RN's forced to do CNA work

[rnckr]

I am a new nurse and was wondering if this is a standard practice. When my floor needs to use a CNA to sit with a patient, they often have an RN take on the CNA's job for that shift. The RN no longer does any RN work for that shift, they only do what the CNA would do. Their pay stays the same but their duties change for that shift.

I have great respect for CNA's. They have an essential and very hard job, but I don't want to be one. That's not what I went to school for. Is this a normal practice?

[PeacockMaiden]

I am a RN charge nurse in a skilled nursing facility. I am responsible for 60 patients, plus supervising the work of the 2 CNAs for those patients. I will help with personal patient care when I have time, but the reality is that I don't even have enough time to do my job. It's very sad how understaffed these places are because it's the patients that suffer.

But the bottom line is if I don't get my job done within the shift, they will fire me. That is the reason I can't do much personal patient care, I need to do my own job so I don't get fired.

[DahliaDaisy, RN]

Jeepers, and to think I was considering starting my own post, on a somewhat related topic! Bullet dodged, and I'm sure I'll get flack for these few sentences LOL!

I joined back in 2007 when even nursing SCHOOL was just a dream, and one mostly for my then 14 yr old daughter. We used to research everything together ❤️ . I said used to, because she died at 19, and I ended up going to nursing school in my mid 40's (for "both of us") and have now been an RN for over a year. Still SO much to learn, but feeling like I've learned an insane amount already! Anyway, I was gong to say, it seemed people on here were a BIT more gentle and supportive with each other back then, just a BIT mind you LOL, but it's sad that many of us are afraid to post or start a topic, lest someone with an axe to grind or insecurity about a specific subject comes barreling down our trachea, claws flexed!

Stay safe and well everyone, peace...