role of CNA in ICU?

[thekid]

Are there any RN's or CNA'S that could comment on this? I am wondering about the scope of duties for a CNA working in ICU and how it may vary from working on a med/surg floor. Thank you.

[IHeartDukeCTICU]

Hey thekid,

I can't speak for every floor, but on our CTICU, the CNA's don't do quite as much compared to being out on stepdown/floor. Before I get slammed, I do not mean that they don't work hard. But the tasks are much different. Ours mainly help with OR admissions by keeping tabs on I/O, running your labs, helping to do initial turn, placing restraints and dressing pt in gown. Other than that, they stock the unit, bedside carts, empty out dirty linen bins.The RN's on our floor pretty much do our own "personal" care i.e. baths, toileting, we check our own BG's. The beauty of only having 1-2 patients.

If you are looking for an "easier" CNA job, maybe an ICU might be the place, but again I cannot speak for all ICU's. Prior to this, I worked on a stepdown, and the CNA's did alot: BG checks, I/O, walking patients, personal care. On other stepdowns CNA's also do vitals. If you are new and looking to learn maybe that's more for you.

Hope that answers your question. :)