RN assigned as a CNA

[myree72]

I am an RN at a Rehabilitation hospital and occasionally when I get to work I am assigned as a CNA on a team. Most recently when I worked as a CNA, which I have never trained to be, I suffered a back injury and missed 3 days of work, which in my state I won't get paid for. Also in this instance after receiving my assignment & report from the previous CNA over the phone while she was driving and listening to music, I told the charge nurse that I was uncomfortable with the assignment, to which she just said "what do you want me to do about it?" Furthermore, the assigned nurse for that team that shift was an LPN. I have been a nurse for 13 years and this is the only place I have ever seen RNs used as CNAs so I am just wondering how common the practice is. I am certainly not trying to start any kind of RN vs. LPN or nurse vs. CNA debate, because I have a lot of respect for everyone in the medical profession. I am just curious if others have been in the same position and how other hospitals use staff. Thanks!!

[SweetBabyLPN]

I'm pretty sure had I refused the assignment I would risk getting fired, since as it has been stated on these boards numerous times, you can get fired for any reason. Either way, not a chance I was willing to take.

Well, I think that's really dependant upon location, facility and/or union (or lack thereof) membership. Of course if you live in a 'right to work state', then Yes, you absolutely would run the risk of getting fired. I'm just saying that everyone else on this board is not you, so just because that's their situation doesn't mean that it applies to you. Nevertheless, in this economy, who can afford to risk their job when there's an anxious new grad standing behind you ready to pounce on it right? Even if it costs you your back.

With that said, if you can't dispute/challenge it, then don't stress it. Save your energy. Especially if you're gonna' need it to lift those heavy patients!

I hope it works out for you. Good Luck!

[Leelee2]

As a nurse, as a health care professional, you go where are needed, if competent to work on that unit. That is just part of nursing. As an LPN, I have worked as a CNA many times.

[SweetBabyLPN]

IDK. I guess maybe i'm so opposed to it because the idea is just foreign to me. I've never really heard of this practice, let alone seen it and I don't (personally) know anyone who has. Maybe it's a hospital practice? (I work sub-acute). Either way I wish the OP the best.

[steelydanfan]

It says right under her name 13 years experience, where is this new grad talk coming from?

I do beg your pardon.

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

I do know the routines are different for each position, but since you are at the same facility, I would think you might be able to "wing" it? I would aslo think you would be comfortable with (especially) the transfers, sine it is a rehab facility?

and if the facility wants to waste money to pay my RN rate to do CNA work, I will be glad to do it.