I am a nurse aide, and a nursing student, working athospital in the Las Vegas area.
I've been working at this hospital for over a year and could not be more disappointed in the lack of teamwork between RN's and CNA's. RN's are quick to leave a patient's room if a patient needs to be cleaned, needs ice/water, needs assistance ambulating, etc. I am constantly drenched in sweat, walking quickly up and down hallways to ensure patients needs are being met, but RN's are calmly sitting at thenurses station talking about their personal issues. I prefer to handle hostile situations as diplomatically as possible. I've learned first hand that reacting negatively will result in RN's banding together as quickly as our nation does during a time of crisis. There are so many forums, articles, meetings that relate to advocating for the Nurses against Doctors, but what about us? What would be the best way to handle this without causing an uproar?
Nurses abuse and take advantage of the aides, the aides become disgruntled, employee morale drops, which then trickles down to the patients.
Patients are MY top priority, as they should be everyone else's in this environment.
Help?
Dear No Teamwork Between CNAs and RNs,
I've always had a heart for nursing assistants because they are the most under-recognized group in nursing. Typically they are the "underdogs" in that they don't have status, a voice, or bargaining power in facilities. Often the lowest paid in nursing, they are given heavy workloads.
I firmly believe they contribute to patient satisfaction more than most anyone. It's disheartening to see hospitals stretch their patient loads to the breaking point.
Many, many nurses love and respect our nursing assistants. But it's true that some nurses avoid helping with personal care. We all know that.
It's also true that when a nurse may appear not directly involved with patient care, she/he is involved with aspects of care that only nurses are responsible for. This cognitive work may not always be apparent to the onlooker. Nurses, too, are overworked, and may be conserving energy to focus on the next three admits and discharges coming their way.
It's important to build trust between CNAs and nurses, and as a nurse, I have always believed it's my responsibility to do so.
Thank you so much for your point of view. You are right- patients are our top priority, and together, we can achieve the best outcomes. I know you will remember this when you become an RN.
