The powers-that- be at work are now trying to implement a new duty for CNAs. We are supposed to go through the patient's charts-their medical records and fill out updated Assignment Cards weekly. We are to go through the patients' records and check off on the assignment card their diagnosis, what kind of transfer they are, do they use assistive devices, dentures, hearing aids, any kind of rehab therapy (splints, heel booties), meal assistance/ diet, continent or incontinent, if they are on blood thinners (to watch for bruising). Then we have the nurse sign it off. The rationale for this is that so people who float will have an up- to- date assignment card from which to work.
I'm pretty sure that this is not my responsibility as a CNA. I'm a nursing student, so I do have some experience with charts, however as CNAs we have not been trained to interpret the information in a chart. If I fill out the wrong info the blame will be on me. Also, shouldn't the patient information we get as aides be on a need- to- know only basis? We shouldn't have access to patients personal information. A few of the aides I work with are not very trustworthy. The charts have private stuff- SS#, addresses, medical history. As a patient, I would not want anyone but the doctors or nurses taking care of me to be able to access my chart.
Where can I go to find out if this is allowed? And if it is not, how can I report it?
