered a medication - and - it is out of their scope of practice.

BoopetteRN

71 Posts

Specializes in LTC since 1972, team leader, supervisor,.

CNAs can not in Illinois

Schmoo1022

520 Posts

We don't for the same reasons as posted above. One, it's considered a medication and two, there have been to many times the it hasn't been done correctly.

sls73

96 Posts

Specializes in Geriatrics. Has 13 years experience.

I allow my aides to only change it if the oxygen order is straight up ie- O2 at 2L via nasal canula, but if it is a titrated order ie- O2 to keep sats above 90%(which most of mine are)...they can't. Thats asking them to make an assessment.

Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management. Has 17 years experience.

What bdgmpark said.

MAcevedo

1 Post

Specializes in CNA. Has 3 years experience.

Are CNAs allowed to fill up portable oxygen tanks?